Spotlight: Niagara Dog Businesses

Part of the Niagara Dog Community Series

One-on-One Care with Shannon of Shannon’s Tidy Tails

At Al’s Country Mutts in Port Colborne, grooming is about more than keeping dogs clean and tidy. It’s about patience, trust, and creating an environment where dogs feel comfortable and cared for.

Owner Alex built the shop at 256 West Street after years in the pet industry, expanding from a small garage grooming setup into a welcoming space where local pet owners can also find supplements, enrichment toys, apparel, and other carefully selected items for their dogs.

Among the groomers working out of the shop is Shannon, owner of Shannon’s Tidy Tails, who has been grooming dogs for about seven years.

Shannon is welcoming her first client of the day

Interestingly, grooming wasn’t something Shannon originally planned to do. She first entered the profession when a friend mentioned an opening and encouraged her to give it a try. What started as an opportunity quickly turned into a passion.

Once she began working with dogs, she discovered just how much joy the work could bring — both to the dogs and to their owners.

A doodle getting dried after a bath

One of the things she loves most about grooming is the transformation she sees when a dog is properly cared for. A good groom doesn’t just change how a dog looks; it can dramatically improve how they feel as well.

Dogs with overgrown nails, matted coats, or tangled fur can be uncomfortable without their owners even realizing it. After a proper grooming session, many dogs walk out looking lighter, happier, and much more comfortable.

a doodle with a happy hoodie to supress the noise of the blow drier

Like many groomers, Shannon finds Chihuahuas among the most challenging dogs to groom. Despite their small size, they often come with very big personalities and strong opinions about being handled. Grooming them successfully requires patience, confidence, and the ability to remain calm when a dog becomes reactive.

That calm presence is something Shannon relies on often, especially when working with nervous or reactive dogs. Her philosophy is simple: stay calm, remain confident, and guide the dog through the process without letting the situation escalate.

Over time, that approach helps many dogs become more comfortable with grooming.

Tools of the trade

Shannon also specializes in working with large dogs, which can present their own unique challenges simply due to their size and strength. Handling large breeds safely requires both skill and patience, especially when a dog is unsure about the grooming process.

One of the things that truly sets Shannon apart is her one-on-one grooming style. Rather than juggling multiple dogs at once, she focuses on one dog at a time, allowing her to give each dog her full attention throughout the grooming appointment.

For many dogs — particularly anxious ones — that quieter environment can make a big difference in how relaxed they feel.

Clients often comment on the care she takes with their pets. Every dog that comes through her grooming space is treated with the same patience and attention she would give her own.

paying attention to detail

Advice for Dog Owners Between Grooming Appointments

When it comes to maintaining a dog’s coat between grooming visits, Shannon has one piece of advice that she feels strongly about: regular brushing is essential.

Consistent brushing prevents tangles and mats from forming and helps keep the coat healthy. Even dogs that appear to have low-maintenance coats can develop matting if they aren’t brushed regularly.

trimming the paws

Certain breeds require particularly careful coat maintenance. One coat type Shannon feels is often misunderstood is the Portuguese Water Dog. Their coat can appear dense and difficult to brush, but the hair itself is actually soft and silky.

Because the coat is a single layer that continuously grows, it can mat quite quickly if not brushed frequently. Ideally, Portuguese Water Dogs should be brushed regularly — often close to daily — and professionally groomed every four to eight weeks to keep the coat manageable and healthy.

Another breed type that can confuse owners is the increasingly popular doodle mixes. Many people expect doodles to combine the best qualities of both parent breeds, but coat genetics don’t always work that way.

Because doodles are a mix, their coats can vary dramatically in texture and density. Some are easy to maintain, while others require very frequent brushing and regular grooming to prevent severe matting.

Understanding those coat needs early can help keep dogs comfortable and avoid difficult grooming situations later on.

Grooming That Puts Dogs First

The groomers at Al’s Country Mutts share a common goal: making sure every dog leaves feeling better than when they arrived.

Whether it’s the transformation of a freshly groomed coat, the patience required for reactive dogs, or the quiet focus of one-on-one grooming, Shannon’s work reflects the same dedication to dog comfort and care that defines the entire shop.

For many dogs in Port Colborne and across the Niagara Region, that care makes grooming something to look forward to rather than something to fear.