12/11/2025
Fear free grooming in reality:
Ollie is one of my favorite lil dudes. I’ve been grooming him for maybe 4 years now. He’s still so skiddish and tense for grooming; his body is physically hard, constant whale eye, panting (and lip licking though he now has no teeth).
It forces me to use my softest handling techniques and lots of reassurance. Despite his nerves, he looks to me for comfort still. He moves his body into mine as if to say “hold me, I’m scared”. This is a part of his fear free groom experience … the truth is it’s not “fear free” sometimes it never will be.
Fear free grooming is… me doing my absolute best for every single dog to have the most comfortable groom that I can possibly give… sometimes that means I’ll offer them kongs or treats they may not eat… That means, “we weren’t able to wash his face today”. That means, “your pup needs an express groom”.
Grooming experiences look different for every single animal, and it’s important to accept their tolerance levels & meet them where they’re at
🍑🐾
