20/06/2025
🌸 Cleo 🌸
Cleo is a beautiful little Pocket Bullie who’s still learning to feel confident in new situations. 💕
After a lovely meet-and-treat with her mum, Cleo came to me for one of my Great Grooming Foundations sessions. It became clear early on that she has some separation anxiety and felt unsure without her trusted family by her side. And that’s okay — it’s my job to help her feel safe and supported.
Rather than working in the enclosed grooming room, we took things at her pace. Cleo was far more comfortable exploring the garden and simply following me around. I didn’t enter her personal space until Mum came to collect her — no pressure, just patience.
Now, some might think that shorthaired dogs like Cleo don’t need regular grooming — but her overgrown nails told us otherwise. We weren’t going to give up on her.
So, Mum’s daughter brought Cleo back for another session. She was understandably wary at first, so instead of jumping straight into training, I asked her guardian to guide her. Together, they took the time (and plenty of cheese 🧀) to teach Cleo how to walk up the ramp and step into the bath herself — no force, just encouragement. It took about 15 minutes, but she did it, and that little win built her confidence.
Once in the bath, we introduced water slowly and gently — starting with her feet, avoiding her head, letting her get used to the feel and sound of the water. While Cleo enjoyed a toy and more tasty treats, I was able to shampoo and condition her coat with no fuss. She started to relax, and even allowed me to trim a few nails. Her guardian stepped in to finish the rest — what a team effort. 💪
We ended on a high. It was the hottest day of the year, so rather than using a dryer, Cleo got to potter around the garden and dry off naturally, happy and relaxed.
And just before she left… Cleo came up to me for a little fuss. That moment meant the world. ❤️
Progress over perfection, always.
