What is Fear Free Grooming?

Creating a calm, positive grooming experience—one dog at a time.

At Spitz Groom, we believe that grooming should never be something a dog dreads. That’s why we proudly follow the principles of Fear-Free Grooming—an approach that prioritises your dog’s emotional wellbeing as much as their physical appearance.

🐾 Fear-Free Grooming Explained

Fear-Free Grooming is a set of science-based, behaviour-focused practices designed to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety in pets during grooming sessions.

It’s not about just getting the job done—it’s about how the job gets done.

✨ Core Principles We Follow:

• Gentle, consent-based handling: we observe your dog’s body language and allow them to set the pace.

• No forced restraint: if a dog is clearly stressed or resistant, we pause, comfort, or try a different approach.

• Frequent breaks & praise: dogs are given time-outs, treats, and encouragement throughout the groom.

• Desensitisation & counterconditioning: we help dogs form positive associations with grooming tools and experiences over time.

🧡 Who Benefits from Fear-Free Grooming?

All dogs benefit—but especially:

• Puppies and first-timers

• Nervous, anxious, or rescue dogs

• Dogs with a history of traumatic grooming experiences

• Senior dogs or those with medical conditions

• Dogs that need extra time, patience, and trust-building

🧽 What Does This Look Like in Our Salon?

• Calm, low-volume environment with minimal noise and distractions

• One-on-one grooming appointments with the same groomer

• Custom intro and settling-in sessions for nervous dogs

• Positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and toys

• Flexible grooming plans if a dog isn’t ready for the full groom on Day 1

• Collaboration with your chosen vet, trainer or behaviourist

 

💊 What About Sedation?

At Spitz Groom, we believe that sedation has a place in grooming—but only when used thoughtfully and in partnership with a behaviour modification plan.

We do not sedate dogs ourselves, but we’re fully supportive of vet-prescribed, mild sedation when a dog is experiencing intense anxiety that prevents them from engaging with the grooming process in a safe and constructive way.

Sedation should never be used to “get the job done.” Instead, it can be a collaborative tool to help reduce fear to a manageable level—allowing the dog to stay aware, engaged, and able to form positive associations through gentle handling and reinforcement.

In some cases, especially where there is risk of harm due to fear-based aggression, stronger veterinary intervention may be needed. In all cases, our goal remains the same: to build trust, lower stress, and work towards a future where sedation is no longer necessary.

 

📚 Want to Learn More?

We also offer:

• Desensitisation guides for brushing, nail clipping, and handling

• One-on-one training sessions for grooming preparation

• Complimentary introduction sessions to help your dog explore the salon at their own pace