Shampooch Dog Grooming

29/07/2026

On Friday I am away on a short trip to Leicester.
I am going down to steward and scribe for the judges at BSDA of GB CH show on Saturday. This is an opportunity for me to learn more on judging all 4 varieties of Belgians. This will all help me to complete level 3 of Royal Kennel Club JEP and I am also doing my first mentoring session. So super excited.

28/07/2026

I’m delighted to have completed the Trauma Informed Practice for Dog Professionals course. 🎓🐾

This wasn’t just another certificate to add to the wall. I chose this course because I wanted to deepen my understanding of how trauma can affect both dogs and the people who care for them.

So often we see the behaviour, but not the story behind it. Fear, anxiety and past experiences can shape how a dog responds to the world, and as professionals we have a responsibility to approach each dog with curiosity, compassion and empathy rather than judgement.

This course has reinforced what I’ve experienced through my work with Tellington TTouch, holistic grooming and ACE Freework – that creating safety, offering choice and really listening to what a dog is communicating can make a profound difference.

Learning never stops, and I’m looking forward to bringing this knowledge into every grooming session and every interaction with the dogs and people I work with.

Every dog has a story, and every story deserves to be met with kindness, patience and understanding. ❤️🐾

14/07/2026

We’re SO excited to be hosting a Tellington TTouch Workshop! 🌟

We are absolutely delighted to welcome the amazing Hazel Ralston, a qualified Tellington TTouch Practitioner, to Positive Paws Dog Training.

Hazel brings a huge wealth of knowledge and experience. As well as being a TTouch Practitioner, she is a Fear Free Groomer, has completed three ACE Freework modules, and has extensive experience in Scentwork.

What we particularly love about Hazel is that everything she does is centred around understanding dogs and supporting their emotional wellbeing. She is passionate about helping dogs feel safe, confident and understood, recognising that behaviour is often a reflection of how a dog is feeling. Her kind, thoughtful approach aligns beautifully with our own values here at Positive Paws.

This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn gentle, practical techniques that can help strengthen your relationship with your dog while supporting relaxation, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

This workshop isn't just for dog guardians—it is also ideal for groomers, veterinary professionals, dog trainers, behaviourists, rescue staff and volunteers, and anyone who works with or has a passion for dogs. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of canine behaviour and wellbeing or add another valuable skill to your professional toolbox, there will be something for everyone.

📅 Full details can be found on the poster below, with the booking link included if you'd like to reserve your place.

We can't wait to welcome Hazel and share this fantastic learning opportunity with you! 🐾💙

https://www.positivepawsdogtraining.co.uk/workshops/tellington-ttouch/



Shampooch Dog Grooming

10/07/2026

Well pleased as I received this email from Royal Kennel Club:
Congratulations

Dear HAZEL Ralston,

Congratulations! We're so pleased to confirm that you're now approved at Judges Education Programme (Level 2) for Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and Tervueren) and your profile on Find a Judge will be updated accordingly.

You're now eligible to progress towards Judges Education Programme Level 3 for Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and Tervueren) and should upload your evidence to your online account.

Please note, you are eligible to judge:

An unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no Challenge Certificates)

Any variety classes, groups and best in show at limited shows

Kind regards,

Royal Kennel Club

I have had invitations to Judge Groenendael at Working and Pastoral Breeds Scotland Nov 2027 and Royal Cheshire Premier Dog Show judging the 4 varieties June 2027. Now I need to get cracking again with Stewarding and get myself through Level 3.

01/07/2026

I woke up to the most touching message from a client in the Cairn Terrier group.
Her lovely boy, Leo, has just finished my 5‑week TTouch programme, and she shared how much calmer and more trusting he has become — even during grooming.
She said it brought tears to her eyes… and it brought a wee tear to mine too.

This is why I teach TTouch.
For the softness, the trust, and the quiet moments where everything changes.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your experience.

22/06/2026

Having to reorganise the diary again for today as have poisonous finger. Now on double dose of antibiotics as I don’t want cellulitis again plus a visit to St John’s. Too far away anyway. This afternoon however I had Leo the cairn terrier in to see me. His owners are completely on board with Tellington TTouch. They have been attending weekly classes and have been applying the techniques at home. Today was one of the biggest shifts in Leo’s behaviour. He stood on the table (set at a lower level)  this gave Leo the autonomy to stay on the table or whether to come off- he had the choice whether to stay or whether to leave. I managed to get the matts in the groin clipped out as well as his hind feet. This was a massive improvement and was a huge challenge for this dog as before he would hardly let anyone touch him in rear end and feet. He even allowed me to gently lift the back paws. He then decided to lie down and with me sitting beside him I did some zebra TTouch as this allows me to dip in and out around areas of concern. With the back of my hand he allowed me to do raccoon TTouch on his front feet.
Since starting the classes Leo has become tactile and he was never like that before.
TTouch can have a profound effect on the nervous system, particularly in dogs that have not previously enjoyed or sought physical contact. For a dog that is not naturally tactile, gentle, non-invasive TTouch offers a safe and predictable way to experience touch without pressure or restraint. The slow, mindful movements help activate the parasympathetic nervous system – often referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ system – which can reduce stress, lower arousal levels and promote relaxation.

17/06/2026

Had a cockapoo puppy in for her big girl haircut. She has been twice before just so that she can familiarise herself with the surroundings.
She had a bath and dried off. Started doing zebra touch then clipped off some hair. Did some llama touch clipped a little more. Then a little chimp touch. Ear slides with raccoon TTouch around the base of the ear. Python lifts on the legs and we clipped her coat in no time. She was not much of a fan getting her face and eyes trimmed up. Took a step back and again doing TTouch all around the ear, muzzle just taking the extra time with her. Result eyes trimmed ears trimmed and one tired puppy. Very tiring for her as she lay down on table and fell asleep. All done by just giving her the time and connecting with the nervous system. No desensitisation at all just trust and familiarity.
The amazing Tellington TTouch.

13/06/2026

I will be sending out appointments this weekend. Have not been great.

03/06/2026