Rysup Dog Grooming

22/10/2026

Cali and Malibu

09/10/2026

Rufus & Rosie, all done, waiting for mum!

27/09/2026

Just wanted to let you know my appointments are filling up quickly. So don’t wait until your dogs are desperate for some attention!

11/09/2026

Ellie

11/09/2026

Chino

24/08/2026

I am a pet groomer.
Not a behaviourist, not a trainer, not a Veterinarian.

I think sometimes we need to remember where a groomer’s responsibility ends and an owner’s 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 don’t 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 doesn’t like being handled by strangers at the Vet. So I’m taking her to training. The trainer is giving me the tools to help her become comfortable with handling, but ultimately it’s my responsibility to practice those skills with her. It is not my Veterinarian’s 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 owner’s responsibility.

17/08/2026

Coco the Standard Poodle

17/08/2026

17/08/2026

Malibu looking cute as a button!

13/08/2026

Walsh, the most relaxed good boy ❤️❤️❤️