Fear Free grooming is a grooming method that minimizes fear for dogs. It is not about pushing them through fears, but changing what is causing the fear, or taking steps back to desensitize dogs to the different parts of grooming. It's also acknowledging that fear is a dog's brain reaction resulting in fight, flight or freeze, it's a natural instinct of survival. It helps to work with the dog and not against the dog to create as relaxing of an environment as possible.

YES! I only get to see your dog a few times a year, and at-home training and desensitization is important. I do what I can during the appointments but if your dog has big fears- such as being afraid of he brush, dryer or clippers, there are many things that the pet parent can do to make the grooming appointments more successful. From nail trims to hair cuts, I can send you home tips and send you youtube videos to work with your pup at home.

With all new dogs I take my time and I get to know them, before I take them in I walk them around the yard, build trust and have some time to play before going inside (If time allows).

For baths I make sure everything is set up before starting. I start with a very gentle stream of water and increase it as the dog adjusts and feels comfortable.

For blow drying I try to use a happy hoodie to protect dogs ears and keep them calm (Some dogs don't love the hoodie). For new dogs, I use a hand dryer and if they tolerate it, I use the high velocity dryer. I am not a groomer that will hold the dog down and force them through drying, I always take steps back to desensitize. For dogs that are just too scared I adapt the groom to accomodate the dogs needs.

For hair cuts I make sure the dog is as relaxed as possible. I pay attention to a dogs body language, take breaks when needed and only use positive reinforcement. This means I never scold any dogs. I believe that the best way to teach a dog good behavior is rewarding them for good behavior.

I use toys and make sounds to distract and redirect dogs. Sometimes I use the word no with dogs, but I find that it's not as effective as keeping positive and calm

Gentle exposure and desensitization is very important. Blow drying a curly dog is important, mainly so you can view the roots of the hair and inspect the skin for any lumps, dryness, ticks and other health reasons. My dog grew a tumor in 2 weeks, and I found it with the dryer.

When working with dryer fears I start at the very bottom. I use a quiet dryer with a brush attachment, because the feel of the brush is distacting. Once they are relaxed and have no reaction I use a hand dryer on low, and increase the power when the dog is used to it. Most dogs I am able to increase until I'm able to use the high velocity dryer without too much fuss from the dog. I use treats with permission from the ownerand if a dog takes a treat it's a good indicator that they are relaxed.

The only way to help a dog overcome fear is desensitizing, which should be done often so the dog doesn’t regress.You can do the desensitization at home, or you can arrange for your dog to come in often so they get more used to coming. I can make packages for people based on their dog's unique needs. For example, having the dog come in once a week for 4 weeks for a set price. I try to make the cost accessible because if owners are able to come more ften for short appointments it will be easier work for me in the future.

I charge the same as I would if I were not using fear free methods. I strongly believe that dogs deserve the best care as possible in a grooming appointment. I often consult with a professional dog trainer that is Animal Kind and Fear free certified if I am not sure or need extra advice to tackle difficult dogs.

I always groom dogs from the rescue for free and I give discounts for people if their circumstance requires it. I have always been motivated to support the community and do what I can to help dogs in need.

I 100% recommend Allison Painchaud with Two Hearts Dog Training (www.twoheartsdogtraining.ca). She is the only Animal Kind and Fear Free certified dog trainer in Kelowna. She only uses positive reinforcement in training, and I have learned a lot of what I know about fear free from her. She is constantly learning and reading books to further her knowledge of dog training. She is amazing at helping dogs build confidence and overcoming fears and reactivity.