Woody's Holistic Grooming

Woody's Holistic Grooming Certified holistic groomer offering bespoke cooperative care and welfare services

Woodys Holistic Grooming is a specialist service focused entirely on co-operative care and consent based grooming. I work alongside behaviourists, dog walkers and veterinary physiotherapists to look for the route of grooming issues and provide you with a whole picture as to why a dog may not like a certain aspect of being groomed. No dog will be forced to do anything whilst in my care - instead we work together to create a mutual trust and a safe, positive experience.

18/12/2024

From a dog who was terrified of the shower to this! I’m not gonna lie, even I was shocked by Dembe today. Not only did he happily get into a tiny paddling pool (wasn’t the intention haha!) but he actually let me use the shower head on him. He’s become so much more confident and I love it! Makes it all worth it 💙🐾

18/12/2024

Dillon is such a cutie. She’s a pleasure to groom and to be honest the only thing I think she struggled with in a traditional set up was the inability to move around. Allowing her the freedom to get on and off the table keeps her under threshold and I’m still able to have her in and out in less than 2 hours ❤️🐾

The reality of consent based groomingThere’s a real lack of consent based groomers, and the ones who do take the leap of...
17/12/2024

The reality of consent based grooming

There’s a real lack of consent based groomers, and the ones who do take the leap often end up giving up soon after.

But why is this? What stops more groomers working this way?

Firstly, there’s the cost involved. Regardless of the methods you use, being a groomer is expensive. Training, equipment, rent, products, treats - the list goes on and on.

Pricing. This is a big one. Consent based groomers, especially those who choose to take on behavioural cases can only groom so many dogs in a day. It’s not just the time the dog is in the salon but the work behind the scenes too. Writing reports, researching ways to help each individual dog, networking with other professionals. It has to be financially viable and so they’re often more expensive than a traditional salon in order to make ends meet.

Hand in hand with pricing is timings. We have no idea how long it will take a dog to be comfortable being groomed, we can give a rough estimate based on previous experience but each dog is individual and it wouldn’t be fair to put a set time line in place. Because of this, it can be hard to plan financially and logistically. You may end up with hectic periods followed by very quiet ones.

Expectations. The grooming industry has been around for hundreds of years and the expectation has always been that you took your dog to a groomer who would bath, dry and style their coat ready for you to collect. What consent based groomers are trying to do is put more of a focus on the dogs emotional welfare as well as physical. For that reason, they can’t always guarantee a “finished” groom. Whilst some guardians are completely on board with this, many are still stuck in the mindset that the dog should just accept what’s happening and the groomer simply needs to get on with it. It’s often this reason that guardians don’t want to pay the more expensive prices as they don’t quite understand what the end goal is.

Awareness - on the other hand, for majority of guardians they simply have no idea that this is an option for their dog. Due to the lack of consent based groomers, most guardians whose dogs are struggling being groomed will reach out to a behaviourist, which although is definitely the right approach, a lot of behaviourists don’t know what happens in a grooming salon so it can be hard for them to support - especially if the groomer is unwilling to follow the training plan that’s been put in place!

It takes its toll on your body even more so than traditional grooming, and so unless you’re willing to offer training and education it’s unlikely to be a long term career. You can of course prolong the duration by taking regular breaks, investing in a good physio and doing core strength exercises such as yoga or Pilates.

The heartbreaking thing is, some of the most incredible and passionate consent based groomers have hung up their scissors for one if not all of the above reasons.

It’s not an easy profession, it’s often met with negative comments that we simply don’t know how to manage dogs or that we’re just inexperienced. You have to be mentally strong as well as physically.

And yet, there are some of us still desperately fighting to be heard. Why? Because the reward of earning a dog’s trust and knowing you are putting their needs above all else is second to none.

I am proud to be a consent based groomer, and although yes it is extremely challenging and there’s been many a time I’ve considered walking away, I’m here to stay, for as long as I’m needed.

