10/24/2026
I knew Rosie long before I became a groomer. We had worked together in training, so when her mom told me she had been dismissed from a grooming salon due to biting and aggressive behavior, I offered to try. I was a new groomer, but I wanted to see if we could work through it together.
During our first appointment, I quickly saw how uncomfortable she was with her front legs and feet being handled. Next month marks a year since I took over her grooming, and today, we glide through our appointments. 🥹
We got here by building trust, respecting her discomfort, creating positive associations, and finding the most appropriate ways to get things done while building her confidence. She’s learned that I’ll listen, adjust, and work with her instead of against her.
This is why I love what I do. As both a trainer and groomer, I know behavior is communication. Reconditioning a dog’s emotional response to grooming takes patience, consistency, thoughtful handling, and time. But watching a dog go from fearful and uncomfortable to confident and cooperative is so incredibly rewarding.
I’m especially thankful for the clients who trust me with their special dogs the ones who struggle, have big feelings, or have been turned away elsewhere. I know it isn’t easy, but these dogs deserve the opportunity to succeed.
Sometimes, all it takes is slowing down, meeting them where they are, and showing them that grooming doesn’t have to be scary. ❤️
Rosie, I am so proud of you. Look how far we’ve come! 🐾💗
