It started at home
Tracey successfully operated the business from home, including throughout the challenges of Covid, but demand continued to grow.
About Short Bark & Sides Dog Grooming
Short Bark & Sides has grown considerably since Tracey first started grooming dogs from home, but the philosophy behind the business hasn't changed:
Be kind.
Be gentle.
Tracey began her grooming career because of her love of dogs and trained with renowned groomer Colin Taylor in London. What started as a one-to-one grooming business gradually became much bigger.
One pair of hands wasn't enough
Eventually, it became clear that one pair of hands wasn't enough.
A bather joined the business and trained through to Level 3, followed by an apprentice who developed into an important part of Short Bark & Sides and now helps manage the business when Tracey isn't there.
The team continued to grow from there.
Today, Short Bark & Sides has a fantastic team of groomers and bathers who have helped build the reputation the salon enjoys.
For Tracey, that's also the achievement she's proudest of.
The team.
Their skill, commitment and care for the dogs have made Short Bark & Sides what it is today.
Short Bark & Sides today
Professional Knowledge with a Personal Approach
Professional grooming isn't simply about producing a good haircut.
Our groomers understand different breeds, coat types and grooming requirements, but they also learn to recognise changes in the dogs they see regularly.
Because we're working closely with a dog's skin, coat, paws, ears and body, we sometimes notice something that doesn't seem quite right. On several occasions we've encouraged owners to seek veterinary advice about changes that have subsequently proved important.
We're not there to diagnose medical conditions — that's your vet's job — but we will always tell you if we see something we think you should know about.
Dogs Are Individuals
A puppy needs something different from an elderly dog. A nervous rescue may need a different approach from a confident dog who's been professionally groomed throughout their life.
That's why we adapt.
Tracey's training in Reiki has helped her develop techniques for grounding herself when handling nervous dogs, while additional handling training with Chirag Patel provided further insight into working calmly with dogs who struggle with grooming.
It's all part of the same philosophy: understanding the dog in front of us rather than expecting every dog to fit the same process.
How we work with nervous and difficult dogs
A Business Built Around Caring
Caring for others extends beyond Tracey's working life.
Alongside building Short Bark & Sides, Tracey has spent more than 13 years as a foster carer. One young person who first came into her care as a child is now 21 and still very much part of the family – even living independently in Tracey's former grooming room, which has since been converted into his own space.
Short Bark & Sides may have grown, but that sense of care, patience and community remains at its heart.
Come and Meet Us
We'd love to welcome you and your dog to the salon. Get in touch to talk about the right appointment for them.