The bond between dogs and their families is incredibly strong, so when behavioural, emotional, or physical challenges arise, it can feel stressful and overwhelming for everyone involved. I’m here to help us work together to find kind, practical, realistic and supportive solutions to your dogs grooming issues.

At the heart of my work is a genuine love and understanding of dogs — not just their behaviour, but who they are as individuals. Living alongside my own dogs, sensitive Dennis and carefree Olive, reminds me every day that dogs, just like people, experience the world differently. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s what makes life with dogs so special and interesting.

With 22 years dog grooming experience and a first class degree in animal behaviour and welfare I understand the many reasons a dog may find grooming frightening, uncomfortable or overwhelming.

For some dogs, the cause may be physical, such as an underlying illness, injury, sore skin or painful joints. Others may have experienced trauma in the past or never had the opportunity to develop positive associations with grooming through patient, reward-based training. A noisy salon, unfamiliar surroundings, strange smells and the sensation of clippers can all create anxiety.

Sometimes, the problem may have little to do with grooming itself. Your dog may simply feel frightened when separated from you, making an otherwise manageable experience feel unbearable.

Whatever the reason, fear and distress deserve understanding, not punishment. Forcing a frightened dog to endure grooming can intensify their anxiety and make future visits even harder.

My approach is built around patience, empathy and positive, welfare-focused handling. I aim to understand your dog's individual needs, recognise their boundaries and help them feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Every dog deserves to be understood, not judged. Together, we can work towards a calmer, kinder grooming experience, one step at a time but even then for some dogs the grooming process is too much to endure on a regular basis. For these dogs I offer you my individual grooming masterclass.

See Plans for further information on my Individual Grooming Masterclasses.