Best practice drying methods for dog grooming
The drying methods we use at WOOOF
We tailor our drying approach to each dog’s coat type, temperament, and comfort level. No two dogs are treated the same.
High-velocity dryers (our primary method)
We primarily use professional high-velocity dryers.
These dryers:
Remove water efficiently with heat and temperature control
Help to loosen up light matting
Force out dead hair by reaching the packed or ‘blown’ undercoat during shedding season
Create a more even finish on a long double-coated dog
Assist to fluff up a curly-coated dog ready for a teddy bear cut or style groom
Reduce overall drying time
High velocity drying is safe, effective, and widely regarded as best practice when used by trained groomers. Dogs are safely secured, supervised and reassured at all times.
Overhead dryers for finishing nervous dogs
For dogs who find high-velocity dryers overwhelming, we may switch to an overhead dryer.
Overhead dryers:
Operate at a lower air velocity
Are less intrusive and less startling
Encourage dogs to remain settled on the table
This option is ideal for finishing dogs who hate having their faces dried, are noise-sensitive but still comfortable remaining in the grooming space.
Dyson Supersonic for highly anxious dogs
For dogs who are particularly anxious or noise-reactive, we may finish drying with a hand-held Dyson Supersonic hair dryer.
This dryer is:
Noticeably quieter than traditional grooming dryers and other hair dryers
Used at close range with full control
Ideal for faces, legs, and sensitive areas
This approach prioritises calmness over speed and allows us to adjust in real time to how the dog is coping.
Ear protection is always used
Every dog being dried at WOOOF wears appropriate ear protection (a drying hoodie).
This helps to:
Reduce noise exposure
Prevent air pressure in the ears
Increase overall comfort
Ear protection is standard practice at WOOOF, not an optional extra (for our groomers also).
What we do not do: cage drying or crate drying
WOOOF does not use cage drying or crate drying under any circumstances.
What is cage drying?
Cage drying (also called crate drying) involves placing a dog into an enclosure with warm or circulating air and leaving them unattended while they dry.
Why we don’t use it
Cage drying carries well-documented risks, including:
Overheating and heat stress
Dehydration
Increased anxiety or panic
Delayed response in emergencies
In extreme cases, serious injury or death
Even when done “carefully,” cage drying removes direct supervision — something we are not comfortable with in a professional grooming environment.
At WOOOF, dogs are never left unattended to dry.
Our approach to drying: safety, supervision, and skill
Whether you visit us in Manuka, Canberra or our Surry Hills, Sydney location, our drying standards are the same. Every drying method we use shares the same principles:
Continuous supervision and safety procedures
Use of chamois to remove excess water ahead of drying to minimise stress
Temperature and airflow control
Adaptation to the individual dog
Calm, reassuring, low-stress handling
Immediate stop and time-out to rest if we identify higher than normal stress levels
This approach reflects our broader philosophy: premium grooming is not about speed or volume, it is about care, skill, and accountability.
If you ever have questions about our grooming process, we are always happy to explain!
