Happy Paws with Sue - Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs

11/12/2025

I am currently changing my Education Platform over from Thinkific to NewZenler, which I absolutely love https://www.newzenler.com/invite/XnLvGS

My free webinar on Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs Approach is now live and can be found here: https://takingthegrrr.newzenler.com/courses/taking-the-grrr-out-of-grooming-approach (this is now the correct link)

Please share to your groomer friends. Thank you

Untitled Section 5 Lessons Taking the Grrr Approach Webinar Start Pet Remedy with Wicket Start Place Protocol in the Bath with Ritzi Start Easy Access to Hygiene Area Start Taking the Grrr Mentoring Programme Start

11/12/2025

10/12/2025

So many dogs find grooming stressful. Sue Williamson has spent years helping guardians and groomers understand why.

Join us as she explores body language, trigger stacking, consent based grooming and how we can all help dogs feel safer and more supported.

Secure your spot: https://www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk/courses/canine-grooming

10/12/2025

Absolutely you will learn all you need to know about making puppy grooming introductions to grooming as smooth as possible in our Mentoring Programme.

This module in the Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs Mentoring Programme will give you so much knowledge to making puppy introductions gold standard in your salon, setting puppies up for life long success in grooming:

* How to get the right clients
* Collect good quality client information
* Welcome Packages
* First sessions
* When and how to progress to the next step
* Educating guardians
* Record Keeping
* Costing

Not only will this module help with puppies, but ALL new canine clients into your grooming salon.

For more information, email [email protected]

07/12/2025

Why not start 2026 by reducing financial stress?

Increase your income by:

* improving client retention
* not having to turn away dogs with grooming issues
* having less injuries (body strains/bites)
* reducing burnout

All these are possible when you join the Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs Mentoring Programme

To organise a zoom chat email [email protected]

05/12/2025

One of the main benefits of the Taking the Grrr Approach to Grooming is that stress for both groomers and our canine clients is drastically reduced.

You can learn all you need to know to reduce stress in your grooming salon in our Taking the Grrr Mentoring Programme.

In addition to learning about dog behaviour, such as body language, trigger stacking, canine individuality, we also cover the human aspect of grooming, dog training techniques, the wonderful Tellington TTouch, and Animal Centred Education.

To find out more about the programme and arrange a zoom call, please email [email protected]

30/11/2025

Finally, I can announce the launch of my Happy Paws with Sue - Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs Mentoring Programme. I won't go into all the details here other than the Programme Outcomes.

Programme Outcomes
· Empowering you to reduce bites, ease physical strain, and confidently manage anxious dogs—building trust with clients and loyalty that lasts.
· by understanding canine communication and mastering niche handling skills, you not only protect yourself and the dogs you care for, but also elevate your value in the market—earning higher fees and long-term client retention.
· Safety, confidence, and expertise aren’t just benefits—they’re your competitive edge

If you are interested in the programme, please either Email me at [email protected] or PM me. There are just 10 places up for grabs at the Beta Member Investment Fee if enrolled by 7th December (T&Cs apply).

18/11/2025

Collaboration

Are you taking advantage of possible collaborations?

I love collaborating, and there are so many ways to collaborate and benefits, that I thought it would be useful to talk about some of the ways that you can collaborate.

* With professionals in the same industry area; for example groomers can collaborate with other groomers. Cross refer if you books are full, or you don't like a particular breed, or size of dog etc. Not only does that help you both out, but it shows the public that you are helpful, which never hurts.

* WIth other canine professionals: I collaborate with other groomers, behaviourists, trainers, both on cross referrals, but also on projects (for example the recent We Were in the "G" Webinar https://www.takingthegrrr.co.uk/courses/wewereinthegroom

* With clients: Do they have any children in sports clubs that you could sponsor, or do dogs sports that you could sponsor, such as an agility competitor.

* If you are a groomer, ask local positive reinforcement puppy trainers if you can help in their classes, either as a one off to talk about grooming, but also on a regular basis so that you can learn about training methods, etc. which will help in the salon.

What collaborations do you have or would like to be involved in?

16/11/2025

RECOVERY, REFLECTION AND RESET TIME

On 28th October, I had Carpel Tunnel Surgery and have taken a month off grooming for recovery. I thought this time would drag, and I would get bored, but it has been a perfect time for a bit of business reflection and reset. Fortunately I have had very little discomfort and the wound is healing extremely well. Just need to rebuild strength through exercises.

As I said though it is given me the perfect opportunity to spend time reflecting on Happy Paws with Sue.

Firstly, not having to rush in the morning has given me longer to have cuddles with the dogs whilst doing admin, and my mind has been much fresher to do the admin therefore getting a lot more done. So, from the New Year I have decided that I will start grooming at 11 am instead of 10 am.

I have also taken time to do a full audit of my online courses. Some need updating and some need a good tidy up. Yes, it will be more work but it has been a relief as I have been needing to do it for a while.

I have taken the opportunity to look at some alternative platforms to deliver my courses which are more cost effective than my current platform for the same or more features, so that I can continue to offer courses at reasonable cost.

I have time to talk to about some collaborations with two groomers, two behaviourists and a marketing specialist. I will reveal more details as they progress.

Finally, time to work on my latest project being launched in the New Year. Again, more details to follow.

Whilst it may sound like I haven't taken time to rest, I absolutely have; spending time relaxing with the dogs, my family and watching a couple of series on Netflix.

What would you do if you had time to rest and reset?

15/11/2025

I just love grooming Eddie, he has come on so far from our first session. We have had to make adaptations and his finished groom isn't perfect - but that's fine. He is actively participating in the groom.

I go to his home to groom him as the car journey to mind is too trigger stacking, and having his harness keep being put on and off is another big trigger, so in my salon he would only be able to focus for about 5-10 minutes before he could no longer cope with being groomed.

His guardians are amazing, they went and bought a small adjustable table and a set of caravan steps so that we could still use table protocol. Now instead of 5-10 minutes, Eddie can focus for 45 minutes, which is time for me to give him a full clip off.

He only needs the snuffle mat for his rear end.

14/11/2025

How often do you check your dogs teeth, ears, hygiene and in between paw pads etc. I also give them a regular stroke all over the torso and legs to check for nasties.

This can be difficult for some dogs, so I thought I would give you a few tips:

* Teach a consent based method so that they can opt in and opt out to have it done, such as chin rest and bucket game (there are other methods in my book Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Your Dog and how to train)

* I have taught my dogs a "let mummy look" cue whilst they are my bed. If they move away, that's fine I will try again later. But usually, I am able to lift their ear flaps, give a quick clean if they need it (I take the approach if it ain't broke don't mend it so will just use a cotton wool pad with Leucillin sprayed on it and wipe the outer area if needed). Same with teeth, I ask them to let mummy look. I put Plaque X on their food and they are fed a raw diet which helps with keeping them clean.

Often groomers will pick up new lumps and bumps but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check yourself also. Obviously, you are not just checking for cancer but for cuts, grazes, cysts, etc.

(ps. I don't usually refer to myself as "mummy" it was just something I used the first time I tried it and it has stuck for this task).