Happy Henry’s Grooming and Training

21/06/2024

Edit: now with link to Zara’s interview. 😊

This is well worth a read from our friend Daniela at Woody's Holistic Grooming.

If you haven’t caught my conversation with Daniela yet on the Woof You! Podcast and want to find out more about holistic grooming and why we do what we do, listen at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/woof-you-podcast/id1677185109?i=1000643572554.

Or why not check out the episode with Tarka Dog Training’s Zara Jackson where we discuss teaching cooperative care to wild animals in captivity, which is what she did prior to moving into the dog world. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/woof-you-podcast/id1677185109?i=1000633330141

As all of my customers find when working with Happy Henry’s!, using training games to help our canine family members become more comfortable with being groomed and handled, it is possible to introduce cooperative care methods into basic husbandry techniques.

To find out more, get in touch. And be sure to follow and like this page because more exciting plans are in the works to make it much easier for everyone to access my help.

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

This week I had the absolute honour of speaking with Jim Mackie, the Animal Training and Behaviour officer at ZSL (Zoological Society of London). We spoke in depth about the methods and techniques used with the animals in captivity to help make medical treatments easier for them and reduce the need for tranquilizing.

Jim explained how they have an entire team of dedicated keepers who are all taught how to train specific behaviours such as a target, positioning and so on. These behaviours are then adapted and developed on so they can be used for either moving animals around their enclosures, for blood draws or other medical examinations and for transportation. Having a tiger walk into a transportation crate rather than having to be tranquillised is much less stressful for them and means they’re more likely to settle in their new environment.

Jim and his team train a whole variety of animals, from monkeys, raptors, birds all the way up to Elephants.

We spoke about the challenges they come up against, such as the animals being out of their natural habitat, limitations on resources etc. Things that are all relatable to the grooming environment too.

I first witnessed co-operative care during a workshop run by Chirag Patel, who is actually a good friend of Jims. He demonstrated how they had taught a cheetah to offer his body for an injection. It was at that point, I stood in awe and disbelief. If we can teach wild animals to be co-operative for care procedures, why on earth aren’t we doing the same for our domestic (and in theory much more tactile) animals?

Teaching co-operative care is easy, and for most in the zoo the behaviour can be taught in just a matter of weeks. So why is it so hard for us and our domestic dogs?

Well firstly, we are not all dog experts and training specialists. We don’t all spend every day devoting time to train our dogs (even though it only needs to be short sessions). Often we expect others to do it for us, or for our dogs to “just get used to it”. As a groomer, I usually see your dog once every 6-8 weeks sometimes more if I’m lucky. There is no way I can teach solid co-operative care techniques in such a short amount of time and it would be unfair to expect that of me.

In my personal opinion, this is why alot of groomers struggle with the idea of giving choice in the grooming environment. They don’t have the time to train co-operative care techniques, and so when they’re faced with a dog who is several matted or has overgrown nails then they have a difficult choice to make. Do they send the dog home and trust the guardian to do training with the dog first? Do they try their best to remove the matting as quickly as possible using restraints, risking their relationship with the dog? Or do they refer to the vets for sedation?

A groomers heart is in the right place, but we also know that guardians aren’t zoo keepers and are unlikely to dedicate the time and resources needed to train properly. And similarly groomers aren’t specialist trainers who can spend weeks with a single dog (at least not without charging a considerable amount). They do what they can to help the animal in the least damaging way they can.

This is not about blaming anyone. But as a nation of dog lovers, we owe it to our dogs to teach them and support them. We need to do better.

We share our lives with one of the most intelligent, inspiring animals in the world. Let’s follow ZSL’s example, and start focusing more on husbandry skills, start collaborating more with experts and start to prepare to care.

18/06/2024

Welcoming Back Our Market at Amerton! 🎉🌟

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Market on the Farm on the 7th of July, in conjunction with the fantastic Purple Events and Hire! From 10 AM to 4 PM, join us for a day of fun, shopping, and local goodness. And guess what? Our market will now be a regular monthly affair on the first Sunday of every month!

