31/08/2026
I am a pet groomer.
Not a behaviourist, not a trainer, not a Veterinarian.
I think sometimes we need to remember where a groomerās responsibility ends and an ownerās begins. Groomers seem to be one of the only pet professionals who are routinely expected to train an animal to tolerate the service while simultaneously providing the service.
If your dog is terrified of the vet, we donāt expect the Veterinarian to spend every appointment training your dog to accept being examined. We work with a trainer, learn the appropriate techniques, and then we, as owners, put in the work between appointments. My own German Shepherd doesnāt like being handled by strangers at the Vet. So Iām taking her to training. The trainer is giving me the tools to help her become comfortable with handling, but ultimately itās my responsibility to practice those skills with her. It is not my Veterinarianās responsibility to train my dog during her appointment.
Grooming should be treated the same way. A good groomer can absolutely work patiently, use appropriate handling techniques, recognize stress signals, make accommodations, and help create positive experiences, but we cannot undo months or years of fear, lack of exposure, or behavioural issues during a grooming appointment while also trying to safely complete the groom.
Desensitization happens through consistent, repeated work, not once every 6-8 weeks on the grooming table. Your groomer can be part of the team, and your trainer can give you the tools, but at the end of the day training and preparing your pet for the world is the ownerās responsibility.
