Most groomers do not touch on the idea of Fear Free Grooming, they don't take the initiative to help the dogs enjoy the duration of their stay at whatever shop they're in. However, to Kate, owner and head groomer, it's more than just ensuring the dogs can feel relaxed. She prides herself on her ability to make dogs excited to come to the groomer. To Kate, Fear Free Grooming is simply a theory that asks groomers to be good stewardships of the trust the owner and dog have in her and ensure that the dogs are happy to come back to an environment in which they feel safe and welcome.

So, What Is It?

Fear Free grooming is the revolutionary approach to pet care that prioritizes the emotional well-being of pets during grooming sessions. It involves creating a calm and safe environment, using positive reinforcement techniques, and minimizing stress and anxiety for the animals. Kate is diligent in leveraging each animals unique personality type, their willingness to engage in the grooming process, and the clients expectations.   This is a team effort between the owner, her employees which understand the roles they play in this process and Kate, who oversees each dog as they progress through their grooms.  

What To Expect for Your Dog?

Again, Kate believes that grooming doesn’t need to be stressful for your pet. In fact, a trip to the groomer can be relaxing and even enjoyable. With positive training methods, compassion, and a little bit of patience, your pet can have a stress-free grooming experience for years to come...at least, that is the goal!

Meet and Treat:

If you are interested in this process, give Kate a call.  Before we start with actual grooming procedures, our team wants to take our time to get to know your pet with a “meet and treat”. Our team members want your pet to feel comfortable with the whole grooming experience, starting right at the door. This meeting also allows our team the opportunity to assess your pet’s comfort level in the salon and to start to gauge their personalities.

Treats... Lots of Treats:

Bring your pet hungry because we know the best way to their hearts! Our team uses reward-based training techniques to help your pet feel comfortable and safe. If your pet has allergies or is on a diet, please bring some of their favorite treats from home or at least let us know so we can make special accommodations.

A Spaw-Day Complete:

Through all of our positive training methods, most dogs leave our shop completely relaxed and ready to come back. By slowly introducing them to the bath, the drying station, the tables, the grooming equipment, the grooming process, and the nail trimming process, we are able to foster a strong sense of security and trust. Our nurturing process allows the dogs to grow more comfortable with us and our practices as we spend more time together. Rarely are we ever able to not finish a job based on the techniques we use. 

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Program:

Some pets may find certain grooming procedures to be very frightening or just plain uncomfortable. In the event a pet feels scared or stressed with a procedure, our team members may not be able to accomplish everything we had set out to. In this case, our groomers will likely be giving you some homework and offering shorter, more focused grooming appointments to work on the issue. We also may recommend a veterinary visit.

A Happy, Clean, Relaxed Companion:

Though it may not happen in one grooming appointment, when we stay dedicated to a Fear Free approach, your pet will leave the salon happy, clean, beautiful and relaxed. It’s important to us how your pet looks AND feels!