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Grooming without the drama! How to keep your dog calm, happy, and mat-free with Sue Williamson
Episode 1313th May 2025 • The Yappy Hour • Yappily
00:00:00 01:31:37

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In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Sue Williamson, a consent-based groomer and behaviourist. Sue shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a grooming advocate, focusing on stress-free, dog-centric grooming practices.

Learn how to decode calming signals, prevent matting, and use tools that enhance comfort for sensitive pups. Discover the impact of grooming on a dog's emotional and physical well-being, and how pet parents can support positive grooming experiences at home. Tune in to find out how to transform a typically stressful grooming session into a calm and enriching experience for your dog.

Listen to more episodes on The Yappy Hour PODCAST PAGE

Transcripts

Speaker:

Welcome back to The Yappy Hour, powered

by Yappy, the podcast where we chat

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all things dogs with expert guests.

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We'll talk and absolutely no fluff.

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Wow, maybe a little bit of dog hair.

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I'm your host, Nathan Dunleavy, and

today I'm absolutely thrilled to be

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joined by Sue Williamson, an expert

consent based groomer behaviourist, and

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the founder of Happy Pause with Sue.

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Now grooming isn't just about making

our dogs look pretty for Instagram,

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it's a fundamental part of their health,

happiness and overall well being.

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But for some dogs, and let's

be honest, some pet parents, a

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trip to the groomer can feel as

stressful as a dentist appointment.

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That's where Sue comes in.

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She takes a different approach, one that

considers the whole dog their emotional

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state and their individual needs.

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So if your dog hides under the sofa

at the mere sight of a brush, or you

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just want to understand how grooming

can be a positive and enriching

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experience, you are in the right place.

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So grab a cup of tea, settle in,

and let's dive into the world

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of consent based agreement.

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With C.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Welcome back to the Yappy

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Hour, powered by Yappily.

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I'm your host, Nathan Dunleavy,

and I'm so excited to bring

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you another episode today.

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Even more excited that we

have Sue Williamson with

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us, who's our first groomer.

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So expect a jam packed episode, because

I've got lots of questions for the

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lovely Sue, and I'm so excited to

hear all about Sue and her journey.

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So without further ado, Sue,

welcome to the Yappy Hour.

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Let's get started with your journey.

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What led you into the world

of grooming and what made you

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take the consent based route?

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Sue: Okay, so when I was four years

old, going back thousands of years, my,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: way.

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I've

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Sue: I was four years old, my

auntie gave me a toy poodle,

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black toy poodle called Tina.

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And yeah,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: poodles.

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So you've literally just made me, wow.

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Literally light up straight away,

but we'll come back to that anyway.

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Sue: yeah,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Carry on.

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Sue: that's okay.

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And just having this dog,

we did everything together.

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And even back then I was doing like

training of tricks, but I also always.

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Use food for her.

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It's a trainer.

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Not because I'd ever read

anywhere that we should do it.

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Just felt she works food so I

use food and My aunt, the aunt

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that had given me the dog.

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She was a dog groomer She was a

poodle, but she specialized in poodles.

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So it just made me It just made

me want to become a groomer, but

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I was told it wasn't a proper job,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh,

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Sue: and

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Okay.

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Sue: I went down the administration

route instead, so I worked at various

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places, had a break when I had my

children, and then went back later on.

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And then about 10 years ago, I

was diagnosed with breast cancer.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, my goodness.

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Right.

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Okay.

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Sue: And I took about four

months off work to have surgery

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and radiotherapy and treatment.

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And when I went back, I just

couldn't get back into work.

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I was, I was in a management

position and it was, losing four

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months worth of work was not good.

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My staff, my staff was trying to keep up

my, doing my work as well as their own.

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I'd lost a member of staff while I'd

gone and it was just too stressful.

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So I decided.

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I decided one day after about six

months of being back at work, I

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just handed my notice in one day,

I just can't hack this anymore.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: had

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Sue: No job to go to.

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That'd be scary.

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Yeah.

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Yeah.

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Very, I'm very risk averse usually.

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So it was completely not like me.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Takes a life changing illness for

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Sue: Absolutely.

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Yes.

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So I had to think of what I could do

and I'd already started training to

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be a talent and teach practitioner.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Did Yes.

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Sue: I love dogs.

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I've got one of my own and

I thought, you know what?

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I'm going to go, I'm going

to do the dog grooming.

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You know, so I booked the training

course immediately with Francine

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Bennett at LA's Bar and Groom,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

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Sue: and I finished work on the

Friday and started on the Monday.

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Absolutely loved it, absolutely loved

working with the dogs, despite the

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fact that they were The first dog

I bathed was the German Shepherd,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Wow.

