Refunds are not offered on completed grooming services.

Please check that you are satisfied with the finish before leaving the salon.

Before contacting FCL to voice any complaints or issues regarding the detail, finish, or styling of your dog’s coat, please consider the limitations that may affect grooming.

When the coat is clipped velvety short (7F), the groomer needs to take their time, work slowly with the clippers held level with the skin, and use light pressure. The groomer needs to use slow strokes on the back and sides, always going with the lay of the coat grain, which should be backcombed or brushed up without changing direction. The pressure with the clipper should be even at all times, as too much fluctuation can leave lines that can be hard or impossible to remove. The element of consistent control results in a smooth, even finish without visible clipper lines.

So why do clipper lines sometimes appear after clipping short? Well, doing just the opposite will cause clipper marks. Using inconsistent pressure, not flowing in the direction of coat growth, changing direction with the clipper, and not keeping the blade flat against the skin will all contribute to clipper lines.

FCL groomers are diploma-qualified and experienced; clipper lines may still occur for several reasons.

Some types of coats require more effort and cooperation to clip smoothly. For example, a cocker spaniel with a silky coat, particularly the fawn through to red colours, is the most challenging to achieve a perfect finish. With this coat type, the groomer must pay close attention to the consistent method of clipping using a short clipper blade.

The clipper blade should remain flat while gliding over the skin. Where a dog is very slim and bony or has rolls of fat, the skin should be stretched out if possible because skipping over these areas will also add to the difficulty of achieving a smooth finish.

If the dog being groomed is not used to the grooming environment and is active and energetic, it may move around the table. As a result, the groomer may be unable to keep the blade in a consistent position or apply the same pressure throughout, leading to a heavily lined finish.

The groomer must have complete control over a dog that is standing steadily to achieve the ideal results, from clipping a silky coat, in particular, to a high standard. Dogs that are accustomed to grooming will remain still while being trimmed.

When the groomer is working with a dog not standing reasonably still on the grooming table and using a short body blade such as the 7F, it is unlikely that the coat will be finished to a high standard. The owner should consider an alternative style or longer coat length if they report or express dissatisfaction due to clipper lines in their dog’s coat after being groomed.

Wool or curly-coated dogs are less likely to show clipper lines due to the nature and structure of the coat; however, the same consistent methods should be applied for a smooth finish.

Polite requests to make adjustments regarding grooming must be reported within 24 hours of your visit so that we can assess and correct any issues you may have. If you have changed your mind and want the coat shorter or longer than you requested at check-in, we can only address this at a future grooming appointment, where standard grooming charges apply.

Corrections or adjustments are easily made to groomed coats to ensure you receive the style and balance you require for your dog. We work extremely hard to ensure this is the case while working within our strict policy for your dog’s health, safety, and well-being.