For Lisa Roberds, owner of Kingwood’s Dog Gone Stylin’, creating a positive grooming experience means understanding each dog’s personality, giving them time to feel comfortable and paying attention to the signals they give along the way.

That approach is rooted in her own path into the grooming industry. After moving back to the area with her husband, Rick, following 18 years in Mobile, Alabama, Roberds began looking for a groomer for her own dogs. She eventually volunteered as a bather at Klassy Klipps in Porter, where she spent about nine months volunteering before becoming a paid employee.

She stayed for three years, bathing dogs and learning from Sue, the groomer who taught her everything from poodle feet to shave-downs. Roberds eventually realized she could groom confidently and, with Rick’s help, opened her own business in September 2009.

Today, Dog Gone Stylin’ has Roberds and three other groomers. The business also offers boarding with nine rooms and stand-up cages for smaller dogs.

What does it mean to “speak dog”?

For Roberds and her team, “speaking dog” means paying attention to each dog’s personality and adjusting the approach accordingly. Some dogs are social and immediately comfortable, while others may be fearful, shy or protective of their owners.

When meeting a new dog, Roberds talks with the owner first rather than immediately approaching the dog. She gives the dog an opportunity to smell her scent and decide when it is ready to come closer.

“Doing this gives them time to warm up and calm any fears,” Roberds said. “You begin to allow them to trust you.”

Man leans over a stainless steel grooming tub beside a happy wet brown-and-white dog.

The same attention extends to the atmosphere inside the grooming space. Roberds emphasized that dogs can pick up on fear and anxiety through a person’s scent, tone and movements.

“While the pet may not be afraid of you, they are watchful or cautious, some actually will lick you. Some will bark at you,” Roberds said.

This makes the team’s own mindset an important part of the experience.

How does Dog Gone Stylin’ create a low-stress experience?

Roberds said the right team plays a major role in helping dogs feel comfortable. Groomers are encouraged to come to work rested and leave outside stressors at the door. Music, conversation and a positive atmosphere also help keep the environment relaxed.

The team pays close attention to signs that a dog is uncomfortable, including shaking, withdrawing or growling, and the calm environment is especially helpful for puppies and dogs with previous negative grooming experiences.

“We plan and take our time with puppies. We don’t want them to hate getting groomed, [because] they have to do it for the rest of their lives,” Roberds said. “Dogs that have had bad past experiences [and] the biters [also benefit]. We take time to talk to them. If our approach isn’t what works for them, we think of a new or better [approach]. Sometimes, we may not be able to cut their nails and ask the owner to bring them for a separate visit for only that. It’s very rewarding when you see those pups change.”

Person holds a brown curly-haired puppy while drying its fur with a handheld blow dryer.

What happens before and after the groom?

Before each groom, the team makes sure they understand the requested style, and afterward, they communicate how the dog handled the appointment and ask owners what they would like adjusted during the next visit.

The team also educates owners about issues they notice, including irritated skin, ear infections, fleas, lumps and bumps, and changes in behavior that could indicate a dog needs veterinary attention.

For Dog Gone Stylin’, a successful grooming session means earning the trust of both the dog and its owner.

Those interested in learning more can find resources here:

A groomer brushes a husky sitting on a purple grooming table at a pet salon.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dog Gone Stylin' in Kingwood?

Dog Gone Stylin' is a dog grooming and boarding business at 23760 US-59 in Kingwood, open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Owner Lisa Roberds founded the business in September 2009 after training under an experienced groomer in Porter. The shop has four groomers and also offers boarding with nine private rooms and stand-up cages for smaller dogs. Appointments can be booked online at doggonestylintx.com or by calling 281-358-0685.

How does Dog Gone Stylin' handle nervous or fearful dogs?

The team uses a patient, dog-led approach they call "speaking dog:” reading each animal's signals and adjusting accordingly rather than moving at a fixed pace. When meeting a new dog, Roberds speaks with the owner first, then lets the dog smell her and decide when it's ready to come closer. Groomers are also trained to recognize signs of stress, such as shaking, withdrawing or growling, and to respond by slowing down or changing their approach. For dogs with previous bad grooming experiences, the team takes extra time and may schedule a separate visit for specific services like nail trimming if the dog needs it.

Does Dog Gone Stylin' groom puppies?

Yes, and because dogs need grooming throughout their lives, Roberds said the goal is to make early appointments as positive as possible by really taking time with the puppy.

What should I expect after my dog's grooming appointment?

After each session, the team communicates how the dog handled the groom and invites owners to request adjustments for the next visit. Groomers also flag any health concerns they notice during the appointment, such as irritated skin, ear infections, fleas, lumps or behavioral changes, so owners can follow up with a vet if needed.

Small white fluffy dog with tongue out on a grooming table, smiling groomer in blue behind it.

The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller of Community Impact's Storytelling team, with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.