If you want your dog looking and feeling their best for Christmas, the best thing you can do is book now. December is the busiest month of the year for dog groomers, and the slots right before Christmas are always the first to go.
At For The Love Of Dog, we’ve been grooming dogs across Dorset and Hampshire since 2018. We’re a family-run business with four salons in Poole, Christchurch, Lymington and Ringwood, and we limit how many dogs we book each day so every dog gets calm, unhurried attention. That also means our Christmas diary fills up quickly.
Here’s what to think about before the festive rush, plus how to get your dog booked in at your nearest salon.
Why book your dog’s Christmas groom early?
The best dates go first
Most people want their dog groomed in the week or two before Christmas, so they’re fresh for visitors, family photos and Christmas Day walks. Booking now gives you the widest choice of dates and times, and a better chance of seeing the groomer your dog already knows.
Winter coats need more care than you’d think
Autumn and winter are tough on coats. Wet walks, muddy fields and central heating can all lead to matting, especially in longer-coated breeds like Cockapoos, Shih Tzus and Doodles. Mats can pull on the skin and trap moisture, so a groom ahead of the festive break keeps your dog comfortable as well as smart. If you’d like to know more, have a read of our autumn coat care guide.
Less stress for nervous dogs
If your dog finds grooming a bit much, a busy salon in the last few days before Christmas isn’t ideal. Booking earlier in December usually means a quieter, calmer appointment. Our groomers are patient with nervous dogs and first-time visitors, and we’ll always go at your dog’s pace.
Which grooming service does your dog need for Christmas?
Not sure what to book? Here’s a quick guide:
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- Full Groom: bath, dry, haircut, nails, ears and a proper finish. Best if your dog is due a trim or their coat is getting long.
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- Bath & Tidy: a freshen-up between full grooms. Ideal if your dog had a full groom recently but has picked up some winter mud.
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- Hand Stripping: for wire-coated breeds like Border Terriers, Schnauzers and Westies, to keep their coat healthy and true to type.
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- Nail Clipping: a quick appointment if your dog just needs their nails done before the holidays.
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- Teeth Cleaning: a gentle add-on to help keep your dog’s breath fresher for all those Christmas cuddles.
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- Puppy Introductions: new puppy this year? A gentle first visit helps them learn that the salon is a happy place.
You can see all our prices on our price list.
Christmas dog grooming near you
All four of our salons are taking Christmas bookings now. Choose your nearest:
Dog grooming in Poole
Our Poole salon is at 337 Ashley Road, Poole, BH14 0AR, handy for Parkstone, Lower Parkstone, Penn Hill and Branksome. It’s recently had a full refresh, so it’s brighter, more welcoming and better equipped than ever.
Dog grooming in Christchurch
Our Christchurch salon is at 65 Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QE, close to the town centre and easy to reach from Highcliffe, Mudeford, Burton and Tuckton. The team here is especially good with nervous dogs and first-time visitors.
Dog grooming in Lymington
Our Lymington salon is at Old Dairy Workshops, 44 Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 8DU, serving Lymington, Pennington, Milford on Sea and the surrounding New Forest villages. We also have a self-service dog wash here, so you can pop in without an appointment to rinse off after a muddy forest walk.
Dog grooming in Ringwood
Our Ringwood salon is at Unit 6 & 7, Ringwood Trading Estate, Ringwood, BH24 3BB. It opened in October 2025 and is convenient for Ringwood, St Leonards, St Ives, Verwood and Fordingbridge.
Earn rewards while you’re at it
If you’re not already in our Loyalty Club, now’s a great time to join. You get a stamp just for signing up and another for every full groom, with rewards including money off, a free teeth clean and eventually a free groom. A Christmas groom gets you one step closer.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book my dog’s Christmas groom?
As soon as you can. December slots, particularly the week before Christmas, are the first to fill. Booking in late October or November gives you the best choice.
How close to Christmas should my dog be groomed?
For most dogs, anywhere from one to two weeks before Christmas works well. Their coat will still look fresh on the day, and if anything needs a quick tidy afterwards, there’s time to fit it in.
My dog is nervous. Can you still groom them?
Yes. Our groomers are calm, patient and experienced with nervous and anxious dogs. Let us know when you book and we’ll take things at your dog’s pace.
Do you groom puppies before Christmas?
Yes. Our Puppy Introductions are a gentle way to get your puppy used to the sights, sounds and feel of the salon, setting them up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.
Book your dog’s Christmas groom today
Don’t leave it until the last minute. Book your appointment online at your nearest salon in Poole, Christchurch, Lymington or Ringwood, or call us on 07545 322366.
We can’t wait to see you and your dog this Christmas.
