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In a hurry? Call or text (669) 281-0022 and Ace will book you directly.
In a hurry? Call or text (669) 281-0022 and Ace will book you directly.
A shepherd sheds every day, and harder twice a year. The usual response, washing more and scrubbing harder, is the one thing this breed's skin will not tolerate. Here is what works instead.
A thick undercoat under a coarse guard coat. The nickname german shedder is earned.
The undercoat turns over all year, then releases in bulk each spring and fall on top of that.
GSDs are prone to allergies, dryness, and hot spots. Harsh shampoo and extra baths make shedding dogs itchy dogs.
Our large wash ($115) plus the $15 de-shed. A smaller female under 60 lbs is $110.
A german shepherd wears a thick, soft undercoat under a coarse, straight guard coat. The guard coat is the weather shell. The undercoat is insulation, and it is always being replaced: old hairs die, get trapped under the guard coat, and work loose onto whatever the dog leans on. That is why a GSD owner sweeps every day, not just in spring and fall. The packed undercoat is also what mats first, at the rump, the britches, and the base of the tail, where the coat is thickest and the dog sits on it.
More scrubbing is not the fix. Shepherds are one of the more skin-sensitive large breeds. Harsh shampoo or baths every week strip the coat oils and bring on the dryness, dandruff, and itching owners were trying to wash away. If your shepherd is still itchy a week after a gentle bath and a full dry, ask your vet. Our german shepherd bathing guide has the bath interval that keeps both the coat and the skin happy.
A shepherd drops undercoat every day. This is the fur on the floor on a normal Tuesday, and it is handled by brushing two or three times a week plus a de-shed with each regular bath.
The winter undercoat lets go in tufts. Brush daily and tighten the bath interval for a visit or two; two de-shed baths usually clear a blow.
Shortening daylight triggers the swap to a winter undercoat, even when the South Bay is still warm. Same plan as spring: daily brushing and one or two de-sheds in the middle of it.
Why the fall blow arrives in a warm September: the fall coat blow guide.
Rake the undercoat two or three times a week, following the lay of the coat, with extra passes over the rump and britches. During a blow, go daily with shorter sessions. A slicker afterward tidies the guard coat. Brush dry, not damp, and stop on any spot where the skin turns pink: on a shepherd that is the start of irritation, not a sign you are getting more fur out.
For the home basics that apply to every coat, see how to reduce dog shedding. For which tool to buy, see furminator vs undercoat rake.
We start at the rump, the britches, and the base of the tail, where packed shepherd undercoat is most likely to start matting, and loosen it before water touches the dog.
A gentle formula, worked to the skin and left to dwell, instead of a harsh one scrubbed hard. If your vet has prescribed a medicated shampoo, we use it and honor its contact time. Then a rinse that runs clear, because residue left in a coat this dense itches for days.
The forced-air dryer pushes the released undercoat out in sheets and gets the dense coat dry to the skin. A damp shepherd undercoat is how hot spots and the permanent wet-dog smell start.
A finishing brush, then a look at the skin: redness, flaking, or a hot spot starting under the coat. We tell you what we saw so you can decide whether it is worth a vet visit.
Our large wash at $115 plus the $15 de-shedding treatment, flat, with nail trimming and ear cleaning included in every wash. Smaller females under 60 lbs are our medium tier, $110 with the de-shed. Most dogs are done in 60 to 90 minutes, and a heavy coat in full blow can take up to two hours. It all happens in the van at your driveway, so the undercoat never reaches your bathroom.
The full service, and the other double-coated breeds we see, is on our de-shedding treatment page.
De-shed wash and a full forced-air dry, $130 for most shepherds at your driveway. Nails and ears included.
or text us at (669) 281-0022
Owner-operated · Local service
I run Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash myself, and I’ve brought on groomers with 12+ years of experience — so now every cut, from a tidy trim to a full breed haircut, happens in the van at your curb. Every visit is one dog at a time: warm water, a full brush-out, a proper dry, and a haircut if you want one, with no salon drive and no cage waiting. The van is open to you the whole time — stand at the door and watch every minute if you like. Big dogs, heavy shedders and nervous seniors are the reason this service exists.
