Happy Paws with Sue

23/09/2025

The scrummy little Bertie started coming to my salon last summer through recommendation from a local trainer. Extremely touch sensitive, severe gut issues which means he can only eat an insect based diet, so his guardian was obviously very concerned about getting him groomed without overwhelming him.

Over the first three sessions I worked slowly with him so that he could firstly trust me, physical contact didn’t take place for several sessions I spent this time teaching him table protocol (on the table means contact, off the table contact stops).

Once Bertie was confident with table protocol and allowing physically contact, I introduced a stripping stone. Fortunately, Bertie seemed to enjoy contact with the stripping stone. We really haven’t looked back since then.

Bertie’s mum is obviously very relieved to have found a groomer that can keep on top of Bertie’s coat without causing him to get overwhelmed. Bertie cannot wait to get into the salon, and it makes me so happy so know that he now trusts me.

Please comment below the grooming issues you have or have had with you canine companion.

21/09/2025

17/09/2025

https://mailchi.mp/49bc733484b8/hpws-landing-page

I have now set up a Emailing list for anyone interested in weekly emails of grooming and training tips, interesting canine stuff, and occasionally a bit about my life with my human and canine family.

Once you have signed up, you will also receive a link to my Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs Tips for Guardians (useful for other groomers to refer client to)

If it is not of interest to you, perhaps you could share with family/friends who may find the information I share useful. Thank you

Get access to our FREE Basic Ideas for Dog Guardians Online course. Includes useful information to help with home grooming.

17/09/2025

I have just seen this picture in a knee replacement group, but automatically it made me think of grooming. Sometimes with the sensitive clients I take on, it easy to get overwhelmed thinking how we are going to negotiate the steps to get to the top (ie. a full groom) but by breaking it down into just the next step we make life less stressful for all concerned.

So next time something seems too much of a challenge, just focus on the next step

17/09/2025

Shane Hartshorn have you tried The oak leaf dog park fab for Parkour

16/09/2025

It begins with a feather!!!

Poor Daisy is extremely averse to face contact, making tidying her face with either clippers or scissors impossible. Following a sedated vet clip off, we are starting from scratch - and it begins with a feather.

About 9 years ago, the amazing Sarah Fisher suggested I used a feather on Ritzi's (my mini poodle) face to give her nervous system information in a gentle way. In fact, Sarah gave me the feather I am using in this video.

Less is often more!!!

16/09/2025

If you are in my Taking the Grrr Out Of Grooming Dogs group, you may have already seen this video, but I don't think it hurts to share again.

The little man is Shih Tzu Wicket and one of my long term clients, We have been on a bit of a journey together, when he first came to me he couldn't cope with any part of the groom. Scissors were the devil's tool, clippers not far behind, however we have worked slowly, counter conditioning, table protocol giving him the opportunity to remove consent when he needs, I can now complete a full groom on Wicket - it may not be perfect aesthetically but it is perfect for him.

In this video, Wicket is got a little overwhelmed when I was brushing his tail and caught on a small mat. His default behaviour when he gets overwhelmed is hu***ng. However, by using a little Pet Remedy helps him reset quickly so that I can just do a little more tidying.

www.petremedy.co.uk Use code HPWS25 to get 25% discount off any purchases.

13/09/2025

Yesterday, I was reminded how important it is, in particular with anxious dogs, to meet them where they are at.

Unfortunately, Talis had to go to the vets, not a place he is comfortable with. Having Tellington TTouch knowledge really helps me to help him though. The aim for me is to calm him down, to make him feel more relaxed. Going straight to a really calming TTouch would have been impossible, he couldn't keep still, I would have had to hold him to make enough contact for some of the more calming touches, which would have been counter productive.

Instead of a slow calming TTouch, I started with Zebra (zig zag) which is a moving touch, easily done on a move dog. This connected with his nervous system, and I was able to gradually slow the movement down to encourage his nervous system to calm down. He was soon able to have moments of stillness and his panting reduced.

"like" if you know some Tellington TTouch Training
"heart" if you would like to learn some basic Tellington TTouch Training

07/01/2025

With the start of the New Year I have created a nice little starter pack for anyone wanting to Take the Grrr out of Grooming Their Dog - £19.50

The pack include:
* Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Your Dog
* Taking the Grrr Progress Diary
* Taking the Grrr Pen
* Pet Remedy Lickimat
* Pet Remedy Wipes (3)
* UK Postage

This pack can be purchased using the following PayPal link:

https://py.pl/rbUrqwb6Ri

If you are outside the UK and would like to purchase this pack, please email me : [email protected]

This start pack includes: 1. Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Your Dog 1. Progress Diary 1. Pet Remedy Lickimat 3. Pet Remedy Calming Wipes 1. Taking the Grrr Pen 1. Postage

06/01/2025

RARE AVAILABILITY FOR NEW CLIENTS

I currently have availability to take on a few new clients (2-3) at Happy Paws with Sue Unfortunately, I am no longer taking on large dogs due to the limited space in my salon.

I specialise in working with dogs that have a negative experience with grooming, including those that have shown aggression.

My criteria is that the guardians must be willing to work with me and their canine companion.

I am based in Leicestershire.

https://www.happypawswithsue.co.uk/.../grooming.../

Please note that these spaces are likely to go quickly so please contact me asap if interested.

There are many reasons why some dogs are sensitive to the grooming process. Some may be touch sensitive, may have health issues that make it uncomfortable to be groomed, may be a rescue dog, may have had a previous poor grooming experience or they could be a puppy that is coming for their first groo...