Dog grooming isn’t just about sharp scissors and good intentions — it’s a craft, a discipline, and (if we’re honest) a bit of a calling.

Over the years we’ve learned that every dog is different. Each has their own quirks, temperament, and coat. No groomer gets it right every single time from day one — that comes only with practice, training, and thousands of hours hands-on.

That’s where experience shows.

• We know the breeds.

• We know the behaviours.

• We know how to adapt handling and styling so every dog is comfortable, safe, and well cared for.

Behind the scenes, there are systems, processes, and professional standards that only come with years of learning, accreditation, and continual improvement.

Because in dog grooming, experience really does matter — and credentials too. And your dog deserves both.

You may have come across the American business writer Simon Sinek and his book Start With Why. It made a great impression upon us and we have been led since the earliest of days that our WHY with Just Barking is to ensure the very best treatment for a dog's welfare and wellbeing every single time. It's simple. Everything we do flows from this commitment.

Established in 2009

We are long-established in the local Kensal / Queen's Park community, a wonderful privilege that we appreciate and respect enormously.

Some team members have changed over the years.

But the owners, Martin and Kristian, have remained constant.

Martin is an International Certified Master Groomer and also Level 3 City & Guilds Qualified with more than 15 years experience.

As a Master Groomer, Martin has also served as an assistant dog grooming instructor to students within the Colin Taylor Academy (2012-2015).

Martin's partner Kristian is the founder Chairman of the leading pet groomers' trade body, The British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), a volunteer role he held from 2015 to 2025.

Among other works, he is the author of The Dog Grooming Business Course, and editor of the award-winning book What Would Colin Do? 101 Situations and Solutions for Every Dog Groomer by Colin Taylor.

Kristian has featured frequently as a speaker at dog grooming educational events in the UK and contributed regularly to pet industry publications.

Martin and Kristian are also the founders of Dogs & Horses UK, London's award-winning leather dog collar company. The D&H workshop is based in the same building as Just Barking, right here in Kensal Rise. Click here to visit the D&H website.