Turf install starts the week of Oct 5. We’re staying open, but book October daycare early. What we’re doing and why
Dog post-groom with bandana, looking clean and content

Grooming

Care you can see.

One dog, one groomer, start to finish. No assembly line, no rushed appointments, no shortcuts. Bath, full groom, breed-specific cuts, all done at the dog's pace.

4.8 ★ 290+ REVIEWSBEST OF SUN PRAIRIE 2026 (GOLD)
5,600+ FAMILIES10 YEARS IN SUN PRAIRIE

What to expect

How appointments work.

Your dog. Your groomer. On their timing.

Customer scheduling grooming appointment on phone

Book

Schedule online anytime through your customer account, or call us. Saturday appointments available. Reservations are usually open within a week or two, just not same-day.

1
Dog arriving for grooming appointment, handler greeting at door

Drop Off

Arrive at your appointment time. Your dog stays for the duration of their groom, usually 2-4 hours depending on coat and service. Boarding or daycare dogs can be groomed during their stay.

2
Groomer working carefully on dog coat, focused and calm

One-on-One with Your Groomer

Your dog works with one groomer for the entire appointment. Same hands, start to finish. No assembly-line bathing then handing off for the cut. The pace fits the dog, not the schedule.

3
Happy freshly groomed dog with bandana, owner reuniting

Pickup

You'll get a call or text when your dog is ready. We'll walk you through what was done, anything we noticed, and suggestions for next time.

4

The team

Meet the groomers.

Three experienced groomers. Different specialties. Same patient approach.

Emma the groomer, friendly portrait

Emma

Original groomer.

Leader of the Pack's original groomer. Started as a dog handler here and trained into grooming. Years of experience with the regulars, and the dogs know her.

Cali the groomer, calm and approachable portrait

Cali

Best with anxious dogs.

Grooming since 2023, with a background in dog daycare. Especially patient with timid or anxious dogs who need extra time to feel safe.

Ella the groomer, experienced and confident portrait

Ella

14 years of experience.

Grew up in Sun Prairie and brings 14 years of grooming experience to Leader of the Pack. Has managed a grooming salon and run her own shop. Focused on calm, one-on-one grooming.

What you get

What’s included in a groom.

Every appointment includes:

  • Bath with breed-appropriate shampoo
  • Towel and blow dry
  • Brush out and de-shedding as needed
  • Nail trim
  • Ear cleaning
  • Sanitary trim
  • Paw pad trim
  • Pre-groom and post-groom inspection

For full grooms, we also do:

  • Breed-specific cut or owner-requested style
  • Face, feet, and tail shaping
  • Final brush out and finish
  • Bandana or bow
Freshly groomed dog with a floral bandana sitting on the grooming table
Mary, Ray, and their daughter Emma standing in front of the Leader of the Pack building

The short version

Family-owned. Purpose-built.

Who we are

We’re Mary and Ray, and we started this because we needed better care for our own two dogs, Breck and Gil. Ten years later, our own dogs still come here, and so does the rest of the family, hands-on, every day.

Read the whole story

Where your dog will be

22 acres on the edge of Sun Prairie, purpose-built in 2022 around what dogs actually need. Climate-controlled rooms, glass garage doors to the yards, wooded trails out back.

See the facility
4.8

Rated by 297+ Google reviews · Best of Sun Prairie 2026 (gold) & 2026 Best of Madison (silver)

Why us

Why families bring their dogs here.

Family-Run, Ten Years Strong

Built for Dogs, Not Adapted for Them

A Place for Every Dog

Recognized by the Community

What it costs

Pricing varies by dog.

Grooming pricing depends on your dog’s size, coat type, and condition. Rather than list prices that might not fit your dog, we’ll give you a clear quote when you book. We’re upfront about what things cost and there are no surprises at pickup.

Bath & Tidy

Bath, dry, brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim. Best for dogs that don't need a haircut.

Book Bath & Tidy
Recommended

Full Groom

Everything in Bath & Tidy plus a breed-specific or owner-requested cut, with face, feet, and tail shaping. Best for most coat types.

Book Full Groom

Specialty / Long Coat

Full groom with extended time for matted or long coats. Dematting or strip-down options available. Best for poodles, doodles, and long-haired breeds.

Book Specialty / Long Coat

Add-ons available: tooth brushing, premium shampoos, paw balm, breed-specific finishes. We’ll confirm pricing during booking.

Common questions

Grooming, answered.

How do appointments work?

Grooming is by appointment only. You can book online through the customer portal or give us a call. We groom one dog at a time, never rushed, never assembly-line. Your dog's entire groom is handled start to finish by one groomer, each with 3+ years of hands-on experience, most more, not passed between whoever's free. Most appointments take 2 to 4 hours depending on size, coat, and condition.

My dog is anxious about grooming. Can you handle that?

Yes, and Cali is especially good with anxious dogs. She's trained for it and has the patience that makes the difference. We don't use harsh restraints, ever. We move at your dog's pace, take breaks when needed, and if we have to split a groom into two appointments to get it done comfortably, we will. The goal is a calm dog, not a perfect haircut on the first try.

Can I request a specific groomer?

Yes. You can request Emma, Cali, or Ella when you book. We'll do our best to schedule with your preferred groomer, and you'll talk directly with them before and after the appointment, not a front-desk go-between.

How often should I groom my dog?

Most dogs do well every 4 to 8 weeks. Long-coated breeds typically need more frequent appointments. We'll recommend a schedule based on your dog's coat at the first appointment.

Do you offer quick services like just a nail trim?

Yes. Nail trims, ear cleanings, and similar quick services can be booked individually. Easier to schedule ahead than walk in, especially during busy times.

What if my dog doesn't usually let people touch their paws, ears, or face?

All of our groomers have years of experience working with dogs who have sensitive spots. We take our time, work in a compassionate fear-free way, and skip what needs skipping. If your dog has specific worry zones, tell us at drop-off. We'll go slowly, take breaks, and figure it out together.

What families say

From the dog parents.

“Our dog was groomed by Ella. Her hair was cut to the same length all around along with the normal nail trim, ear cleaning and gland clearing. She looks great! When I picked her up she seemed so happy.”

MC

“Cali takes great care of my corgi-poo, Jovi. He's a very nervous dog so she takes her time and makes him comfortable. They even sent me a picture of him with his new cut, I can never get him to stand still when I try!”

Nicole

“Zander is a big fan of getting his grooming done there.”

Jeremy

“Reasonable prices, quick booking for grooming, and personalized report cards for daycare that included photos of my dog as well as reports on his demeanor and activities. I would highly recommend.”

Nick

As voted by our neighbors

Nominated and voted for by Sun Prairie and Madison families.

No closed-door panel. Local families nominate and vote for their favorites every year. We're honored to have won gold for Best of Sun Prairie in 2026, a step up from silver the year before, and silver for Best of Madison in 2026.

Madison Magazine's Best of Madison 2026 Silver Winner badge

Best of Madison

2026 Winner

Silver

Best of Sun Prairie 2026 Gold Winner badge

Best of Sun Prairie

2026 Winner

Gold

Best of Sun Prairie 2025 Runner-Up badge

Best of Sun Prairie

2025 Runner-Up

Silver

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