A Gentle Approach to Grooming – Helping Dogs Feel Safe, Seen and Supported

If you’ve ever had a dog who finds grooming stressful, you’ll know how disheartening it can be. Maybe they shake on the way to the salon, hide from the brush, or growl when their paws are touched. I see these dogs every day — and I know they’re not “difficult.” They’re just scared or unsure. My work is about changing that story.

Cormac has recently started a package of Sensory Sessions to help with his paw sensitivity

My Approach

I offer grooming that goes at your dog’s pace. That means time, patience, and a structure that helps them feel safe before any grooming takes place. Rather than pushing through fear, I focus on their experience rather than the finished groom, building their comfort and cooperation through positive reinforcement and choice-based handling.

Every session is built around trust — from gentle introductions to tools, to short, rewarding visits that help your dog learn that grooming doesn’t have to be scary. There's no way of knowing how long each dog will take to overcome their fears. Food rewards are my main tool for communication and reassurance. I don’t expect praise alone to carry the weight of emotional change — a dog’s brain learns through positive experiences, one small success at a time.

Rosie’s been scared of clippers, so we’re working slowly with brushing and light scissor work to help her feel safe. Her coat might look a bit choppy, but she’s relaxed — and that’s real progress.

A Behavioural Approach to Grooming

Understanding behaviour and body language is at the heart of my work. Before a brush or clipper even comes out, I’m paying attention to your dog’s body language — their breathing, posture, facial expression, and the tiny signals that tell me how they’re feeling. Every blink, lick, weight shift or head turn is a piece of communication. When we listen to those signals and respond calmly, we show the dog that their voice matters — and that’s where trust begins.

I use body language not only to read how a dog is coping, but also to speak back to them in a way they understand. That might mean softening my movements, turning my body slightly to reduce pressure, pausing when they look away, or waiting for a small sign that they’re ready to continue. These quiet exchanges create a two-way conversation — one built on consent, trust, and mutual understanding.

Charlie the Romanian rescue dog, uses his body language to communicate to his mum when he needs to pause

This behavioural approach helps reduce anxiety, prevent defensive reactions, and create a sense of partnership. It’s about helping each dog realise that grooming isn’t something done to them, but something we do together.

Who I Help

Most of the dogs I work with have had negative grooming experiences in the past. Some have health issues which means grooming has been painful, some have been sedated for grooming at their vet, some have a history of aggression or severe avoidance, and others are simply overwhelmed by the salon environment and the process of clipping and trimming has become unsafe for them. I also work with guardians who want to rebuild their dog’s confidence and make grooming something peaceful and achievable again, and those who want to learn to groom their own dog at home.

If you’ve been turned away from a traditional salon, or you’ve found grooming appointments stressful for both you and your dog, my services are designed for you.

Boomer previously needed grooming from his vet under anesthetic because he was so nervous, grooming had become unsafe and impossible. He started fortnightly Supported Grooming sessions for a few months, now he copes really well with visits every 8 weeks. The finished look may not be perfect, but grooming is now a safe and positive experience for him.

What I Need from Guardians

Working with dogs who feel anxious about grooming is a partnership (whether you stay during sessions or not) — between me, your dog, you, and often other professionals. Lasting progress happens when everyone is on the same team and we all commit to helping your dog feel safe and understood.

Here’s what really helps:

1. Patience and consistency

Behavioural grooming isn’t a quick fix. It’s about rebuilding trust one step at a time. Progress might look slow at first — shorter sessions, messy coats, or a partial trim — but those moments of calm cooperation are the real victories. Most dogs didn't develop their fears overnight, so they aren't going to overcome them in one or two sessions. I ask guardians to celebrate those small wins with me, and to stay patient as their dog learns over time that grooming can be safe.

2. Commitment to the process

The work doesn’t end when your dog leaves the salon. Between sessions, I’ll often suggest simple at-home activities — like gentle paw handling, introducing a brush in a relaxed moment, or practising calm arrival routines. These small bits of practice keep your dog’s confidence growing and make each visit smoother.

