Ryan Jenkins knew what he wanted to do for a living when he was 14 years old.

He couldn’t keep away from the dog groomers near his West Derby home where his family pet was a regular. He wanted to know everything about the place and after a lot (and he means, a lot) of pestering, they let him come in to the salon and see how the experts did it.

Now 27, the former St Margarets pupil is the man behind DogOne, a parlour where four-legged friends from across the city are brought to be pampered, trimmed and basically spoilt rotten.

You’ll find it on Cleveland Square, that hidden gem of a shopping parade behind Liverpool One bus station (hence the name - when Ryan asked for other suggestions, Liverpoodle One was also touted). It’s where Ryan and his team have built up an impressive client roster over the past five years, as the need for keeping our dogs looking as posh as possible has grown quicker than a well-fed puppy in recent years.

We asked him a few questions about his job. Is it as much fun and a day packed with cuteness as it looks?

Ryan Jenkins (and Harry) outside DogOne
Ryan Jenkins (and Harry) outside DogOne

There seems to be a growing need for dog groomers in recent years, why do you think that is?

If you have a dog, it’s part of your life now.

People bring them in every week, every fortnight - because they’re dogs which are in your bed and on the couch all the time now.

People go out with their dogs everywhere, for coffees, for meals and that sort of thing so people like them to be well presented.

It makes you feel better when you dog is shiny and nice. People are so proud of their dogs. Compliment their dogs and the owners are made up.

I have taken on two apprentices, one of them is still with us and she came to Liverpool from Gretna Green in Scotland.

She can’t believe the difference in everyone’s pampered dogs down here compared to up there. There isn’t a dog groomers in Gretna Green, I don’t think, it’s all about weddings instead.

What about the qualifications required to become a groomer?

You don’t need qualifications but there are different ones that you can do and some are more highly regarded than others.

There are NVQs and different diplomas - but experience and confidence in the job is the best thing.

How far will people come to you to get their dog groomed?

It’s from all over the city, not just the city centre. And it’s all walks of life too. Some people we see once a year, some we know we’re going to see every week.

You must deal with dogs of all sizes. What kind of range do you get coming through the doors?

It’s mostly little dogs here but I’d love to see a few more big ones come in. The bigger the better.

We do Newfoundlands, we do St Bernards, we do sausage dogs, chihuahuas, loads of poodles and cockapoos. It really is everything - but mostly little dogs. Not quite the ones you see that are handbag-sized but a little bit bigger.

We do a Newfoundland called Rufus, he is lovely. Huge and handsome. It’s a big job and can take up to four hours but because he comes in regularly and he’s well behaved and his coat’s in good condition, within an hour and a half he’s finished - many hands making light work. You can have two people working on a dog at one time, we don’t have more as you don’t want the dog to get too stressful.

Which of your grooming services is the most popular?

It never used to be when I first opened but the most popular sessions we provide now are baths.

It’ll be intermediate times that dogs come in and get their fur trimmed but in the weeks inbetween they’ll come in and have a bath, whether that’s because the owners want to keep their dogs clean or they’ve got someone coming round, whatever the reason, they want to give their dogs a bath.

A selection of the canine couture available at DogOne
A selection of the canine couture available at DogOne

We sell clothes for dogs too which are popular and the different cleaning products that owners can use on their pets at home, such as shampoo. It’s all organic, we like to treat our dogs better than we do ourselves.

And which service would you say is the most extravagant?

We do little facials. We use a blueberry fizz facial which cleanses the dogs face and gets rid of any tearstains.

But other than that I try not to do any nail painting or colour dyeing the fur. I’m careful not to upset or offend anyone but I like dogs to be dogs,

I want them to be all nice and clean and fluffy. But I also love it when I hear people saying their dogs got absolutely filthy at the weekend or they’ll text me a picture half and hour after they’ve been in and the dog will be head to toe in mud. I think that’s nice, for a dog to be a proper dog.

How do you calm down a nervous dog when it arrives at the salon?

We give them plenty of time.

We do all the grooming upstairs so we can spend a bit of time downstairs with the owner. We’re at the dogs’ level, we sit on the floor and get the toys out, get the treats out and try to calm the owner down as well as the dog. It can be quite daunting leaving your baby somewhere that you don’t know or when you don’t know the person.

Most of the customers know us and like us and are confident leaving them here. There’s no cages which I think helps.

The dogs have a little playtime first then they get their baths, get groomed and if they are nervous they can get picked straight back up again.

Loads of them love hanging out here, there’s threre chihuahuas in there now yapping and playing about together, having a great time and craving your attention but it’s nice to see them all playing together, it’s one of the nicest parts of the job.

Which brings us to another question, what happens if you have a dog in that doesn’t get on with other dogs?

We always ask in case there’s something the owner should tell us but other than that the majority of dogs like the social side of coming in here, getting to see some of the other dogs - as well as getting a bath, or not!

Is there anything you’ve been asked to do to a dog that you’ve had to say no to?

Certain people with certain breeds want impractical cuts, without going into detail.

The dyeing, I don’t really do that either. I don’t think the dog’s interested in what colour it is or anything like that but people do say when their dog’s been in here that they hold themselves up a bit taller, have a bit of a prance on the step because they know they’re clean.

A lot of time, the owners themselves love to stand proud and show their dog off too. After they’ve been in, a lot will potter around town or go into the bars and restaurants where you can take dogs and have their perfectly pampered pooch next to them.

Do you have any famous clients?

Heidi Range from the Sugababes has been in. Marcus Collins brings his dog in too and Jennifer Metcalfe from Hollyoaks has brought hers in before as well.

Are you ever asked to groom other animals?

I have worked with cats before, but I don’t do them anymore. I’ve also groomed rabbits, guinea pigs and a miniature pig before now. No reptiles or birds though, I’m petrified of them.

You need a bit more time with other animals. Dogs are really personable, they’re coming in to see you and it’s easy with them because you can give them loads of love and loads of treats. Other animals aren’t used to going out of the house so it can be a bit nerve-wracking for them.

The job can’t always be pleasant though?

People think it’s just fluffing poodles up and spraying them with perfume but some of them come in, neglected dogs, and it can be upsetting to see.

Their nails are growning into them and it can hurt, the hair’s matted or uncomfortable for them and what you’re doing is trying to relieve them of that - but seeing them like that initially, it can upset you.

I have worked with some of the rescue centres. If anyone’s ever needed my service, I have done that and if anyone’s needed to re-home a dog that’s pulled on my heartstrings and I’ll try to help, if it means it’s going to get re-homed. I’ll clean it up and make it more presentable but it’s more about making them comfortable.

We treat service dogs as well. It’s amazing to see the guide and hearing dogs upstairs having a play and being fussed over by us. The minute they are back with their owners, they’re helping them find the step out of the salon and switching right back into service mode.

It’s fantastic to see - but that’s dogs for you.

To see more of the incredibly cute DogOne Instagram heroes, visit their account here and get your paws on their tweets too.