Kingsley's First Grooming!

Today Kingsley went to my favorite dog salon.  I've really shopped around to the majority of the dog groomers in the Lititz/Lancaster area and just cannot say enough great things about The Salty Dog Salon!  Lisa, the owner and groomer is wonderful with dogs of all sizes and I have (for about 3-4 years) NEVER been less than thrilled with every grooming appointment ever.  I'm a snob about how my dog is handled, the way they're treated before and after grooming, and obviously how they look as well.   In all 3 areas I have reliably given The Salty Dog Salon 5 stars!  Today was no different!

Kingsley was wonderful in the van on the way, and merely whined 1-2 minutes during the ride.  He prefers to ride on the floor, though I continue starting him out on the back bench.  When we parked at the salon Kingsley was proud to show off his new skill - getting out and in the van and happily pranced IN and OUT over and over with a little pep in his step, and his head held HIGH!  He literally pranced into the salon, and when Lisa opened the half door/gate leading into the grooming area, he was confident to prance away and greet the 3 adults in the back!  No one could believe he was only 12 weeks old and all agreed he's going to be a big boy.

He was there for 2 hours, and when Lisa called I couldn't ask fast enough how he was, how he behaved, and how he looked!  Of course she said he was doing fine, was very well behaved for a puppy, and that he looked adorable!  When we got there we couldn't stop laughing at how easily he settled in!  He was laying under Lisa's assistants desk (she answers the phone, schedules appointments, and I think bathes the dogs!).  He was happy to see us, but was WONDERFULLY relaxed and continent.  And best of all - he looked AMAZING!!!   We had talked a lot about what kind of cut to do, because he is so active outside and loves to swim!  We decided on a shorter puppy cut, with his face, neck, paws and the base of his tail shaved close.  She said he was mouthiest when they did his front paws (shaved and trimmed nails) but responded well when she told him enough was enough.

I am absolutely thrilled with how wonderful he looks.  Masculine - yet puppyish - clean and smooth!  Just perfect!

We took a quick wee wee break and then he showed off his skills again getting into the van by himself, before riding home completely quiet!  Once we got back home, our friends Alexa and Jeanean were there dropping off PAD Rayhill, who we are co-training.  I was glad to see that Kingsley and Rayhill were excited to see each other and played nicely for awhile!  I was also blown away to see how large Kingsley looks next to 6 month old Rayhill!  Here is a photo that caught in the second looks bad, but they were really playing nicely and never scuffled at ALL!

Tomorrow (wednesday) Kingsley will get to meet PAD Biscotti, a 9 month old Chocolate Labrador Retriever, because right now - NOTHING is more important than socialization!