Picture this: Sunshine (we've ordered it, promise! ☀️), an assortment of stalls featuring local independent retailers and creators, and a chance to explore our 35 awesome businesses on site. Whether you’re on the hunt for unique handcrafted treasures or just want to enjoy a day out, we’ve got it all!

Our monthly market runs from March to December (closed January and February), so there are plenty of chances for you to save up for a monthly shopping spree and support your local community.

If you would like details on joining in with a stall, please contact Chris via email at [email protected].

Come and spend a day with us and Support-Shop-Spend-Local!

16/06/2024

PHOTO COMPETITION PRIZE WINNERS!!

Thank you to everyone who voted in the photo competition following the Grand Re-Opening of Happy Henry’s!

And the winners are……

1st Prize: Chloe
⭐️ A bottle of Happy Henry’s! Gin featuring photo of the winning dog. Photo taken by Sophie Vimpany Photography New, gin crafted by Mercia Distillery.
⭐️ Painting of the winning dog by Jane Harnett from Chartley Chucks Poultry Pages.
⭐️ £50 gift certificate from Leo Charley and Me
⭐️ One hour photo shoot with Sophie Vimpany Photography New
⭐️ Hydrotherapy session with Rosecroft Canine Rehabilitation Centre
⭐️ A one hour session with Victoria at Happy Henry’s! for grooming or training
⭐️ A Happy Henry’s! mug

2nd & 3rd Prizes: Mabel & Kaiya
⭐️ A bottle of Happy Henry’s! Gin featuring photo of the winning dog. Photo taken by Sophie Vimpany Photography New, gin crafted by Mercia Distillery.
⭐️ A Happy Henry’s! mug

CONGRATULATIONS everyone! Thank you to all who took part as well as all of the wonderful gift donors💕

The money we raised through the event has helped 5 amazing charitable organisations and we couldn’t have done it without you all. Thank you! 🤩 .

I will reach out to all winners this week (including the two lucky raffle winners) to confirm which photo of their dog they would like on their Happy Henry’! gin label (designed and printed by Design Xpress.

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs (and guardians) are made 🐾🛁

12/06/2024

❗️LAST CALL FOR VOTES❗️

Competition will close on end of day tomorrow and votes will be counted. Winners (yes, winners!) will be announced on Saturday, June 15🙌🏆.

Please note that Sophie will have contacted all participants by end of day today with proofs of all photos she took. If you don’t see anything in your mailbox tonight, please check your spam/junk folders and reach out to her directly with questions.

Thank you Sophie Vimpany Photography New for helping to make our fundraising competition a huge success 🤗

Whoop whoop whoop!!

SHARE AND VOTE!

Sophie Vimpany Photography has done her magic and everyone who had their portraits taken on Sunday at the Happy Henry’s! grand re-opening and entered the competition, your photos are NOW LIVE and can be voted on. !!

Check out all the cute and amazing participants and vote at: https://www.sophievimpany.com/event.

‼️Be sure to share this with as many people as possible. The prizes will be given to the dogs who receive the most votes‼️

Thank you so much to everyone who took part. You have ONE MONTH to gain momentum and round up your votes. The doors will close in 30 days and we’ll announce the winners.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 🤞

Thank you Sophie💕

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

10/06/2024

When Chloe, a beautiful girl in her golden years, was first referred to us, she was extremely touch sensitive and struggled with any physical contact from others.

After a referral to her vets to discuss a pain med trial, plus adding in supplements to her diet, her guardian and I have seen a HUGE difference. Old dogs can be taught new tricks 🥰

Often times when dogs struggle with touch, if we’re not seeing the progress we hope for, the first question we ask ourselves is “is it pain related?” In all cases I’ve seen so far so far who have gone on pain meds, we have see a positive change, and that includes in one dog who is under one year of age.

Before you jump to thinking your dog is “naughty” or “aggressive,” please think about a vet check and consider underlying pain as a possible issue.

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

06/06/2024

⏰ The clock’s a-tickin and time is running out to get your votes in!

