Grooming and Handling Skills
Dropping a stressed dog at the groomer is one of those moments that stays with you. The trembling, the resistance at the door, the look back as they are carried away
For your dog, it is overwhelming. For you, it is genuinely hard to walk away from. Every dog deserves to feel safe being handled at the groomer and vet.
If you have a new puppy, you have the chance to make sure it never gets to that point. And if you are already there, this workshop will show you how to turn it around.
With the right preparation and a little practice at home, grooming does not have to be something your dog dreads or you feel guilty about. This workshop will show you how to change that, one small step at a time.
Who Is This Class For?
This workshop is ideal for any dog parent who wants to make grooming and routine handling a calmer, more positive experience. It is a great fit if you:
Have a new puppy and want to build positive associations with handling from the very beginning
Have a fluffy small or toy breed, or any dog that requires regular grooming and maintenance
Have a dog who is already showing mild anxiety at the groomer or is tricky to handle
Want to feel more confident managing your dog's routine care at home between appointments
Dogs attend this one with you. Come ready to practice.
A dog who tolerates handling calmly is a dog who is easier to care for, less stressed at appointments, and safer to manage at home. Getting there does not have to be a struggle. With patience, the right technique, and a little practice, most dogs can learn that being handled is nothing to worry about. This workshop will give you and your dog the best possible start.
You will learn:
How to introduce brushing, paw handling, ear checks, and mouth handling gradually and positively
- Cooperative care basics, how to make handling a calm experience rather than a battle
- How to desensitise your dog to grooming sounds like dryers and scissors, and tools like trimmers
- What groomers and vets actually need from your dog, and how to help them get there
- How to build a handling routine at home that keeps your dog comfortable between appointments
- Hands-on practice with real grooming tools in a calm, supported environment
All training is Fear Free and based on positive reinforcement, so your pooch learns through safety, trust, and fun.
$79
Includes
A 60-90 Minute Group Class
Spot for 1 Dog & 2 Owners
Take home resources to start your dogs positive handling journey
👇 Book your place using the calendar below
What You'll Walk Away With
By the end of this workshop you will have the knowledge and hands-on experience to make grooming and handling a genuinely positive part of your dog's routine.
You'll leave with:
A clear understanding of why your dog reacts the way they do, and how to shift that
Practical handling techniques you have already practiced on your own dog
A plan for building confidence at home between grooming appointments
The tools and know-how to set your dog up for a calmer experience at the groomer and vet
Dogs who are well prepared for handling are not only easier to groom, they are less stressed throughout the entire experience. If you are looking for grooming services for your dog, our team at The Belly Rub Club are here to help.
Grooming FAQ’s
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This workshop is well suited to dogs showing mild anxiety or who are simply tricky to handle. If your dog's anxiety is severe or they become highly distressed during grooming, some one-on-one support may be a better starting point. Reach out and we will help you figure out the right fit.
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Not at all. This workshop is designed for everyday dog parents, not groomers. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to practice alongside your dog.
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Yes, and in fact the earlier you start the better. Building positive associations with handling during puppyhood makes an enormous difference to how your dog copes with grooming and vet visits throughout their life.
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Your dog on a lead with a flat collar or harness (no retractable leads), proof of vaccination if not already on file with us, and an open mind. We will take care of the rest.