We've all heard about positive reinforcement in dog training; building a bond with your dog through the use of positive techniques and training and although there are alot of balanced and aversive trainers out there still, I do see alot more of the +R training out there now, in comparison to 10 years ago. But the grooming industry is so far behind. There's alot of force used and not allowing the dog choice; or not understanding the dogs body language and communication. 

Having completed numerous courses in training, behaviour, body language and also through observing dogs I groom, and my own, and also having completed the Holsitic Grooming Academy Diploma in Holistic Grooming, it fascinates me that our dogs need us to understand. It's not just a case of dropping them off at the groomers and them returning a fluffy, baby powder smelling floof. Everything in the run up to that appointment can cause the dog stress (dog walks, over arousal, vet visits, feeling under the weather etc) and then we hand them over to the groomer, Add in the bath, dryer, other dogs in the salon, clipper noise....it all adds to the dogs bucket of stress, which over flows in the only way it knows how.

Think about the little things. Does the dog have a relationship with the groomer, is the dog happy to see them (but watch for stress signals too), does the dog stop outside the door and not want to go in? That baby powder smell on his return, is quite likely incredibly over powering for the dog. Dogs smell is amazing. They are not born to smell like baby powder! Ever got annoyed at the fact he's rolled in something disgusting after being at the groomers? He's trying to rid himself of the perfume spray that you think stops the doggy smell, and wants to smell like him!

I have now completed the Holistic Dog Grooming Academy Diploma and i have to say, my mind is blown. Even things such as holistic therapies (which i do use some of but had very tiny understanding of), or even how my own self care affects how the dog groom goes, it really makes me wonder how you can qualify as a groomer in 4 weeks. There's so much more that we should be taught or should know and it's only since researching and studying that i've been able to add much much more to my grooms, and the dogs positive enjoyment of the grooming process. 

It's not always a case of a perfect groom. Not all dogs enjoy being groomed; nor do they understand the process. The dog isn't born with the ability to be groomed ingrained in his brain. It's up to us to help the understand and enjoy the process. Having that relationship with dogs I groom is so important. But also the understanding of the owner that whatever can be achieved and is ok by the dog, is what will be achieved that grooming session. I absolutely love setting up freework sessions with new clients. Consent based grooming is fascinating to me. Not just because it allows the dog choice to come and sit with me to be groomed, but the dog can also go and play with a lickimat or box or whatever their choice is that day to help release and keep their stress levels below threshold. 

 Our ultimate goal as holistic groomers is that the dog is happy, calm and understands he's safe. They've been given the choice, without force to consent to be groomed; to process what's happening in that session and im very proud that i work holistically with my clients. It might not be perfect show stopping grooms, but your dog is happy and that is what matters to me.