We’ve had over 2000 votes placed so far for the fabulous furries who entered the competition and one dog in particular has caught your fancy 🤩.

❗️You’ve got until Thursday, June 13 to place votes❗️

🏆 Winners will be announced on Saturday, June 15🏆

⬆️ Yes, you read that right. ⭐️WINNERS ⭐️ will be announced on Saturday, June 15. Because of the amazing response to the competition, more than one dog will be a winner 🥳🏅

Keep voting until Thursday, June 15. Don’t let your favourite pooch miss out!

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

Whoop whoop whoop!!

SHARE AND VOTE!

Sophie Vimpany Photography has done her magic and everyone who had their portraits taken on Sunday at the Happy Henry’s! grand re-opening and entered the competition, your photos are NOW LIVE and can be voted on. !!

Check out all the cute and amazing participants and vote at: https://www.sophievimpany.com/event.

‼️Be sure to share this with as many people as possible. The prizes will be given to the dogs who receive the most votes‼️

Thank you so much to everyone who took part. You have ONE MONTH to gain momentum and round up your votes. The doors will close in 30 days and we’ll announce the winners.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 🤞

Thank you Sophie💕

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

04/06/2024

Regardless of a dog’s age, meet and greets when looking for a new groomer are vital for everyone, especially the dogs.

Take your time and do it right. Patience pays off.

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

03/06/2024

Whoop whoop whoop!!

SHARE AND VOTE!

Sophie Vimpany Photography has done her magic and everyone who had their portraits taken on Sunday at the Happy Henry’s! grand re-opening and entered the competition, your photos are NOW LIVE and can be voted on. !!

Check out all the cute and amazing participants and vote at: https://www.sophievimpany.com/event.

‼️Be sure to share this with as many people as possible. The prizes will be given to the dogs who receive the most votes‼️

Thank you so much to everyone who took part. You have ONE MONTH to gain momentum and round up your votes. The doors will close in 30 days and we’ll announce the winners.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 🤞

Thank you Sophie💕

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

03/06/2024

Love this boy 🥰. He’s come so far over the last couple of years. He reminds me that it is all worthwhile and patience does pay off.

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

01/06/2024

Incredibly excited to announce that Amerton Farm will be the new home of Poppy Fields Glamping!!!

30/05/2024

Reminder to share and vote! There are some faaaabulous prizes to be had for the winning pupster, including:

⭐️A bottle of Happy Henry’s! Happy Gin hand-crafted and donated by Mercia Distillery

⭐️An oil-painting of the winning dog’s photograph don’t by Jane Harnett

⭐️A £50 gift certificate from Leo Charley and Me so the winner can create their own bespoke collar, lead, and banana.

⭐️A hydrotherapy session (subject to vet referral) from Rosecroft Canine Rehabilitation Centre

⭐️A one-hour private photo shoot with Sophie Vimpany Photography New

⭐️One hour session with Victoria at Happy Henry’s Grooming and Training to help with whatever you want—grooming, training, or optimism/confidence-boosting exercises.

And go!!!

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

Whoop whoop whoop!!

SHARE AND VOTE!

Sophie Vimpany Photography has done her magic and everyone who had their portraits taken on Sunday at the Happy Henry’s! grand re-opening and entered the competition, your photos are NOW LIVE and can be voted on. !!

Check out all the cute and amazing participants and vote at: https://www.sophievimpany.com/event.

‼️Be sure to share this with as many people as possible. The prizes will be given to the dogs who receive the most votes‼️

Thank you so much to everyone who took part. You have ONE MONTH to gain momentum and round up your votes. The doors will close in 30 days and we’ll announce the winners.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 🤞

Thank you Sophie💕

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

28/05/2024

Has your curiosity been piqued and are you interested in finding out what consent-based grooming is all about?

Come and join for this intro workshop!

https://www.facebook.com/100023398073137/posts/1502467293876525/

27/05/2024

🤩THANK YOU!! 🤩

You raised a total of £725 for the nominated dog rescue organisations!!!

