Best in Show Canine Company: Grooming, Training, and Boarding in the Lowcountry

What Best in Show Canine Company Offers

Best in Show Canine Company, located in the Charleston area, provides grooming, training, and boarding services for dogs. The business handles everything from routine nail trims and baths to full grooming packages, in-home training programs, and extended boarding stays. They work with dogs of all sizes and coat types, including breeds that require specialized handling.

The grooming side covers standard services like bathing, drying, nail care, and ear cleaning, as well as breed-specific cuts and hand-stripping for terriers and other wire-coated dogs. Their training programs focus on obedience, behavior modification, and socialization. Boarding is available for dogs whose owners need care while traveling or managing temporary situations.

Key Takeaways

• Best in Show Canine Company offers grooming, training, and boarding all in one location, so you can handle multiple needs in a single relationship.
• Their groomers work with breed-specific cuts and hand-stripping, which matters if your dog has a coat that needs specialized care beyond a standard bath and trim.
• Training programs address obedience and behavior issues, not just basic handling, so dogs with specific challenges have a path forward.
• Boarding is available for dogs whose owners travel or need temporary care, with the advantage of using a facility where staff already know your dog from grooming or training.
• You can reach them directly to discuss your dog's specific needs, coat type, temperament, or training goals before scheduling.

Grooming Services and What to Expect

Grooming appointments typically begin with a consultation about your dog's coat condition, any skin sensitivities, and the look you want. The groomer will bathe your dog, dry the coat, and trim or shape it according to breed standards or your preferences. For dogs with mats or tangles, the groomer may recommend a shorter cut to prevent skin irritation underneath.

Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression are often included in full-groom packages. If your dog has never been groomed before or has anxiety around handling, let the groomer know—they can work at a pace that keeps your dog calm and may suggest shorter first appointments to build comfort. Breed-specific work like hand-stripping for schnauzers, terriers, or wire-coated breeds requires more time and expertise than a standard clip, so those appointments run longer and cost more.

Most groomers recommend scheduling every 4 to 8 weeks depending on your dog's coat type and how quickly it grows or mats. Dogs with longer coats or those prone to matting may need more frequent visits. You can call ahead to discuss your dog's specific coat and any behavioral concerns before booking.

Training Programs for Obedience and Behavior

Best in Show Canine Company's training programs address obedience basics like sit, stay, come, and loose-leash walking, as well as behavior issues such as jumping, excessive barking, or aggression. Training can happen in-home, where the trainer works with your dog in your own environment and teaches you how to reinforce commands day-to-day. Board-and-train programs board your dog while trainers work with them intensively, then transition the dog back to you with instructions for maintaining progress.

In-home training is often better for dogs whose behavior is tied to their specific environment or routine—a dog that jumps on visitors at home, for example, benefits from practice in that actual setting. Board-and-train works well for owners with limited time or for dogs that need focused, full-day work on a specific issue. Either way, your involvement matters: a trainer can teach your dog commands, but your dog will only keep them if you practice consistently after training ends.

Before enrolling, discuss your dog's age, temperament, and the specific behaviors you want to change. Puppies and adult dogs train differently, and a trainer who knows whether your dog is fearful, overly energetic, or stubborn can tailor the approach.

Boarding and What Your Dog Needs

Boarding at Best in Show Canine Company means your dog stays in their facility while you travel or handle other obligations. Dogs typically spend time in individual kennels or group play areas depending on their temperament and the boarding package you choose. Staff feed, water, and exercise your dog daily, and many boarding facilities offer additional services like grooming or training during the stay.

Before your first boarding stay, bring your dog in for a meet-and-greet so staff can assess temperament and any behavioral quirks. Bring recent medical records, a list of medications if your dog takes any, and information about your dog's diet and feeding schedule. If your dog has never been boarded, a shorter first stay—even just a day or two—can help them adjust without overwhelming stress.

Boarding costs vary based on the length of stay and the level of care (basic kenneling versus group play or additional services). Call ahead to ask about current rates and availability, especially if you need boarding during holidays or peak travel seasons when facilities fill up quickly.

Location and How to Contact Them

Best in Show Canine Company operates in the Charleston area. You can reach them by phone to ask questions about services, pricing, availability, and your dog's specific needs before scheduling. They can tell you whether they currently have openings for grooming appointments, training enrollment, or boarding stays.

When you call, have your dog's name, age, breed, and any relevant health or behavioral information ready. If you're new to the facility, staff will walk you through what to bring and what to expect on your first visit. If your dog has medical conditions, allergies, or takes medication, mention that upfront so they can confirm they can accommodate your dog's care.

Choosing Between Grooming, Training, and Boarding

Grooming is the most frequent service most dog owners use—typically every 4 to 8 weeks depending on coat type. If your dog's behavior or obedience needs work, training can happen alongside grooming, or you can focus on training first and add grooming once basic commands are solid. Boarding is usually a one-time or occasional need when you travel.

One advantage of using one facility for multiple services is continuity: groomers and trainers who work with your dog regularly understand their temperament, fears, and quirks. A groomer who knows your dog is anxious around nail trims can alert a trainer to work on desensitization. A trainer who knows your dog pulls on leash can give your groomer a heads-up before the appointment. This coordination can make each service more effective.

If you're unsure which service to start with, grooming is a good entry point because it's routine and necessary. From there, you can add training if behavior issues come up, or boarding when travel plans require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my dog be groomed?

Most dogs need grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, but it depends on coat type. Dogs with longer, faster-growing coats or those prone to matting may need every 4 to 6 weeks. Short-coated dogs might go 8 to 12 weeks between appointments. Ask your groomer for a recommendation based on your dog's specific coat after the first visit.

What should I bring to a boarding stay?

Bring recent medical records, a list of any medications and how to give them, your dog's regular food (or let the facility know what brand and amount to feed), and any comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. Include your veterinarian's contact information and emergency contact numbers. If your dog has behavioral quirks or medical conditions, write them down so staff can reference them.

Can my dog attend training if they have never been trained before?

Yes. Puppies and adult dogs with no prior training can start at any time. Let the trainer know your dog's age and what specific behaviors or commands you want to work on. Trainers adjust their methods based on age, temperament, and experience level, so there is no prerequisite.

What if my dog has anxiety or fear around grooming?

Tell the groomer before your appointment. They can schedule a shorter first visit to build your dog's comfort, work at a slower pace, or recommend desensitization training to help your dog relax around handling. Some groomers also offer calming supplements or work with your veterinarian on anxiety management if the fear is severe.

Do you offer training for aggressive dogs?

Contact Best in Show Canine Company directly to discuss your dog's specific behavior. Trainers can often work with aggression, but the approach depends on the type of aggression, your dog's history, and severity. A phone conversation with a trainer before enrollment helps determine whether they can help and what the training plan would look like.