Bentley & Bear Holistic Dog and Cat Grooming

26/07/2025

Puppy 🐾

Puppy the German Shepherd came for a groom early this morning. He’s been dealing with some seasonal allergies recently, so today was all about comfort and care.

We started with a gentle potter in the garden (with sausage treats on hand, of course) before moving into the groom room. He had a soothing oatmeal bath to wash away any pollen, dirt or allergens that might’ve built up on his coat, followed by a nourishing conditioner to keep everything soft and calm.

Afterwards? Back out into the garden for another wander — and another sausage or two.

It’s taken me time to earn Puppy’s trust, and with a new setting and bath tub to adjust to, I wasn’t quite sure how today would go. But he definitely remembered me. These days, I think we understand each other — and the whole process felt more like a shared rhythm.

And since it’s National Pet Photography Day, here are a couple of lovely snaps of him looking his gorgeous, stoic self 📸💛






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26/07/2025

Hello

Back from a lovely few days on the Norfolk Broads, and back in the groom room 8-6pm today.

Will respond to any outstanding messages throughout the day.
If I miss anyone please feel free to nudge me again.

Looking forward to seeing everyone. ☺️

24/07/2025

Let’s Rethink the Language We Use 🐶
Ever called your dog “stubborn”?
⁣
It’s a word we hear a lot - but it’s one that quietly stalls progress.
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“Stubborn” shuts the door on curiosity. It suggests the dog is choosing not to listen, rather than inviting us to ask WHY they might be struggling to respond.
⁣
And let’s be honest - it gives us an out. If they’re just being stubborn, we don’t have to rethink how we’re training. We don’t have to consider motivation. Or communication. Or the emotional environment.
⁣
But here’s the truth:
Dogs aren't stubborn.
They’re independent, free-thinking, or motivation sensitive.
⁣
That means we need to step up and tune in:
✅ What’s the environment like - too noisy? too distracting?
✅ How are they feeling - tired, sore, unsure?
✅ Do they really understand what we’re asking?
✅ And what truly drives them - what’s their intrinsic motivation?
⁣
When we swap “stubborn” for more accurate, compassionate language, we:
Shift the focus back to understanding
Stay curious about the why
Create more effective, ethical training experiences
⁣
Words matter - and the way we describe behaviour shapes how we respond to it.
⁣
Let’s evolve together 🐕

23/07/2025

In other news 😊

https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/business/edlesborough-pet-groomer-named-finalist-for-national-award-for-the-third-year-5238097





📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/

Caroline Moss, founder of Bentley & Bear, has been named a finalist for “Pet Groomer of the Year” at the prestigious Animal Star Awards — marking her third year being recognised at a national level for her exceptional work with animals.

23/07/2025

✨ Low-Stress Handling Certified – Silver ✨ What does this mean?

Continuing my posts that may help new followers understand a little about me and the methods I use at Bentley & Bear.

Since 2021, I’ve been qualified in Low-Stress Handling – a certification developed by veterinary behaviourist Dr. Sophia Yin to help professionals like me reduce fear, anxiety and stress when working with animals.

It’s a science-led approach that focuses on calm communication, gentle techniques and making handling safer and more positive – for both the animal and the human.

The late Dr. Sophia Yin was a pioneer in the field of animal behaviour. A vet and passionate advocate for animal welfare, she dedicated her life to improving how we care for animals – championing methods rooted in empathy, understanding and consent.

This training has been invaluable in my work with both dogs and cats – especially those who are anxious, elderly, reactive, or simply unfamiliar with the grooming process.

For example, many cats feel more secure when placed on a soft towel rather than a hard or slippery surface. A gentle towel wrap (sometimes called a “kitty burrito”) can help contain movement in a calm and comforting way – allowing the cat to feel safe while still being able to breathe, see, and settle.

Grooming doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right techniques, it becomes a quiet partnership based on trust.

If your pet finds grooming difficult, or if you’re simply looking for someone who listens to what they’re telling us, you’re always welcome here. 🩷





📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/

22/07/2025

Just incase you’re finding replies slow, this is why… 😉

I’m on slow time.

Enjoying some R&R in nature. 🛥️🌿

21/07/2025

🐾 Fear Free Grooming — What It Means 🐾

I’ve been a certified Fear Free® Professional for several years now, and it plays a key role in how I approach every groom at Bentley & Bear.

Fear Free means doing everything I can to reduce fear, anxiety and stress — by working gently, giving pets choice, and paying close attention to their body language.

Over the years, I’ve studied how animals communicate through subtle behaviours — known as calming signals. Things like lip licking, head turns, yawning, or simply going still. These quiet signs often come before a more obvious reaction, and noticing them means I can adjust what I’m doing to keep your pet feeling safe and supported.

To keep my certification active, I complete annual CPD that deepens my understanding of animal behaviour and wellbeing. Because every pet is different — and there’s always, always more to learn!





📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

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For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
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17/07/2025

Today’s lovely line-up 💛🐾

Kuri, Bingsu, Mabel and Nala all in for their spruce-ups today.

Kuri is still learning that grooming doesn’t have to feel scary — we’re taking things at her pace and building trust one paw at a time.

Bingsu had a big coat blow-out today and left feeling lighter (and fluffier!). Always a good girl for her grooms.

Mabel and Nala — honestly, could they be any cuter? Both have come such a long way since their first grooms with me. They’re now calm, confident and completely chilled on the table.

So proud of them all. 🌿





📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/

17/07/2025

17/07/2025

🧡 George-Tiger 🧡

This handsome long-haired boy doesn’t much enjoy being groomed — and who can blame him? He’s had an in-home attempt and a further attempt with me in my old groom room that we abandoned because it was in neither mine or George’s best interest to continue. Sometimes, it all feels a bit too much.

Today, George-Tiger had some help from his vet team with a gentle sedative prescribed so I could remove the dreadlocks that had crept in safely. The good news? I was able to salvage his beautiful coat after clipping off the knots with a careful, thorough comb-out to lift away the heavy undercoat underneath.

He also had a much-needed claw clip and a gentle ear clean — and then he was good to go.

Sometimes, vet prescribed sedation is the safest option for cats who find grooming too stressful. Knots and matting can be very painful. With the right support and a team approach, we can make it a calmer experience for everyone — and especially for George. 🐾








📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/