The Mindful Groom

10/08/2025

Then came the dreaded nails. He knew for certain I must be trying to take his entire leg so I had to try a different approach. Slow. Steady. One nail, give the paw back. Again and again until we have accomplished 4 nails! That’s all he allows but allowance at all is a success. This is something we can build on. If I continue to test his threshold I could lose any trust Ive built. Keeping it a positive experience is vital in setting your dog up for future successes.

10/08/2025

Managing expectations

You take your dog to the groomer. This is exciting like it is when your getting a nice haircut at the salon. You have a picture in your head of what you want your pooch to look like. Your looking forward to the super clean and soft cuddles afterwards. You want that show cut or picture you found online. You want them to feel pampered.

What you may not know is what exactly your asking for from your your self, your groomer AND from your dog. Here are some other things to consider to achieve that perfect vision of a groom.

1. Does your vision match the coat type of your dog? Silky hair will look different than a combination coat or poodles coat.
2. What is the condition of your dogs coat?
Is it damaged, broken, dry, compacted with undercoat or matted?
3. How does your dog behave at the groomers?
Is he calm enough to be safe around razor sharp tools? Is your dog accustomed to this process and therefore will be calm, comfortable and COOPERATIVE enough for this haircut?

Here are some things to help you on your way to that amazing vision of your pup after their groom.
1. Start grooming your dog when they are young.
2. Get them on a regular schedule so they are accustomed to this normal activity and not confused or fearful.
3. Make certain to brush your dog often! 3x a week or more. Mats are detrimental to your dog and that haircut.

10/07/2025

Today I had a difficult dog. No, the dog I had was having a difficult time. So I helped him. First he believed the dryer to be a dog eating dragon. I put cotton in his ears and a happy hoodie around his cute little face. This quieted the dragons roar. I spent a lot of time with him with out drying him just so we could get used to the sound. With the nozzle off and allowing him to settle. Turns out there is a way to dry him, in my lap. I am honored to be his safe space during an uncomfortable time.

10/03/2025

As the weather gets colder your pets skin may get dryer, flakey even. Making them itchy and allergies from dander apparent. Bathing and using conditioner will hydrate their skin and coat getting rid of that itchy dander. Call or text for an appointment 719-244-6607

10/03/2025

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10/03/2025

I offer a one on one, kennel free grooming for your dog. Located in highlands ranch/littleton area. I utilize top of the line products and bring nearly a decade of experience to the table. Call or text 719-244-6607 for an appointment.

10/03/2025

Why is it important that my dog allow me to blow dry them? Maybe your groomer has told you your dog is scared or Wiley for the dryer. These are reasons why the dryer is an important step in the process and should be mastered by your dog.
1. In order To give an even , not choppy, haircut the hair must be straight. We get the coat straight with the blow dryer.
2. During a deshed the dryer helps push any undercoat out making sure your getting the full service.
3. The drying process it the part of the groom where your groomer can see your dogs skin, therefore able to report any signs of allergies, skin abrasions and more.
4. The high velocity dryer helps loosen any matting your dog has, pushing it from the skin and giving us the ability to give a slightly longer cut in a lot of cases.

Ways we as groomers can help your dog to be more comfortable and calm for drying.
1. We utilize cotton balls and a happy hoodie. A happy hoodie goes over the dogs ears to lighten the sound and provide a comfort with compression.
2. Starting at the back end over a towel on the lower setting will help ease a dog into the process, getting them used to the sound and pressure of the dryer.

Ways you can help your dog at home.
1. Turn the vacuum on and pull out the treats. A high reward treat when the approach the vacumm will train them that the sound is not scary.
2. Baths and blowdryer at home. Simply going through the process with a person they know and trust will build their confidence.

10/02/2025

The way I love to work!
I do understand many shops do not run this way, you do you. If it works for you than by all means. That being said I do believe it helps the dogs keep the grooming process less stressful and positive if they are at the shop for the shortest amount of time necessary. This is why.
1. Kennel time in a place outside the home can be stressful for your dog. The same way being at a shelter is stressful. Listening to other dogs barking loudly, hearing the big scary dragon of a dryer going and the uncertainty of waiting.
2. Technically a dog should have access to potty breaks on average every 3 hours or so, this cannot be given at most shops.
3. Do dogs who are at the shop for extended periods have access to clean drinking water?
4. Possible potty accidents the longer they are there and on a freshly bathed coat this can result in an entire or partial bath needed again.

I get my dogs in and out in 2 hours (mostly) and I love it.
1. This gives me one on one time with them, to truly be there for them and give them my full undivided attention.
2. Pet parents love that they get their best friend back as soon as possible. Sometimes it’s even harder on the parents than the dogs to be separated.
3. This helps set boundaries and expectations so pet parent won’t try to use your grooming service as a boarding service.
4. A less chaotic, more stress free experience for the dogs.

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

Nails!
There are many reasons why it’s important to keep your dogs nails short.
1. The longer the nail the longer the quick. (The vain inside the nail )
2. Having nails that are too long will cause the dog to distribute their weight incorrectly, causing an uncomfortable and incorrect gait.
3. Nails that are overgrown can curl the nail into the pad of the dog causing injury.

Doing difficult dogs nails.
1. Some dogs don’t like their nails done because of arthritis pain. Make sure you’re moving their body, thinking of anatomy, correctly.
2. Some had a past experience that taught them not to trust the process. Move slowly.
3. I like to start with the back nails which are usually easier since they can’t see them.
4. Give the paw back after each nail to build trust.

Black nails
*Take slivers at a time. When you see the tar black dot in the center of the nail, stop.


10/01/2025

I’ve posted this before and will post it again and again as it is such important information.

The severity of mats. Mats are more than just a tangle in your dogs coat. A lot of people are unaware just how detrimental a mat is. Here is some knowledge on mats that will be quite the eye opener.
1. Mats pull on the skin.
2. They harbor bacteria, dead skin, debri and can smell.
3. They can create sores and wounds underneath.
4. Mats in the paw pads or armpits can change your dogs gait.
5. They are painful just existing.
6. Creates bad blood circulation and can cause the blood to rush back to that area when removed. Hematomas. Bruising. Swelling.

Removing mats:
1. Removing mats by brushing them out takes ALOT of time. And therefore costs more money. It also is absolutely not comfortable to go through.
2. Brushing them out still damages that hair and damaged hair mats more easily.
3. Cutting them out can be dangerous especially if done by a non professional and will leave holes in the coat.
4. Clipping them out is still a lot of time, stressful and painful as the mats are pulled and tugged. It takes a very close (short) cut to get underneath mats to get them out. About 1/4 inch of coat will be left or bald spots.
5. When your dog needs the groomer to remove mats they are not set up for success. It is far more difficult to remain calm, comfortable and cooperative.

09/29/2025

Loaf! ❤️