Green Dog Wash Goes Easy on the Pooch

Even the sweetest pups can become unruly during bath time.

That’s what Brian Corby faced every time he tried to bathe his chocolate Labrador, Presley.

And that’s what inspired Corby to open , Tampa’s only self-service dog wash and groomer.

“Most business ideas come from recognizing a need for yourself,” said Corby, who co-owns the Green Dog on South Howard Avenue with Greg Bitel. The pair opened the business in 2009. The pair have another Green Dog location in Boulder, Colorado.

Washing Presley at home was a messy hassle. And the self-serve washing stations in the pet store chains “seemed more like afterthoughts,” said Corby.

So Corby and his partner decided to create their own brand of self-serve dog wash.

Green Dog’s self-service wash area contains six stainless steel washtubs. Two are equipped with ramps for larger breed dogs. Control harnesses and temperature-controlled sprays ensure that dogs remain comfortable as they are cleaned. The washing area is also double-fenced, which allows dogs to run around without escaping.

Green Dog also offers an alternative approach to grooming that makes the experience less stressful for the dog. Many groomers take on many dogs at once – first washing the dog and then putting them in cages equipped with loud, hot dryers that can dry out their skin. Dogs often wait in these cages for hours before seeing a groomer.

At Green Dog, grooming is done by appointment. No dog has to wait in a cage, and each groomer stays with the dog throughout the process. Corby said the cage-free, appointment-based approach results in happier, calmer dogs.

“Most of the dogs love it here,” said dog groomer Amanda Walk. “It’s cage-free, and they’re not scared.

“In other places, there are a lot of dogs, so they tend to bark and make other dogs nervous. Seeing the dogs here, they are a lot calmer,” said Walk.

At Green Dog, Walk can take her time and give individualized attention to each dog. As she talks, Walk grooms a long-haired Chihuahua named Canoli, who stands quiet and calm on the grooming board.

In 2007, Corby’s chocolate lab Presley died of renal failure due to eating contaminated dog food. Presley was among the hundreds of casualties of pet food poisoning that led to a national recall. Corby was inspired to carry dog food and toys at Green Dog that contained only quality, all-natural ingredients.

Corby also developed Shampooch, an all-natural dog shampoo made from aloe vera, eucalyptus and neem oil, a natural bug deterrent. And he stocks a doggie bar soap he developed with Trista Page, who owns Tampa’s handmade soap company, Indigo Bee.

When Corby’s not in South Tampa, he’s out west running the Green Dog in Boulder. He and Bitel hope to one day franchise the business in Florida and Colorado.