Southern Pines, North Carolina, offers a serene blend of small-town charisma and cultural richness that welcomes residents and visitors alike. Known for its enchanting pine forests and scenic landscapes, the town provides an inviting escape where natural beauty and friendly community spirit coexist harmoniously. Rich in equestrian traditions, Southern Pines is a haven for horse enthusiasts who revel in its pristine trails and equestrian events, making it a perfect place to embrace the equestrian lifestyle.
Beyond its stunning natural allure, Southern Pines boasts a vibrant downtown that pulses with life through its unique shops, delightful cafes, and a host of locally-owned restaurants. Residents often gather for community events, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that’s both authentic and invigorating. The arts thrive here, too, with galleries and local theaters that offer a range of cultural experiences, ensuring there's always something new to inspire creativity.
With its top-ranked schools and a commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment, Southern Pines is an ideal place for families or those seeking a quieter pace without sacrificing access to modern amenities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthu...
Embrace Serene Charm in Southern Pines,
4 | HelloSouthern Pines, North Carolina • Spring Issue
Embrace Serene Charm in Southern Pines, North Carolina
Southern Pines, North Carolina, offers a serene blend of small-town charisma and cultural richness that welcomes residents and visitors alike. Known for its enchanting pine forests and scenic landscapes, the town provides an inviting escape where natural beauty and friendly community spirit coexist harmoniously. Rich in equestrian traditions, Southern Pines is a haven for horse enthusiasts who revel in its pristine trails and equestrian events, making it a perfect place to embrace the equestrian lifestyle.
Beyond its stunning natural allure, Southern Pines boasts a vibrant downtown that pulses with life through its unique shops, delightful cafes, and a host of locally-owned restaurants. Residents often gather for community events, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that’s both authentic and invigorating. The arts thrive here, too, with galleries and local theaters that offer a range of cultural experiences, ensuring there's always something new to inspire creativity.
With its top-ranked schools and a commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment, Southern Pines is an ideal place for families or those seeking a quieter pace without sacrificing access to modern amenities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone seeking a friendly and picturesque place to call home, Southern Pines promises a life enriched by nature and nurtured by community spirit.
Hello Southern Pines, North Carolina • Spring Issue |5
Embrace Serene Charm in Southern Pines,
FEATURED STORY
How to Care for a Doodle Coat at Home
by Allison Blough
A doodle’s coat can look soft and low maintenance, but it often requires steady care to stay healthy and manageable. According to guidance from Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique and groomer Allison Blough in Southern Pines, NC, doodle coats tend to be dense, curly, or a mix of textures, which makes them prone to tangling if not maintained regularly.Daily or near-daily brushing is one of the most important parts of caring for a doodle coat at home. Loose hair, dirt, and small knots can quickly build up beneath the surface, especially in areas like the ears,
6 | HelloSouthern Pines, North Carolina • Spring Issue
Allison Blough
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Allison Blough is the owner of Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique in Southern Pines, where she works closely with pets and their owners every day. With a background in public relations and equine business, she brings a thoughtful approach to animal care. She builds trust with dogs and families.
legs, and under the collar. Brushing helps prevent these small tangles from tightening into mats that are harder to remove later.Consistent brushing and routine grooming are the most effective ways to prevent painful matting in a doodle’s coat.The type of brush used can make a noticeable difference in the effectiveness of this routine. For most doodles, a slicker brush is considered one of the best tools because it can reach into dense or curly layers without pulling too harshly. Many groomers also recommend pairing a slicker brush with a metal comb to check for hidden tangles close to the skin. If the comb
Hello Southern Pines, North Carolina • Spring Issue |7
How to Care for a Doodle Coat at Home
A doodle’s coat can look soft and low maintenance, but it often requires steady care to stay healthy and manageable. According to guidance from Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique and groomer Allison Blough in Southern Pines, NC, doodle coats tend to be dense, curly, or a mix of textures, which makes them prone to tangling if not maintained regularly.
Daily or near-daily brushing is one of the most important parts of caring for a doodle coat at home. Loose hair, dirt, and small knots can quickly build up beneath the surface, especially in areas like the ears, legs, and under the collar. Brushing helps prevent these small tangles from tightening into mats that are harder to remove later.
Consistent brushing and routine grooming are the most effective ways to prevent painful matting in a doodle’s coat.
The type of brush used can make a noticeable difference in the effectiveness of this routine. For most doodles, a slicker brush is considered one of the best tools because it can reach into dense or curly layers without pulling too harshly. Many groomers also recommend pairing a slicker brush with a metal comb to check for hidden tangles close to the skin. If the comb cannot pass through easily, there may still be matting that needs attention.
Bathing is another part of coat care, though it should be done with care and proper technique. A gentle dog shampoo designed for sensitive or curly coats is often recommended. After bathing, the coat should be thoroughly dried and brushed out to avoid tangles forming as the hair dries. Allowing a doodle’s coat to air dry without brushing can lead to tight knots that are difficult to remove.
Professional grooming plays a key role in maintaining a doodle’s coat, especially in climates like Southern Pines, where humidity can contribute to matting. Most doodles benefit from grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on coat type and lifestyle. Regular trims help keep the coat at a manageable length and allow groomers to check for any developing issues.
In Southern Pines, seasonal changes can also affect coat care routines. In warmer months, more frequent brushing and shorter trims may be needed to keep the dog comfortable, while in cooler months, slightly longer styles may be possible. However, even in winter, consistent brushing remains essential to prevent matting under thicker growth.