If you are interested in becoming a consent based groomer, even in just a small way to begin with then please don’t hesitate to get in touch and I will do my very best to support you ❤️🐾

14/12/2024

12 days of Christmas 🐾❄️

On the 12th day of Christmas my groomer gave to me,
12 happy tails
11 treats for trust
10 vip clubs
9 training workbooks
8 sharpened scissors
7 serviced clippers
6 weekly appointments
5 freework stations
4 gentle paw checks
3 skin kind brushes
2 greyhound combs
And a shampoo that’s fragrance free

The most important thing to me this Christmas, isn’t that the dogs leave with fancy bows or sparkly new hair styles… it’s that they leave with their tail wagging feeling safe and happy ❤️

13/12/2024

Little Lexi did so well today, after getting a few pesky plants stuck in her fur recently we felt the best thing to do would be to take her face shorter to prevent it happening again. I must admit I adore lexi’s cheeky character, she never fails to make me laugh 🎄❄️❤️

13/12/2024

Artie is doing so much better now he’s on a bi-weekly schedule. Today we simply focused on brushing and tidying up his feet and paws. He’s such a gentle boy with the most beautiful temperament, he just needs support from time to time ❤️🎄❄️

13/12/2024

Little Ellie really is a superstar. She’s much more comfortable in the shower so I try and do any face trimming she needs in there. She’s always had quite a strong aversion to brushes so I was really impressed with how well she coped with a wide toothed comb during drying - what a game changer ❤️❄️🎄

12 days of Christmas 🐾❄️“On the 11th day of Christmas my groomer gave to me, 11 tasty treats”Many groomers may not feel ...
13/12/2024

12 days of Christmas 🐾❄️

“On the 11th day of Christmas my groomer gave to me, 11 tasty treats”

Many groomers may not feel comfortable giving treats during an appointment for fear of dogs becoming reliant on them. But as with all training, if it’s done correctly you should be able to faze out the treats gradually. Once a dog really trusts you they may not rely on the reward markers as much anymore anyway, but until you earn that trust my theory is always - would you work for no pay?

*always check with the guardian regarding allergies/intolerances before giving treats - if you’re unsure ask them to bring their own

12/12/2024

I’ve got such a soft spot for Zero! He truly is such a gentle giant. Prior to coming to me it would take two people to get him into the bath, but as you know that’s not how it works here. The shower tray itself clearly concerns Zero, so it was time to think outside the box! Each time Zero stepped into the paddling pool I would wash him with either a jug of water or a flannel. I was also able to apply a shampoo and then rinse it off again using the jug and flannel. Is it perfect? No! But is it progress? Abso-blooming-lutly!! ❤️🎄🐾

12/12/2024

Miss Lara had enjoyed a bit of a mud bath yesterday so was very much in need of a good scrub. She was a superstar with both the shower and the dryer considering shes not a particularly big fan of either 🤣. Now the question is how long will she stay clean?! 🎄🐾❤️

12/12/2024

So proud of Apple today! She usually comes with her mum but today she came with her sister so it could have gone one of two ways. Thankfully it went massively in our favour and Apple was a complete dream. She’ll be looking even more beautiful for Christmas now 🐾❤️ 🎄

12 days of Christmas 🐾❄️On the 10th day of Christmas my groomer gave to me10 vip clubs 9 training workbooks 8 sharpened ...
12/12/2024

12 days of Christmas 🐾❄️

On the 10th day of Christmas my groomer gave to me
10 vip clubs
9 training workbooks
8 sharpened scissors
7 serviced clippers
6 weekly appointments
5 freework stations
4 gentle paw checks
3 skin kind brushes
2 greyhound combs
And a shampoo that’s fragrance free

Grooming can get expensive! At Woodys I offer my VIP clubs to help spread the cost, but also to help you to plan ahead. No worrying about last minute appointments, drop off and collect your dog with everything taken care of. It’s a no brainer to me?

