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What is Fear Free Grooming?
Grooming doesn’t need to be stressful for your pet. In fact, a trip to the groomer can be relaxing and even enjoyable. With positive training methods, compassion, and a little bit of patience, your pet can have a stress-free grooming experience for years to come.
As a Fear Free Certified Groomer and trainer, I am committed to making your pet’s “spaw” day fun and relaxing! I do not expect your pet to love every part of the groom as we know there are aspects of grooming that are not always pleasant. The goal for these procedures is to help your pet feel as calm and comfortable as possible. This is achieved through a combination of reward-based training and desensitization. Teamwork makes the dreamwork! I will work closely with YOU and your pet to accomplish a Fear Free “spaw” day!
What to Expect
Meet and Treat: Before we start with actual grooming procedures, I will take the time to get to know your pet with a “meet and treat”. I want your pet to feel comfortable with the whole grooming experience, starting right at the door. This meeting also allows me the opportunity to assess your pet’s comfort level in the salon.
Treats... lots of treats! Bring your pet hungry because we all know the best way to their hearts! I use reward-based training techniques to help your pet feel comfortable and safe. If your pet has allergies or is on a diet, please bring some of their favorite treats from home.
We interrupt your regularly scheduled program: Some pets may find certain grooming procedures to be very frightening or just plain uncomfortable. I will likely be giving you some homework and offering shorter, more focused grooming appointments to work on the issue.
What makes me different?
I value humanity over vanity above all else. The average pet visits the groomer every 1 to 3 months for pawdicures, baths, and/or a full haircut. That means your pet will spend a good portion of their life at the grooming salon. Some pets go years experiencing intense fear and anxiety related to grooming. Science tells us that repeated exposure to stress causes a plethora of health issues for pets and humans! With Fear Free grooming, I will not ignore your pet’s fear response in the name of getting the job done. I always use a gentle touch, never causing pain or using intimidation. I work hard to provide a calm and relaxing salon environment. Your pet will be spoiled with yummy treats and lots of love! Tables and tubs have non-slip surfaces to ensure your pet feels stable and supported throughout the groom. Calming music is played and pheromones diffused to create a soothing and serene atmosphere. Hearing protection is available to help pets feel more relaxed during noisy procedures such as drying and clipper use. If your pet is experiencing high levels of stress, the appointment will need to be broken down into multiple visits to work through these fears, rather than overwhelm your pet. Your pet may need to be desensitized to equipment slowly. If your pet has a previous negative association with equipment or a procedure (such as a nail trim or a bath, for example) this will require a more gradual breakdown to reintroduce your pet to the item or procedure to develop a positive association.
