Empathy Dog Grooming

03/04/2025

Building trust with Dogs and their Guardians underpins and informs all my work.

15/03/2025

We all need to be fluent in “Silent Communication” when it comes to the animals we share the planet with. Especially the ones we share our lives with. Martha Knowles has created a wonderful resource to help us all learn this remarkable language.

https://www.silentconversations.com/

https://www.facebook.com/share/15yPYWpFA8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For an overview the Introduction to Dog Body Language is a good starting point, if you are new to dog body language. Start here Search for: ‘Raised Hackles’ or Piloerection – Dog Body Language by Martha Knowles | Mar 2, 2023 | Dog Body Language When a dog’s hair bristles up or stands on en....

07/02/2025

I have some wonderful veteran dogs for whom the grooming process, physically, emotionally and mentally, is a big challenge. Taking time to build a strong trust based relationship with them prior to introducing any tools or process and maintaining absolute flexibility regarding their needs has been key to success. Maisie is 15 now and has some very specific needs. We take things slowly, have lots of breaks and I always work at her pace. It’s so lovely that’s she’s so pleased to see me and stays nice and relaxed before, during and after her visits.

01/12/2024

Our smoith and slippery floors are so difficult for a dogs to safely and comfortably negotiate , especially at speed and as they age. Thanks so much for this Stephie Guy, The Shouty-Barky Dog Lady

🌟 Are You Asking Your Dog to Walk Across a Tiled Floor Wearing Stilettos? 🌟

Did you know that your dog's paws are designed for outdoor adventures, not for navigating slippery indoor surfaces?

🐾 Nails: Built for gripping soft ground, but useless on hard floors.
🐾 Paw pads: Perfect outdoors, but less effective on smooth tiles.

Imagine walking across tiles in stilettos—tricky, right? That’s what it’s like for your dog!

Help them out:
✅ Add rugs or runners to give them grip.
✅ Consider paw-safe mats in their favourite spots.

A small change can make a BIG difference for your dog’s comfort and confidence. 💕

05/10/2024

05/10/2024

It’s an honour and a concern looking after older dogs.

Let’s admit it guys, it’s bloody exhausting too.

Chips is confused and confusing.

He’s not normal but let’s face it (and if you have been here a while you will know this) he’s never been normal.

He’s just not normal in another way now.

The whining is louder and more persistent; but usually only because he needs something. It’s just that when he gets delivered or delivered to whatever he thinks he needs, there’s a risk that he might have forgotten he needed it at all.

Then we have to do the same thing all over again five minutes later.

You know what though, looking after him is a sweet part of life I would never miss.

The sometimes-vacant look.

The smile he so freely gives.

The determination to jump awkwardly on the bed despite doing it right next to the perfectly good bed steps.

Old dogs are magic.

Their frailty betrays their vulnerability.

Their wobble betrays their age.

Their eyes betray a lifetime of experiences and wisdom.

A lifetime of love.

What a treat they are.

Keep your older dog as healthy and happy as possible with my senior dog book here: https://amzn.to/4dLwWpQ

16/09/2024

It’s simple.. Do. No. Harm.
To people, and most especially to animals.. for they have no choice. Consent and Agency are critical to the welfare and mental wellbeing of all creatures . Our dogs offer unconditionally the best of themselves, they deserve the best of us.

Balanced dog training using positive reinforcement (rewards-based) methods and aversives (physical punishment) is no better than simply using force-free positive methods and love.

16/09/2024

Arthritis.. the soreness and stiffness associated with it I myself am all too aware of.

Did you know, that recent studies have shown that up to 38% of dogs over the age of 1 have some level of osteoarthritis, and 80% of dogs over 8! Studies by Galliprant confirmed that 60% of showing radiographic signs of the disease, also had evidence of joint pain and yet less than half of pet guardians were able to recognise this.

When I look back on the survey I conducted earlier this year 83%, of groomers said a dog had reacted aggressively towards them when having their legs handled and yet similarly to the above, only 56% of these felt the reaction was linked to pain.

Dogs are stoic, meaning they disguise pain. When you take into account what a dog goes through at the groomers, it’s hardly surprising those in pain react much more negatively than those who are on pain management or pain free.

When students are taught how to become a groomer, one of the first things they are introduced to is the various safety aids. Whilst the purpose of these is to keep the dog from falling from the table and injuring themselves, they’re often used to restrain and prevent them from moving or sitting down. Considering the amount of dogs suffering with arthritis, the thought of these dogs being forced to stay standing upwards of 2 hours, is terrifying. It’s not just about the pain and long term damage it will be causing to the joints, but the emotional impact too. When stress kicks in, adrenaline is released into the blood stream. This increases their heart and breathing rate as well as forcing their muscles to contract faster, thus causing more pain.

In an ideal world, groomers would be willing to adapt their set up to accommodate dogs with additional needs, with options such as grooming on the floor with a padded matt or adding a ramp to their tables and baths to allow easier access for the dog. Offering shorter sessions on a more regular basis rather than a full groom in one go. Encouraging owners to talk with their vets about pain relief options.

For more information on canine arthritis please visit Canine Arthritis Management

28/07/2024

Another beloved Georgian, the inimitable Ms Lulu, is here for her summer holidays. She’s very happy her boot camp days are over! This venerable older lady has been dealing with some skin and ear issues and is being so gracious about the radical hair cut and Malaseb baths! Just like us, an older dog’s immune system can struggle to cope. Alongside her lovely family, we are doing our best to support Lulu and enable her recovery.

23/07/2024

This…

Emotional synchronisation between humans and dogs is the most significant yet often overlooked aspects of dog guardianship. Dogs use their already heightened senses to sense how we are feeling; visually, olfactorily, auditorily, some even also suspect extra-sensory capabilities! Multiple studies in recent years have explored dogs’ affective empathy and hormonal interchanges in relation to emotional exchanges with humans.

This cycle of contagious feeling is often most apparent during times of tension. We have all experienced those times when our dogs are experiencing sensory overload or otherwise struggling with their environment. Wondering how we can change, control or differently channel those moments can feel very overwhelming. To be then told how our own emotions can contribute intensely to such situations, rather than being empowering, clients often say it adds to the seeming impossibility of the moment. I get it; I have been there many times. However, resolving stress, frustration, fear, anxiety or tension for our dogs will also require the management of these emotions within ourselves. If it feels difficult, not within our control, imagine how difficult it is for dogs with their heightened senses and instincts. Their actions and behaviours subject to misinterpretation and expectations daily.

When it comes to dealing with our own emotions, mindfulness, affirmations, breathing techniques and other forms of stress/anxiety management can help immensely with this. Remember that it is not the situation but our perception of the situation that matters most. Although it may not always feel like it (anxious dog owners, I see you!) dogs are masters at improving the mental health of their humans. The therapeutic nature of the relationship is multifaceted, though unfortunately not always bidirectional.

If we devote a lot of energy attempting to modify the behaviours, emotions or perceptions of another without primary assessment and challenge of our own, we miss the great lessons and teachings that each unique relationship can bring. The human-canine relationship (as with other inter-species) is one where this is of prime importance, and what a wonder to behold it is.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33090854/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8277847/