Despite the high temps last weekend, you helped up raise some much needed money for the following dog rescues:

🐾 Greyhound Gap (Greyhound Gap)
💕BeKind Rescue (BeKind Rescue UK Reg. Charity 1184755 Page)
🐾 Boycie’s Bridge dog Rescue (Boycie’s Bridge Dog Rescue)
💕 Cocker and English Springer Spaniel Rescue (Cocker And English Springer Spaniel Rescue - Caessr)
🐾 Linbee Dog Rehoming Linbee Dog Rehoming

Many thanks to everyone who donated before, during, and following the event, including our amazing vendors and gift donors.

If you are one of the organisations listed above and have not contacted me, please DM today so we can get your money transferred to you asap.

Have a fantabulous week everyone 🤗

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

26/05/2024

NEW WORKSHOP SCHEDULED!

Intro to consent-based grooming
Sunday, June 2, 11:00a-12:30p.

What exactly is consent-based grooming?
What on earth is holistic grooming?
What does “cooperative care” mean?

Book now at https://calendly.com/happyhenrys/intro-to-consent-based-grooming.

Happy Henry’s! is excited to invite you to attend it’s first workshop of 2024 at Amerton Farm, to share information and examples on what it means to take a dog-centred approach when it comes to grooming and handling.

The cost of this workshop is deliberately being kept at a price that everyone can afford. For just £10 a ticket, you’ll walk away with a load of new information and ideas that can truly make a difference.

Whether you’re a groomer or a guardian, this workshop will give you an insight into how you can make your relationship with the dogs around you a more positive one.

PLEASE NOTE: this particular workshop DOES NOT include dogs. If you’re interested in working with your dog at one of the Happy Henry’s! small workshops, check out our events page at https://happy-henrys.co.uk/events and social media pages () for updates. New workshops will be added soon.

Soft drinks (tea/coffee/water) will be available during the workshop.

And don’t forget, the NEW Whites at Amerton is now open and serving breakfast and lunch. Reservations strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. https://www.whitescoffeebar.co.uk/

PLUS!! The NEW Amerton Artisans hall is fully operational and there are a variety of amazing local talents selling a variety of fabulous products. https://www.facebook.com/share/iRKB9b8ptHyoAd9i/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Shop. Spend. Local.

Book now at https://calendly.com/happyhenrys/intro-to-consent-based-grooming

Questions?

Don’t hesitate to DM us or drop note at https://happy-henrys.co.uk/contact-us.

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs (and guardians) are made 🐾🛁

24/05/2024

24/05/2024

Here’s your daily reminder to vote 🤗. And even if you don’t vote, looking at all the cute dogs will give you a boost as your weekend begins 🤗

Bespoke consent-based groomer, games-based trainer, owner educator, self-service, all in one place.

23/05/2024

SHARE AND VOTE!!

Who do you think should win Top Dog? In 30 days, we’ll let you know the results.

And…… GO!!

Bespoke consent-based groomer, games-based trainer, owner educator, self-service, all in one place.

22/05/2024

Whoop whoop whoop!!

Sophie Vimpany Photography has done her magic and everyone who had their portraits taken on Sunday at the Happy Henry’s! grand re-opening and entered the competition, your photos are NOW LIVE and can be voted on. !!

Check out all the cute and amazing participants and vote at: https://www.sophievimpany.com/event.

‼️Be sure to share this with as many people as possible. The prizes will be given to the dogs who receive the most votes‼️

Thank you so much to everyone who took part. You have ONE MONTH to gain momentum and round up your votes. The doors will close in 30 days and we’ll announce the winners.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 🤞

Thank you Sophie💕

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🛁🐾

Bespoke consent-based groomer, games-based trainer, owner educator, self-service, all in one place.

20/05/2024

Who won the prize for traveling the furthest for our Grand Re-Opening on Sunday? That would be Kev Matthews and family. 2.5 hours drive to Amerton Farm, a photo shoot with the pups, and a quick catch up before they headed back down south. Now that’s dedication.