Address

1 Fosse Close
Swindon
SN22BP

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 10:30am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447521720302

Website

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Videos

From a dog who was terrified of the shower to this! I’m not gonna lie, even I was shocked by Dembe today. Not only did he happily get into a tiny paddling pool (wasn’t the intention haha!) but he actually let me use the shower head on him. He’s become so much more confident and I love it! Makes it all worth it 💙🐾 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

Dillon is such a cutie. She’s a pleasure to groom and to be honest the only thing I think she struggled with in a traditional set up was the inability to move around. Allowing her the freedom to get on and off the table keeps her under threshold and I’m still able to have her in and out in less than 2 hours ❤️🐾 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

Little Lexi did so well today, after getting a few pesky plants stuck in her fur recently we felt the best thing to do would be to take her face shorter to prevent it happening again. I must admit I adore lexi’s cheeky character, she never fails to make me laugh 🎄❄️❤️ #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

Artie is doing so much better now he’s on a bi-weekly schedule. Today we simply focused on brushing and tidying up his feet and paws. He’s such a gentle boy with the most beautiful temperament, he just needs support from time to time ❤️🎄❄️ #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

Little Ellie really is a superstar. She’s much more comfortable in the shower so I try and do any face trimming she needs in there. She’s always had quite a strong aversion to brushes so I was really impressed with how well she coped with a wide toothed comb during drying - what a game changer ❤️❄️🎄 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

I’ve got such a soft spot for Zero! He truly is such a gentle giant. Prior to coming to me it would take two people to get him into the bath, but as you know that’s not how it works here. The shower tray itself clearly concerns Zero, so it was time to think outside the box! Each time Zero stepped into the paddling pool I would wash him with either a jug of water or a flannel. I was also able to apply a shampoo and then rinse it off again using the jug and flannel. Is it perfect? No! But is it progress? Abso-blooming-lutly!! ❤️🎄🐾 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

Miss Lara had enjoyed a bit of a mud bath yesterday so was very much in need of a good scrub. She was a superstar with both the shower and the dryer considering shes not a particularly big fan of either 🤣. Now the question is how long will she stay clean?! 🎄🐾❤️ #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

So proud of Apple today! She usually comes with her mum but today she came with her sister so it could have gone one of two ways. Thankfully it went massively in our favour and Apple was a complete dream. She’ll be looking even more beautiful for Christmas now 🐾❤️ 🎄 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

The most important thing to me when welcoming a puppy at Woodys is that they feel safe and able to have a voice. Today we started to do some work on paw handling with Moo, teaching him to step up onto a block so I could trim round his paws. We also tried to introduce a pivot movement in preparation for back foot handling - however, he’s currently teething and so he had other ideas. The distraction of his teeth along with the struggle of learning something new resulted in major zoomies and increased adrenaline so what do I do in this situation? We had a little play and then called the session early, he won’t learn anything in this state of mind but that’s ok, we have a life time to get it right ❤️🐾❄️ #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

It snowed at Woody’s today! Eddie was in need of a good deshed and bath today and although he was a bit out of sorts due to the wind he still did really well. Fun fact - did you know that alot of nordic breeds are actually triple coated?! This is why you’ll never quite get down to the root when brushing with a regular comb. For more information check out Groomers Guide Seminars by Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

I’m gutted my camera cut out during Ivy’s session today. This little superstar is such a pleasure to groom. She’s got a real cheeky character and yet still so accepting of grooming. We continue to keep her sessions short so she stays under threshold and will build up to longer sessions once shes older ❤️🐾 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

I am so proud of little Poppy. Despite having a really tough time recently she was still so brave when being groomed. She has developed a slight aversion to clippers so we resorted to scissors this time and will work on the clippers again in the new year ❤️🐾 #woodysholisticgrooming #groomingmagic #cooperativecare #givedogsachoice #bethedogsvoice #petremedyprofessionalpartner #groomingwithadifference #cooperativegrooming #doggroomingvideos #groomingdogs #doggroomingtips #theholisticgroomingacademy #dogtraining #swindondoggroomer #wiltshiredoggroomer #doggrooming #cooperativecare #dog #succeedingtogether #educatingguardians #empoweringowners #trusttheprocess #consentgrooming

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Our Story

Welcome to Woody's place dog grooming service - a one to one home based experience. I started to train as a dog groomer after finding it really difficult to find somewhere to take my dog reactive rescue Maximus. Since having Max, i've spent hours and hours learning about dog behaviour and decided to pursue a career working with dogs. My services are very simple - if you want a crufts look i’m probably not the person for you! But if you’re just looking for somewhere friendly and inviting for your fur baby, where their needs are always put first then i’m your girl! I will never push the dog too far, and we’ll take it at their pace - especially if they’re new to grooming!