March 18th, 2021

Building a relationship

When new K9 clients arrive for their first groom with me, its really important to make the dogs feel at ease. Leaving your dog with a new person can be a little bit daunting, particularly at the moment with the current pandemic situation.

Our dogs have spent more time with us over the last 12 months than they probably have ever! So lately groomers will have noticed a little bit of seperation anxiety, as our dogs have to leave us for even the shortest amount of time (like trying to go to the toilet in peace!).

As your groomer, its my job to make your dog feel at home and body language is everything to a dog. That may mean me getting down on the floor with your dog (dont worry about the muddy paws..im used to it!) letting them climb on my lap and having a good fuss.

I've had some really great feedback lately abour how lovely it is for an owner, to see their dog pulling them all the way to my gate to get in.

Heres a little example of what good relationship between your dog and their groomer can do...

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Here is the lovely Charlie. Hes a very sensitive Cavachon that used to find going to the groomers really stressful.

When Charlie arrived for his first groom with me about 3 years ago, he was letting out a high pitched anxious screach, panting and desperately trying to tell his owner he wasnt happy.

Charlie tried to bite several times when being groomed and screamed at the hair drier. It was clear he didnt find the grooming process relaxing at all. His owner had told me he hated going to his previous groomer and it really stressed him out

Over the next few months i worked on showing Charlie that grooming didnt need to be stressful.
After about 6 months, Charlie stopped the anxious screach on arrival, stopped biting everytime a brush or comb went near his legs and accepted the drying process.

Fast forward a few years and now Charlie really loves being pampered. He is on a 6 week grooming routine to prevent any matting, which enables Charlie to enjoy his grooms. I'd even go as far as to say hes one of my easiest clients! Hard to believe the dog he used to be.

It just proves how important the right groomer/dog relationship is.