Do-it-yourself dog washing
is one Pointer's business

Everyone who has ever owned a dog knows it takes a lot of work to keep the beast clean. That’s where The Grosse Pointe Dog Wash would be interested in helping. The business, which has been open for just over a year, is located in the Woods and offers dog bathing services Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Owner Lois Baker bought the store only two and a half weeks ago. Since dog washing shops are new to most people, we sat down with Baker for a look at do-it-yourself (in someone else's place) dog bathing.
 
GPT: So, what does it cost to wash a dog?
 
LB: It all depends on the size of the dog. The bigger the dog, it goes up in price. And there is a difference in whether you wash it yourself or let the dog be washed by us…a small dog, to wash it yourself, is $14. And for dogs over 100 pounds, it (can go up to) $25 for dogs over 100 pounds. And when you have a large dog, or even a small dog, getting to wash it some place other than your own home is great, because you don’t have the mess.
 
What does a dog wash offer that makes it worth the price versus doing it at home?
 
It offers the convenience of having a tub right at the level of the washer so they don’t have to bend down into their tubs or their showers or backyards and such. And we clean up the mess. Dogs can leave an awful lot of fur behind. So we provide all the shampoos and the brushes and the cleanup.
 
Describe for me your typical customer. What are they like?
 
Our customers are really the dogs. But it’s their owners that bring them in and dog owners are a great group of people. And the dogs, some even when they pass by the door, want to come in, because they’re acquainted with it already. So we have some very good customers and some very nice repeat customers, too.
 
What has been the craziest experience working with dogs there?
 
So far it’s been rather peaceful. The craziest experience is that some these dogs decide that they want to jump out of the tub, which is not good (laughs). So we have to restrain them. But so far, nothing too weird.
 
How do you get to be a dog washer? Is there training involved or is it, “Hey, just wash that dog”?
 
There is a little bit of training. You have to know how to, first, comb the dog before you start washing it. You also have to be aware of the needs of the dog and that is being very careful with their eyes and their ears.
 
Is it as easy as one might think? Just douse him with the hose and—
 
No! Depending on the dog, you have to give them a lot of care and make sure you brush them properly because their owners are there and looking for you to do a good job.
 
What’s an aspect of it that is challenging, that a lot of people might overlook?
 
LB: Drying them. Because they do not like the sound of the dryers! The other most challenging agenda item is cutting nails because many dogs do not like that.
 
What other services do you provide?
 
As far as the dog goes, we wash their eyes and their ears and we’re hoping to have a groomer soon.
 
How big are some of these dogs you’re washing? St. Bernard big?
 
I haven’t had a St. Bernard yet, but we’ve had a lot of Goldens (Golden Retrievers) and Newfoundlands. Those are big dogs.
 
Are dogs the only animals you wash? Could a cat owner bring his or her cat to your store?
 
We would take care of your cat, too.
 
How do you get into something like this? 
 
I had seen an ad in the news for a business for sale and I didn’t do anything about it. Then I needed to get my dogs washed and questioned the gentleman if that (the Dog Wash) was the business that was for sale and it was. So it was all serendipity. They had been in business about a year, so I decide to take the opportunity to buy it.
 
Do you guys have a slogan at all, like “Bath time for your K-9” or anything?
 
Well, what is going to be on our window is a new sign that says, “A clean dog is a happy dog”.
 
Where are you guys located?
 
LB: We are at 19583 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods and our number is (313) 600-1688. And after four visits with your dog you’ll get the fifth one half-price. We also have a website that will be coming soon. We look forward to seeing you if you have a dog. We provide great services at an affordable price and we’re local. We are Grosse Pointe.

• Login or register to post comments
• Printer-friendly version
• Send by email