As temperatures climb and summer routines settle in, grooming and training offer a seasonal reset for dogs and their owners. From sandy beach days to muddy park adventures, the warmer months can take a toll on pets’ coats and behavior. A growing network of local grooming salons and training businesses provides everything from de-shedding treatments to obedience refreshers. For many owners, summer is the ideal time to address long-postponed habits or give pets a fresh haircut. —C. Mould
The Home Grown Dog
Head trainer and owner Emily Preston knows firsthand how overwhelming dog ownership can feel. What began as a personal challenge with her own high-energy puppy eventually grew into a full-time business. Preston, who launched her business three years ago after completing an apprenticeship with professional trainers, now specializes in board-and-train programs and personalized puppy lessons. “I’m relationship-based, so I put a really heavy focus on encouragement, rewards, all of that good stuff,” she says. “It’s all very important to be super flexible as a dog trainer. You have to have a toolbox of all kinds of tools in your back pocket.” Working out of her home in a small-scale, “boutique-style” setting, Preston takes only a few dogs at a time to provide individualized attention. thehomegrowndog.com
Spot SRQ Dog Grooming
Spot SRQ Dog Grooming owner Ashley Miller took an unconventional path into the pet care world—more than 15 years ago, Miller accidentally walked into an interview for a job grooming dogs. That experience led to a long-term apprenticeship and now, her own grooming business. Miller launched Spot SRQ nearly ten years ago, starting with an in-home setting before moving into her current boutique salon space. “Every dog gets a custom shampoo based on their coat and skin condition,” says Miller. “I like to groom dogs based on their owners’ lifestyle, and I also love to consider a dog’s personality.” Miller, who has ADHD, has found a love for owning her own business and says she is motivated by her desire to show others that anyone can start a successful business.spotsrqdoggrooming.com
Coast Dogs Training
Owned and operated by trainer Dawn Bennett, Coast Dogs Training offers one-on-one, customized training sessions tailored to dogs’ individual needs. Bennett has worked with dogs since 1997 and has been a professional trainer since 2007, bringing years of experience to her training business. “I really focus on the dog and what the dog is telling us when we get together, and just finding out what their motivator is, and then using that motivator, whether it be reward or food or toys or praise, to teach good behaviors,” she says. Bennett specializes in puppy training, aiming to teach pets the joy of learning and build their confidence early. She also offers training for adult dogs, with a variety of private lesson packages that can take place in client homes or on her site. coastdogstraining.com
The Sudsy Pup Paw Spa
Owner Melanie Wallace has built a thriving, family-run grooming business grounded in pet wellness and personalized care. Launched in 2018 after she transitioned out of a corporate career, The Sudsy Pup emphasizes a holistic approach to grooming that prioritizes the health of each dog’s skin and coat. With more than 20 years of grooming experience, Wallace and her team all go through pet esthetician training, aiming to better identify and address underlying skin issues. “We focus on making sure the pets having a positive experience,” she says. The Sudsy Pup also specializes in dogs that might have trouble with other grooming services, including senior dogs or personality differences. thesudsypupsarasota.com
The Lucky Puppy
Erin Murray, owner of The Lucky Puppy, has always had a love for dogs. After first entering the grooming industry in her early 20s, Murray purchased The Lucky Puppy in 2019 to create a more consistent and high-quality experience for both pets and their owners. Since then, Murray has expanded the all-inclusive grooming business to three locations, including a recently enlarged resort-style facility in Bradenton offering daycare and luxury boarding alongside grooming services. “The most rewarding part of this business is ââbuilding relationships with my clients and their dogs. I have so many loyal clients, and I love getting to know all the dogs and all of their different personalities.” Murray maintains a high standard, training most of her groomers in-house through an intensive, one-on-one process, ensuring consistency and attention to each dog’s comfort and safety. theluckypuppyfl.com