I remember driving 5 hours for a beer out in Illinois several years ago but I stayed over the night.

Kev, Sam, Neve, River, Coast, you’re rockstars!!! Thank you for your support💕

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

20/05/2024

20/05/2024

Happy National Dog Rescue Day!

We’re still counting the donations but we can let you know that with the help of all the amazing people who attended our Grand Re-Opening yesterday, we have raised at least £550!

The nominated dog rescue charities who’ll are:

🐾 Greyhound Gap (Greyhound Gap)
💕BeKind Rescue (BeKind Rescue UK Reg. Charity 1184755 Page)
🐾 Boycie’s Bridge dog Rescue (Boycie’s Bridge Dog Rescue)
💕 Cocker and English Springer Spaniel Rescue (Cocker And English Springer Spaniel Rescue - Caessr)
🐾 Linbee Dog Rehoming

Please can each organisation DM us with bank information so that we can transfer funds directly to the charity”s website.

Have a fantabulous week everyone 🤗

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

19/05/2024

We were so busy rushing around today that we forgot to taken photos, so thank you Amerton Artisans for a little reminder of the fabulous day! Thank you everyone who stopped by and donated.

17/05/2024

🥁DRUM ROLL PLEASE 🥁

And the nominated dog rescue charities who’ll be benefitting from this Sunday’s event are:

🐾 Greyhound Gap (Greyhound Gap)
💕BeKind Rescue (BeKind Rescue UK Reg. Charity 1184755 Page)
🐾 Boycie’s Bridge dog Rescue (Boycie’s Bridge Dog Rescue)
💕 Cocker and English Springer Spaniel Rescue (Cocker And English Springer Spaniel Rescue - Caessr)
🐾 Linbee Dog Rehoming Linbee Dog Rehoming

Many thanks to everyone who placed a vote💕 and congratulations to the nominees. Fingers crossed Sunday will be a fun filled fundraising day out for the whole family.

We will be reach out to the charities as soon as possible after our open day event on Sunday to coordinate donations.

Have a fantabulous weekend everyone 🤗

Happy Henry’s!, where happy dogs are made 🐾🛁

16/05/2024

🎉 Get ready to unleash the excitement at Happy Henry’s Grooming and Training Grand Re-Opening! 🐾 This event on Sunday, May 19, is going to be off-the-charts paw-tastic! 🌟

🐶 Victoria and friends have rounded up an incredible lineup of vendors and generous souls who've donated prizes for the raffle and photo competition! Raffle tickets are your golden ticket to fun and furry goodness! 🎁

🌟 And here's the best part - ALL the proceeds from the event will be directly donated to our nominated dog rescue organisations! So, your participation is not just fun; it’s also a noble cause! 🐾

But wait, there's more! Our vendors are spreading the love, too, donating 10% of their sales during the event! 🙌 Get ready for treasure hunts, lucky paw prints, signed books, bespoke gifts, and even a special Happy Henry’s! Happy Gin recipe from Mercia Distillery! 🍹

It's going to be a day filled with non-stop fun, scrumptious treats, and maybe even a little doggie ice cream to cool off from that sun! 🍦

📣 A huge shout out to all the businesses who have made this opening possible by donating raffle prizes, coming and offering their time and having a stand at the event:

Beyond The Bread Creations
Paws and sue
Mercia Distillery
Talk'
And Ralphs
Amerton Pottery
Chartley Chucks Poultry Pages
Vets
Waggy’s Walks & Grooming
A.S stained glass
Greyhound Gap
Canine Rehabilitation Centre
Charley and Me
Amerton Farm
Glitter Babes
’s Get Sharp
Unique Metalworks
The Holistic Grooming Academy
Colours Kids Face Painting
Lymestone Brewery
Whites at Amerton
Treat-Boxes
Bestbind

Don't miss out on this tail-wagging extravaganza! See you there! 🎉🎊

📅 Sunday 19th May 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
💻 www.happy-henrys.co.uk
📞 0731642741
📍 The Old Farm Courtyard, Amerton Farm, ST18 0LA