A grooming prep guide for one of the most dog-friendly days out near Birmingham.
Chatsworth Country Fair returns 4 to 6 September 2026, and it's one of the most genuinely dog-friendly days out within reach of Birmingham. Beyond the usual fair attractions, there's have-a-go dog agility open to any breed and ability (dogs over 12 months old), a Family Fun Dog Show with categories like Best Rescue Dog and Waggiest Tail, K9 Aqua Sports, and gundog scurries open to all comers. If your dog is coming along, here's how to get them ready for a full day on their paws.
A trim needs a few days to settle, especially around the paws and face, so your dog looks and feels their best without fresh-clip sensitivity on a big active day.
A day of agility courses and grass means more impact on the paws than a normal walk. Long or split nails get uncomfortable fast, so ask your groomer for a proper trim, not just a quick file.
A quick rinse and dry after, towels, a portable dryer, or a groomer visit within a day or two, stops a damp coat from matting on the drive home.
A mat-free coat sheds dirt and grass seeds far more easily than a tangled one, and grass seeds working into a matted coat is a genuine vet-visit risk in late summer.
To find a Birmingham groomer who can fit you in before the fair, browse our directory of Birmingham dog groomers.
Book the groom a week or two out, get nails properly trimmed, and go in brushed and mat-free. Then let your dog have the best day of their year.