Dog Grooming Tips

How To Serve Dogs While Still Protecting Ourselves From Unrealistic Expectations

How To Serve Dogs While Still Protecting Ourselves From Unrealistic Expectations

In a recent post, a groomer shared the tale of the ‘Christmas Doodle’ – a scenario many of us will recognise all too well. A desperate carer, having left their booking far too late, frantically seeks help for a “one-off” groom before the festivities. But here’s the plot twist: this isn’t one of your regular clients and as it happens, the dog hasn’t been groomed in months and arrives at your salon severely matted. Despite failing to answer any pre-appointment questions, your conscience won’t allow you to refuse the dog your services and so you welcome them in nonetheless. The carer however now expects a festive miracle when they insist that their dog’s coat remains intact and in full breed standard glory!

read more
Why I Would NEVER Use Drying Cabinets: The Science Behind Safer Dog Drying Methods

Why I Would NEVER Use Drying Cabinets: The Science Behind Safer Dog Drying Methods

For many years now, we’ve been hearing that drying cabinets are a really great way to successfully dry nervous dogs but also to free up time and hands in a busy grooming environment. In fact, just the other day, I came across an advertisement for a new brand of drying cabinet, selling the same pitch but to the dog carer community. This particular company was using words like “relaxation” and “happy dog”, to convince people that their device was not only convenient but also an enjoyable experience for dogs (this was despite the dog in the advert looking completely traumatised while placed in one to demonstrate).

read more
Why Neck Restraints in Dog Grooming Are Dangerous: The Science Behind Safer Alternatives

Why Neck Restraints in Dog Grooming Are Dangerous: The Science Behind Safer Alternatives

Conventional grooming processes often encourage the use of neck nooses when working with dogs on grooming tables and during bath time, as well as the use of slip leads for transporting dogs from one post to another, as physical safety devices in place to keep dogs free from injury and/or harm. Meanwhile, The Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Protocol goes against this tradition and encourages students to ditch the neck devices entirely and opt for harnesses and/or cooperative methods of handling instead. Conventional grooming processes often encourage the use of neck nooses when working with dogs on grooming tables and during bath time, as well as the use of slip leads for transporting dogs from one post to another, as physical safety devices in place to keep dogs free from injury and/or harm.

read more