What our customers say
Wonderful experience! Ace did an amazing job grooming my Siberian Husky. She can be a little difficult and anxious during grooming, but Ace was incredibly calm and patient, which really helped keep her calm and comfortable too. She looked absolutely beautiful, clean, and fluffy when he was finished. I really appreciated the care and attention Ace gave her and would definitely recommend!
Ace at Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash was absolutely wonderful with my senior dog. He was so gentle and patient with him, which meant everything to me given his age -- I could tell he genuinely cared about his comfort throughout the whole process. Beyond the excellent care, Ace was warm, loving, and clearly an animal lover at heart, while also being completely professional from start to finish. It's rare to find someone who balances that kind of tenderness with real expertise, and my dog came out looking and smelling great without a hint of stress. Highly recommend Ace and Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash. Price is great!
Ace was punctual & accommodating. He was friendly & outgoing not only me & my husband but toward the dogs as well, calling them by name on our very first booking. Dogs came home clean & unstressed which is never the case when they’re washed at the groomer’s shop, around other dogs. Highly recommend.
Wonderful experience! Ace did an amazing job grooming my Siberian Husky. She can be a little difficult and anxious during grooming, but Ace was incredibly calm and patient, which really helped keep her calm and comfortable too. She looked absolutely beautiful, clean, and fluffy when he was finished. I really appreciated the care and attention Ace gave her and would definitely recommend!
We booked Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash for our 90-lb German Shepherd, Koda, who hates the groomer. Ace parked the van right in our driveway in Willow Glen, walked her up the ramp himself — no lifting, no cage, no other dogs — and I watched the whole wash from my doorstep. Bath, nails, ears, and she came back inside dry and calm. Flat $95 exactly as the website said, no surprise charges. We've already booked next month. 😊❤️
Ace did a great job with our little old chihuahua mix. Our appointment was for the evening and he came prepared with warm water, and made our sure our dog was comfortable the entire time. Don't let the lack of reviews on yelp scare you away, his prices are good, and he takes time to ensure that good work is done.
He did such an amazing job with my dog! He came out looking so nice, clean, and well-groomed, but what stood out to me most was how happy and comfortable he seemed afterward. You can really tell he was treated with care throughout the entire process. I'm extremely pleased with how everything turned out and would definitely recommend him!
Overall, we had a very positive experience with our first mobile grooming appointment. Although he arrived a little late due to a minor scheduling miscommunication, Ace was very kind, communicative, and especially patient with our dog, who can be anxious about grooming. He took the time to help him feel comfortable, completed the grooming efficiently, and our dog seemed happy and in great spirits afterward. We really appreciated his gentle approach and care!
SUCH a great - and easy! - experience! Asa was immediately responsive (I love when businesses actually answer their phone!), worked Moose in within 24 hours, was communicative throughout, bought unscented products specifically for us, did a great job with my 12 year old doodle … all in all: amazing service!
Ace at Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash was absolutely wonderful with my senior dog. He was so gentle and patient with him, which meant everything to me given his age — I could tell he genuinely cared about his comfort throughout the whole process. Beyond the excellent care, Ace was warm, loving, and clearly an animal lover at heart, while also being completely professional from start to finish. It's rare to find someone who balances that kind of tenderness with real expertise, and my dog came out looking and smelling great without a hint of stress. Highly recommend Ace and Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash.
Ace was great with my 3 small dogs. They got washed and towel dried, their ears checked, their nails trimmed. One star off because he trimmed one nail too far and it bled for a long time, plus distressed my already anxious dog. Important to know that this service isn't van-based (yet). Ace brings a portable wash station to set up outside. He brings his own water and supplies. He doesn't do any hair cuts, just basic wash and towel dry. I'll call him again in the future!
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