3. Honest communication

Every dog’s story is different. The more I know about their history, triggers, health, and daily routines, the better I can support them. Please share what you notice — even tiny details like when they start panting, licking their lips, or turning away from certain tools. Those observations help me tailor each session and protect your dog’s emotional wellbeing.

4. Trust in the process

Sometimes we’ll pause or change the plan mid-session. That doesn’t mean failure — it means we’re listening. If a dog tells us they’ve had enough, I’ll always prioritise safety and emotional welfare over a “finished groom.” Trust that every gentle, respectful choice is moving your dog forward.

5. Kindness — to your dog, to yourself, and to me

Living with a sensitive dog can be emotional and, at times, frustrating. I know, I've been there. Please remember: you’re doing something wonderful by seeking help and choosing a calmer path. I’m here to support both of you through it. As for me, please remember that I always have your dog's best interests at heart, and I can only do what feels safe at the time, even if that means your dog goes home unfinished. Kindness matters.

6. Working Together with Other Professionals

Sometimes, the kindest and most effective way to help your dog is by involving other professionals such as your vet, veterinary physiotherapist, or qualified trainer or behaviourist. Pain, discomfort, or underlying anxiety can often influence how a dog feels about grooming, and it’s important that we address the whole picture — not just what happens in the salon. I may suggest a check-up or collaboration if I notice signs that your dog could benefit from extra support. Working as part of a team ensures your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing are always at the heart of every decision we make.

Ru going back to basics with paw desensitisation during her Sensory Sessions package. Her guardian stays throughout to offer Ru support and learn techniques to follow on with at home

When I Might Work Without a Guardian Present

In most cases, I welcome guardians to be involved — especially during early sessions when their presence helps their dog feel secure. However, there are times when a dog may find it easier to relax without their guardian in the room. Some dogs become more alert or protective when their person is nearby, and that extra layer of emotion can make it harder for them to settle or focus on me or the grooming itself. Many dogs I work with started off sessions to build their confidence with their guardian present, then moved on drop-off sessions once they felt more comfortable.

If I suggest working one-to-one, it’s never about excluding you — it’s about giving your dog the best chance to feel calm and confident. I always make this decision based on careful observation and discussion with you, and I’ll keep you updated on how your dog is coping at every step through chats and videos. The goal is always the same: to help them feel safe, understood, and genuinely comfortable with grooming.

Harvey is dropped off by his guardian for monthly Supported Grooming sessions. He is overcoming his worries about grooming through cooperative care games, and his ball as a reward.

Services I Offer

Introduction Appointments: the first step for all new clients, where we meet your dog in a calm, low-pressure setting and begin to understand how they respond to handling and the grooming environment.

Sensory Sessions: gentle, low-pressure introductions to grooming tools and handling, designed to build positive associations and body confidence.

Supported Grooming: slower-paced, partnership-based grooming sessions for dogs still learning to cope with touch, tools, or restraint.

Reintroduction to Grooming Package: a structured, step-by-step plan that rebuilds trust through short, positive sessions, helping fearful dogs return to full grooming over time.

Learn to Groom Your Own Dog: a supportive, practical package for guardians who want to build skills and confidence in gentle, fear-free grooming techniques tailored to their own dog.

Each service is tailored to the individual dog — their history, their comfort level, and their communication style. Progress is measured not just in the haircut, but in the tail wags, relaxed muscles, and willingness to stay engaged. Click here to read more about the services I offer.

Gorgeous Obie, showing what is possible by slowing everything down, and allowing the dog to have more control. His guardians and I have worked together to teach Obie cooperative care techniques which he really enjoys. He has a short, neat clip, and only needs to visit every 8 weeks now

Why It Matters

Grooming isn’t just about appearance — it’s an essential part of your dog’s wellbeing. When we slow down, observe, and respond to what a dog is telling us, we help them feel safe enough to take part in their own care.

My goal is for every dog I work with to feel calm, confident, and understood — and for every guardian to feel supported throughout the process. Because when trust replaces fear, grooming becomes something gentle, kind, and shared.

If you think your dog would benefit from a calm, trust-based approach to grooming, I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch to book an Introduction Appointment or to discuss which of my services might be the best fit for your dog.

I look forward to meeting you and your four-legged friend,

Louise