Teesside Crufts competitor finds ‘small niche’ opening dog grooming, walking and pet service shop

After being involved in dog shows for years and training as a dog groomer, a Teesside man has opened his own puppy pamper shop.

Paul Gray opened Eston Dog Grooming, Walking and Pet Services in February. He trained as a dog groomer at a shop in Normanby where he worked for almost two years before launching his own business.

This is the first business Paul has owned but he has always loved dogs, as he has been taking his Norwich Terrier Pedigrees and Boxer dogs to compete in shows around the country for many years. The Estonian man also feels his business is unique because male dog groomers are less common, he said.

The 37-year-old said: “I am very proud of what I have achieved so far. Being a male groomer is a bit unusual because it’s usually female oriented so sometimes with certain dogs that are more used to being with a male they will listen to me more.

“There was one person who could not find a groomer for his dog and I said if you’d like to come in I can arrange a time and you can do your dog yourself and I’ll just guide you through the process of it. It also just speaks to poor dogs because a lot of dogs need grooming and a lot of female groomers struggle to do them because they’re too big so I have a small niche I think.”

Her shop offers full grooms, “puppy introduction pamper packs”, baths and de-sheds, full blow dries, hygiene trims and walk-in nail clip-ins. Paul also does pick-up and drop-off for people who find it difficult to take their dog for grooming, including the elderly, and he employs a member of staff to do dog-walking rounds.

Paul also takes care of dogs with special needs. On Friday, February 23, he closed his store early to pick up and deliver for a blind German Shepherd. She knew she had to “put in extra time and care” so she closed up shop early for that dog on her own.

Business is “good so far” for Paul, who made his rent for the next month “within the first four days” of opening. However, setting up the business proved costly.

Paul explained: “I saved and saved last year to be able to get all the stuff and everything is quite expensive like £700 a dryer, £600 or more a table. I opened up enough for one person to groom so it’s been one-on-one solo grooms for now until I can get more equipment.”

Eston is home to several dog grooming shops and Paul experienced a “quite friendly atmosphere” from other business owners in the area. A dog groomer across the road from Paul hailed his new business, and said the dog grooming shop he works for in Normanby called him to borrow some of his equipment not long after he opened.

Paul will say that his specialty is large short hair dog breeds and he has a lot of chow chows. He currently has three Boxer dogs and four Norwich Terrier Pedigrees himself.

The dog’s dad added: “I have always had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember. I grew up with German Shepherds mostly.

“I saved up for my first Boxer when I got older and it spiraled out of control from there and it became a passion and I saved up and went to dog shows and am breeding my own line now. I’ve been to shows to the dog in Scotland , Wales, Bournemouth, Manchester.”

Paul took his dogs to open and champion the show over the years. He even competed at Crufts, dubbed “The World’s Greatest Dog Show”, with international competitors. He is now focusing on his new dog grooming shop.

He said: “I want to create a business for myself for the future and offer more services. I want to go to day care that provides food and natural treats.” Find out more about Eston Dog Grooming, Walking and Pet Services and book an appointment by visiting the Facebook page.

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