What to expect from a holistic dog groomer in Macclesfield

As a holistic dog groomer based in Macclesfield the way I work is different to most traditional groomers you'll find. I recently completed a holistic grooming diploma that taught me about dog behaviour, body language, training, ways to reduce anxiety in dogs and much more. Being a holistic groomer for me is about making the process positive, low-stress, and tailored to your dog’s individual needs.

I was initially taught to do dog grooming using the traditional methods, however I found a lot of the dogs that I worked with became very stressed by grooming, as well as it making it hard for me to groom them in this anxious state, it also broke my heart to see them so distressed.

This blog goes into some of the methods that I leant and now use from the Holistic Grooming Academy. I have first-hand experience of these methods and the benefits they have had to the dogs I groom – so here’s what you and your dog can expect!

Meet and treat sessions in Macclesfield

Before any full grooming takes place, we start with a meet and treat session. This is a short visit which is for us to get to know each other, where your dog can come into the salon, explore the environment, and meet me in a relaxed way.

During this time, I’ll also gently introduce your dog to the grooming tools and equipment. This allows me to assess how comfortable they are with different tools and processes, so we can plan the next steps. From here, I can suggest what you may need to work on at home and how we should adapt the grooms going forward.

Owners staying for support

Some dogs feel more secure with their owner nearby, so you’re always welcome to stay during the groom if it helps your dog feel relaxed. Your presence can provide the reassurance they need while we build their confidence.

For example, one of my regular client's dog has separation anxiety. The first time she came, she became very distressed when her owner left, pacing and crying. As soon as her mum returned, she settled, allowed me to approach, and I was able to do some gentle scissoring. Without her owner there to begin with, she was too stressed to cope or learn anything positive.

Just like us, dogs can’t learn when they are panicked or overwhelmed. Leaving them for long periods in that state won’t teach them to “get used to it” - it only confirms that being away from you is frightening. Instead, separation should be built up gradually, starting from very short periods of time, with the guidance of a positive trainer or behaviourist if needed.

It’s also worth remembering that some dogs may be fine being left at home in a familiar environment and with people they know but find it overwhelming in a new place with new people, experiencing something new or that they find scary (in this instance grooming). In these cases, having their owner nearby during the groom can be reassuring for your dog while they adapt to this new situation.

Adjusting the groom to meet your dog’s needs

Every dog is different, so every groom is too. If your dog finds certain parts of the groom stressful; for example, having their paws clipped or the noise of the dryer, I’ll adjust the groom to suit their comfort level.

Sometimes that means trying a different technique, such as:

• Using an electric grinder or scratch board instead of nail clippers.

• Using a low-velocity dryer or towel drying with brushing instead of the standard high-velocity dryer.

Sometimes it may mean leaving a particular area for another day.

The grooming process will also continue to adapt as your dog develops and progresses. What feels overwhelming in the beginning may become easy over time, while new stages of life (such as adolescence or senior years) may bring new needs. Holistic grooming grows with your dog.

Positive reinforcement methods

Holistic grooming uses positive reinforcement, think treats, praise, and encouragement, to make the experience enjoyable. Your dog learns that grooming is something nice, not something to be feared.

I work with you to find the best methods for your dog and the incentive that is the best reward for them. Your dog is an individual and you know them best, so by working together we can find the best way to help your dog become comfortable with grooming.

Starting with shorter appointments

Rather than long, stressful sessions, holistic grooming uses shorter appointments to gradually build your dog’s confidence. This prevents overwhelm and helps your dog stay positive about grooming.

As every dog is different the amount of time that they will tolerate for their groom, will also be different. Some dogs I groom only tolerate 15 minutes, some half an hour, while some tolerate an hour and over. As your dog gains confidence, they will start to be able tolerate longer sessions, however as with humans every dog learns at different rates, and practicing at home always helps.

Instead of expecting your dog to tolerate everything in one go, holistic grooming is a step-by-step process. We may need several sessions to build their confidence, especially if they are nervous, young, or have had a difficult experience in the past.

You will find that overtime your dog will improve and holistic grooming adapts and grows with the dog meaning that although your dog may initially need several shorter sessions, working together we can work towards the dog being comfortable enough to be able to groom them in 1 session.

Owners doing training at home

A big part of holistic grooming is also supporting you, the owner. - it's a team effort. I’ll guide you on simple exercises and training you can do at home to help your dog feel more comfortable with grooming. This may include things like handling paws, practicing chin rests, or introducing grooming tools in a calm, positive way.

If you need a reminder on the training methods we’ve discussed, I have a YouTube channel which has several videos on training you check out to refresh your memory. If you're not already a client and are interested to find out more about holistic grooming, this channel will give you more insight into the positive training methods I use.

Helping you with coat care at home

I’ll also help you learn how to maintain your dog’s coat at home between grooms, so your dog stays comfortable and healthy. This includes advice on brushing, bathing, and avoiding common coat problems like matting.

The more I learn about dogs the more I find that they have unique and complex personalities, they are emotional and intelligent animals, that deserve love, kindness and compassion, I strive to learn about them, so that I can understand what they need from me in order to help them thrive.

I believe that the holistic approach to dog grooming is a great tool in helping them to thrive, as it’s about working with your dog and you, to adapt to what they need to learn. It’s patient, positive, and tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

Think holistic dog grooming is right for you and your precious mucky mutt? Get in touch and book your first session!