At home, owners should also pay attention to high-friction areas where tangles form more quickly. Spots like the back of the ears, under the legs, and around the tail often need extra care. Taking a few minutes each day to address these areas can help avoid larger grooming challenges later.
Caring for a doodle coat is less about occasional effort and more about steady, simple routines. With the right tools, regular brushing, and a consistent grooming schedule, the coat can stay clean, soft, and comfortable year-round.
Guidance from experienced groomers, such as those at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique, highlights that prevention is always easier than correcting advanced matting.
Consistent brushing and routinegrooming are the mosteffective ways to preventpainful matting in adoodle’s coat.
cannot pass through easily, there may still be matting that needs attention.Bathing is another part of coat care, though it should be done with care and proper technique. A gentle dog shampoo designed for sensitive or curly coats is often recommended. After bathing, the coat should be thoroughly dried and brushed out to avoid tangles forming as the hair dries. Allowing a doodle’s coat to air dry without brushing can lead to tight knots that are difficult to remove....
FEATURED STORY
Why Nail Trims Stress Dogs and How to Help
by Allison Blough
Dogs often show stress during nail trims, and the reasons are more complex than simple dislike. Many dogs have sensitive paws, and the pressure from clippers can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. In some cases, a quick cut too close to the nail’s blood vessel can create lasting fear. Even one negative experience may lead a dog to associate nail care with pain or restraint.Handling also plays a role in this reaction. Dogs that are not used to having their paws touched may feel vulnerable when someone holds their feet. This is especially true for dogs that were not
8 | HelloSouthern Pines, North Carolina • Spring Issue
Allison Blough
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Allison Blough is the owner of Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique in Southern Pines, where she works closely with pets and their owners every day. With a background in public relations and equine business, she brings a thoughtful approach to animal care. She builds trust with dogs and families.
introduced to grooming routines early in life. When a dog cannot predict what will happen next, anxiety often increases, making the experience more difficult for both the pet and the handler.In places like Southern Pines, where many pet owners balance active outdoor lifestyles with regular grooming needs, consistency becomes an important factor. Regular nail trims help prevent overgrowth, which can alter a dog's gait and increase discomfort over time. Short, routine sessions tend to be more effective than waiting until nails are long and require more handling.A calm, gradual approach to nail care can
Hello Southern Pines, North Carolina • Spring Issue |9
Why Nail Trims Stress Dogs and How to Help
Dogs often show stress during nail trims, and the reasons are more complex than simple dislike. Many dogs have sensitive paws, and the pressure from clippers can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. In some cases, a quick cut too close to the nail’s blood vessel can create lasting fear. Even one negative experience may lead a dog to associate nail care with pain or restraint.
Handling also plays a role in this reaction. Dogs that are not used to having their paws touched may feel vulnerable when someone holds their feet. This is especially true for dogs that were not introduced to grooming routines early in life. When a dog cannot predict what will happen next, anxiety often increases, making the experience more difficult for both the pet and the handler.
In places like Southern Pines, where many pet owners balance active outdoor lifestyles with regular grooming needs, consistency becomes an important factor. Regular nail trims help prevent overgrowth, which can alter a dog's gait and increase discomfort over time. Short, routine sessions tend to be more effective than waiting until nails are long and require more handling.
A calm, gradual approach to nail care can significantly reduce a dog’s stress and build long-term comfort with grooming routines.
One of the most effective ways to ease nail trim anxiety is through gradual desensitization. This process involves getting the dog comfortable with each step before moving forward. It may start with simply touching the paws, followed by holding them briefly, and eventually introducing the sound and sight of nail clippers. Pairing each step with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, helps create a more positive association.
The environment also matters. A quiet, familiar space can help a dog feel more secure during grooming. Loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar surroundings may increase stress levels. Professional grooming settings, like those in Southern Pines, often focus on maintaining calm environments with experienced handlers who understand canine body language.
Recognizing signs of stress is key to improving the experience. Dogs may show subtle signals before reacting more strongly. Common signs include pulling back their paws, licking their lips, yawning, or turning their head to avoid eye contact. More obvious signs include trembling, whining, or attempting to escape. When these signals appear, it is often a sign that the dog needs a break or a slower approach.
Some dogs resist nail trims due to past experiences, while others simply need more time to adjust. Patience plays a major role in building trust. Rushing the process can reinforce fear, while steady, calm handling helps the dog learn that the experience is safe. Over time, many dogs become more tolerant, especially when grooming is consistent and predictable.
Professional groomers, such as those at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique under Allison Blough in Southern Pines, often work with dogs that have varying levels of anxiety. Their experience allows them to adjust techniques based on each dog’s behavior, using gentle handling and structured routines to reduce stress. This approach can be especially helpful for dogs that struggle with nail trims at home.
Ultimately, nail trimming does not have to be a stressful event. With regular care, positive reinforcement, and attention to a dog’s comfort level, many pets learn to tolerate or even relax during grooming sessions. Building that trust takes time, but it leads to a safer and more manageable experience for everyone involved.
significantly reduce a dog’s stress and build long-term comfort with grooming routines.One of the most effective ways to ease nail trim anxiety is through gradual desensitization. This process involves getting the dog comfortable with each step before moving forward. It may start with simply touching the paws, followed by holding them briefly, and eventually introducing the sound and sight of nail clippers. Pairing each step with positive reinforcement, such as treats or...
