Keep your furry friend cool, comfortable, and healthy this summer with our expert grooming tips and services. From de-shedding treatments to summer clips, McKinnon’s Dog Wash helps dogs across the Illawarra and South Coast look and feel their best in the warmer months.
Read MoreEvery Dog Deserves a Little Luxury
Award-winning grooming and personalised canine training for dogs of all ages and personalities.
Known for our calm, thoughtful approach, we’re trusted by families with everything from confident companions to dogs who need a little extra care.
ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM UPGRADES
Our new online booking system is currently being built and has been activated for our Unanderra Salon!
For apointmtents to our Robertson Salon and Behavioural Services, please message us online or by contacting 0434 892 844
For apointmtents to our Robertson Salon and Behavioural Services, please message us online or by contacting 0434 892 844
Why McKinnons?
At McKinnon’s, we believe every dog deserves care, patience, and a positive experience — whether they’re visiting us for routine grooming, training, or a little extra support along the way.
Founded by Mel and James, we’ve proudly served the Illawarra, South Coast, and Highlands for over seven years.
During that time, we recognised a growing need for specialised grooming and training approaches that support a wider range of canine needs — from confident family pets to dogs requiring more individualised care.
Our award-winning business, recognised with the 2025 Local Business Award for Outstanding Pet Care, is home to a team of highly skilled groomers and qualified behaviourists. We combine professional grooming with evidence-based behavioural support to help dogs feel safe, build confidence, and enjoy their time in the salon.
We prioritise calm handling, trust-building, and positive techniques. Sedation is not part of our approach, and safety equipment such as muzzles is used only when absolutely necessary and always with the dog’s wellbeing in mind.
At McKinnon’s, we’re more than just groomers — we’re a trusted partner in your dog’s care, offering grooming, training, and behavioural support under one roof.
Founded by Mel and James, we’ve proudly served the Illawarra, South Coast, and Highlands for over seven years.
During that time, we recognised a growing need for specialised grooming and training approaches that support a wider range of canine needs — from confident family pets to dogs requiring more individualised care.
Our award-winning business, recognised with the 2025 Local Business Award for Outstanding Pet Care, is home to a team of highly skilled groomers and qualified behaviourists. We combine professional grooming with evidence-based behavioural support to help dogs feel safe, build confidence, and enjoy their time in the salon.
We prioritise calm handling, trust-building, and positive techniques. Sedation is not part of our approach, and safety equipment such as muzzles is used only when absolutely necessary and always with the dog’s wellbeing in mind.
At McKinnon’s, we’re more than just groomers — we’re a trusted partner in your dog’s care, offering grooming, training, and behavioural support under one roof.
Grooming Services
Expert Grooming, Right Here in Unanderra
At McKinnons, we’re all about making dog grooming a calm, positive experience — for you and your pup.
Whether your dog is here for a tidy-up, a full groom, or a fresh breed-specific style, you can feel confident they’re in kind, capable hands.
Our experienced team brings a wide range of skills and real dog-lover patience.
We’re especially passionate about supporting dogs who find grooming stressful.
If your pup has anxiety, fear, reactivity, or has had a tough grooming experience in the past, we take things slowly and gently, always working at their pace.
From the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, our goal is simple:
to help every dog feel safe, comfortable, and cared for — and to head home looking (and feeling) their absolute best.
Because every dog deserves to be groomed with understanding, not pressure.
At McKinnons, we’re all about making dog grooming a calm, positive experience — for you and your pup.
Whether your dog is here for a tidy-up, a full groom, or a fresh breed-specific style, you can feel confident they’re in kind, capable hands.
Our experienced team brings a wide range of skills and real dog-lover patience.
We’re especially passionate about supporting dogs who find grooming stressful.
If your pup has anxiety, fear, reactivity, or has had a tough grooming experience in the past, we take things slowly and gently, always working at their pace.
From the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, our goal is simple:
to help every dog feel safe, comfortable, and cared for — and to head home looking (and feeling) their absolute best.
Because every dog deserves to be groomed with understanding, not pressure.
Behavioural & Training Services
Behaviour & Training, Built Around Your Dog
At McKinnons, our Behaviour and Training Services are designed to support dogs who need a little extra understanding — and owners who want practical, lasting results.
We work with puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, specialising in anxiety, fear, reactivity, over-arousal, and other challenging behaviours that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. Our approach is calm, structured, and kind.
There’s no one-size-fits-all training here — every dog learns differently, and we take the time to understand what’s driving their behaviour before creating a plan that truly suits them.
Whether you’re working through big emotions, building confidence, or laying strong foundations for a young dog, we focus on progress that feels achievable and safe.
Sessions are delivered in the environment that best supports your dog’s needs and goals — at home, out in the real world, or in controlled settings where learning can happen without pressure.
At every step, our aim is simple: to help dogs feel more secure, more confident, and better able to cope with their world — while giving owners the skills and support to guide them clearly and compassionately.
Because meaningful behaviour change comes from understanding, consistency, and trust.
At McKinnons, our Behaviour and Training Services are designed to support dogs who need a little extra understanding — and owners who want practical, lasting results.
We work with puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, specialising in anxiety, fear, reactivity, over-arousal, and other challenging behaviours that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. Our approach is calm, structured, and kind.
There’s no one-size-fits-all training here — every dog learns differently, and we take the time to understand what’s driving their behaviour before creating a plan that truly suits them.
Whether you’re working through big emotions, building confidence, or laying strong foundations for a young dog, we focus on progress that feels achievable and safe.
Sessions are delivered in the environment that best supports your dog’s needs and goals — at home, out in the real world, or in controlled settings where learning can happen without pressure.
At every step, our aim is simple: to help dogs feel more secure, more confident, and better able to cope with their world — while giving owners the skills and support to guide them clearly and compassionately.
Because meaningful behaviour change comes from understanding, consistency, and trust.
Client Testimonials
Hear what our clients have to say...
Blog
Discover practical tips and expert advice on easing your dog's anxiety during grooming sessions. Our blog post 'Helping Anxious Dogs Feel Comfortable at the Groomer' offers strategies for creating a calm and reassuring experience, cultivating trust, and helping your furry friend maintain both their hygiene and happiness. Ideal for responsible pet owners seeking to improve their dog's grooming routine.
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Maintaining a winter grooming schedule for your pet needs to be kept a priority. Learn why here!
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Learn the pros and cons of professional grooming services versus DIY care.
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Explore the vital role that regular dog grooming plays in keeping your furry friend healthy and content.
Read MoreContact Us
Unanderra Salon and Retail Store
155 Princes Hwy, Unanderra, NSW
Phone
0434 892 844
melandjames@mckinnonsdogwash.com