Royal park walks leave their mark.
- Local authority
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- Postcode district
- TW9
- From central London
- 8 mi southwest
- Main roads
- Richmond Hill, Petersham Road and the A316
- Where dogs walk
- Richmond Park, the Terrace Gardens and the Thames towpath
Richmond Park is large, hilly and full of bracken, ponds and wild deer, and it is a place where dogs must stay under control. After an hour of running in it, golden retrievers and spaniels come home with mud, leaves and sticky seeds caught in their feathering. A slicker brush and a metal comb will clear most of it once it has dried.
The ponds are a draw for water-loving dogs, and silt-stained legs and bellies are a daily sight. For a white or light-coloured dog, such as a Westie or Bichon, that means a bath more often than you might expect, plus a good pre-groom brush so shampoo can reach the skin.
The Thames towpath, from Richmond Bridge to Petersham, is a favourite for longer walks. It is damp underfoot in the winter, and long ears and low-slung bellies drag through puddles. Trimming the hair on the ears and under the belly can make cleaning up much simpler.
Many Richmond owners like a polished finish, so spaniel and poodle trims, tidy faces and neat paws are in demand. If you want a particular breed style, a groomer who works with your breed regularly is worth finding, because the shaping takes practice.
Estimates, not quotes. Real prices depend on the groomer, the dog and the area.
Full Groom£55 to £120 per groom→Bath and Brush£40 to £75 per visit→De-Matting and Coat Restoration£60 to £140 per session→How to get your plan moving.
- Note your dog's coat type, how often it tangles and what it finds hard, such as the dryer, clippers or having its feet touched.
- Ask each groomer you consider how they dry, how long dogs are in the salon and what they do when a dog becomes upset.
- Choose one brushing habit to practise after walks near Richmond Park, the Terrace Gardens and the Thames towpath, and repeat it every day for two weeks.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Richmond.
How to read these pages
Specific advice. Honest limits.
From K9PN. Read the Disclaimer for specifics.
Good questions
Before you begin.
How do I keep a white dog clean in Richmond Park?
Brush before bathing, use a coat-appropriate shampoo and dry fully. Light coats show mud and stains faster than dark ones.
Why does my spaniel's coat tangle on long walks?
Feathering on the ears, chest and legs catches seeds and twigs. A weekly comb and a trim of the longest hair helps.
Do deer matter for grooming?
Not directly, but muddy trails and wet grass in the park mean regular baths are useful. Always keep your dog away from deer.