Maria Danson (10)

My name is Maria and I am the owner of The Hound Dog Grooming Spa in Marple. I am a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming Stylist. I have been grooming since 2011 and strive to deliver excellent customer service in a clean, safe and calm grooming environment. I am fully insured and first aid trained.
I grew up with dogs and a menagerie of animals, I am very passionate about animals and always dreamed of working with them in some capacity. This didn't become a reality until later in my working career.
I began grooming in 2011 alongside a fellow spotlight groomer, bathing and prepping and progressing to full styling. I quickly realised that this was not just a job but a passion and although dog grooming is extremely hard work it is a truly rewarding career.
I completed my City & Guilds Level 3 certificate in 2014 at Look North Training School.
In 2015 I then went on to open a brand new salon alongside a veterinary practice which taught me a wealth of information. I ran this salon for 2 years and it was very successful.
I completed my City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in 2015.
In April 2017 I opened my own grooming spa, which is 3 years old and the spa has a nice client base and continuing to grow.
My spa is spacious, clean and open view so clients are able to see into our grooming environment. I have a cage free policy and create a relaxed atmosphere and every dog receives 100% of the best care and attention whilst in my care.
I am honest and friendly and will always try to help educate my customers and provide them with after care and styling advice.
I offer Luxury Spa treatments, Emmi Pet Dental teeth cleaning, Nagayu Co2 cleaning treatment and have a Ozone Jacuzzi Spa bath.
I like to keep up to date with the latest products and grooming methods which aid the overall well being of your dog.
I attend seminars regularly and enjoy continuing to learn and develop my grooming skills. Iam currently studying towards my ICMG and currently have completed my CAPG.
I am a keen handstripper and have done various handstrip breeds; this is an area I am trying to improve my knowledge by learning from some of the top senior groomers in this field.
I have competed at Premiergroom and Mastergroom and am looking forward to competing again in the future with my own poodle. I was lucky enough to place in my 1st Competition back in 2013 with a Handstrip Border Terrier.
I also work with the Hearing Dogs for Deaf Charity and groom a number of their puppies in training. I have also held grooming seminars for their volunteers so they are able to maintain the dogs coats.

In 2018 I got my first Standard Poodle puppy Margot, who I have groomed and shown. We have attended several shows around the country to compete and qualified for Crufts. I have learnt so much in our first year of showing and had the pleasure of competing at Crufts 2020, which was a fabulous day and surrounded by fellow poodle enthusiasts.