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Sue: that absolutely, that

absolutely drenched me.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, I bet.

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Sue: I was absolutely wet through.

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Fortunately, I kept a spare pair of,

a spare set of clothes in the car

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so I was able to get changed and not

have to sit all day in a wet outfit.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Bless you.

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Sue: And I did, I did a 60 day

training course to groom and

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whilst I was doing that I was

still doing my T touch training.

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And also learnt, whilst I was doing my

T touch training, it included quite a

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lot of dog behaviour and body language.

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So grooming, what I refer to as the

traditional way, just didn't fit with

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the T touch way of handling dogs.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

That's right.

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Sue: So I decided that when I finished my

training I was going to open my own salon.

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And I was going to take a more

consent based approach, you

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know, a more dog driven approach.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

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Sue: So, that's really how I decided to

follow a more consent based approach,

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just because I think if I had not been

a T Touch, training to be a T Touch

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practitioner, I might not have gone down

this road, but because I knew the dogs

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Signs that they were getting stressed

and the impact it was having on them.

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I just couldn't not go down

that route because it was just

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: wow.

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Sue: the way that we're taught to

groom was just counterintuitive

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to how I knew dogs coat better.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

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Sue: So that's, that's

why I went down that road.

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And I, I don't regret

leaving my job for a minute.

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Absolutely love,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: I bet.

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Sue: love working with dogs.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Looks like

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Sue: my

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: got one.

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Sue: dog is crashing it.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

No, don't make a, don't make

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don't please, apologies.

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Normally I've got a poodle sat on my lap.

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So it's only just that cause

he's got separation anxiety.

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Sue: bless him.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

so it's only at my husband's

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home that they're downstairs.

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So, so, oh my God, what

an amazing journey.

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Already some similarities

between us anyway.

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And I.

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I really wish that I like reached out

to you soon because I've got so much

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I want to ask you because I've got a

keen interest in grooming and I want,

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I'm going to chat to you offline about

grooming anyway because I don't want to

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take up too much of the episode for our

listeners, but so many similarities.

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I've got four toy, toy poodles myself.

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One of them's got S A.

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My husband beat cancer about 10 years

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Sue: Oh

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

and my mother in law had breast

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cancer a couple of years ago.

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So I totally get obviously, you know what

you've been going through in that respect.

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You know, so it does take

like a life changing.

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Things for you to put life into

perspective and make you realize

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that you don't want to go back to the

stress of like a Management job and

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Sue: yeah,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: an

office I should have said at the start

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I do apologize to as well our listeners

so you are a consent based groomer and

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we're going to delve into that a little

bit more and you kind of Refer to yourself

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as like a grooming behaviourist as

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Sue: yeah, yeah.

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Tony was

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

t touch because we've got a

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little reveal for our Lessons.

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We do have Tony Shalbon us soon.

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Sue: The first person I went on

a one day workshop with Tony and

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she, she was so good and it was

after that one day workshop that I

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thought I need to do more of this.

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So it was Tony that got me instituted.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Ah,

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Sue: So

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: pleased.

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So Tony's coming on at

the end of next month.

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So to talk all about

TTouch and, and stuff.

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So I'm glad you mentioned that.

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And obviously, yeah, you do know Tony.

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I did when I first started in my dog

training journey, I don't know what

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made me book on, but I actually booked

a workshop weekend with Alex Wilson.

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Sue: oh yeah.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: on

behalf of the dog training college,

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so he'd put on a T touch like workshop

weekend and I took my toy poodle, the one

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that I had at the time and I just found

the whole T touch method fascinating.

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So I love that you bring that

into like, you know, the grooming

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side and, and stuff as well.

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So that's, that's brilliant.

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So most people think of grooming

as just a trim and a bath, but

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how does your approach differ?

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Hmm.

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Sue: So my, the majority of dogs I

groom now have been referred to me from

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other groomers, either other groomers

that have found that they can't groom

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them because they're too anxious, too

aggressive, or they've been referred to by

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behaviourists or trainers, or the, the All

the guardians, pet parents you call them,

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don't you, have decided that they want

a consent based approach to grooming and

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah,

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Sue: the only sort of

approach I'll use now.

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Sorry, I forgot what the question was.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: No.

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Sue: Oh yeah, about being about a So yeah,

so, there is so much more to, to grooming

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than just a trim and a bath as you say.

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Dog behaviour, how dogs behave

during the groom, is massive.

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If you've got a dog on the table

that's scared of the clippers or

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scared of the, your scissors, There's

no way you can trim or clip that dog.

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So you've got to take a

behaviour led approach to

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah.

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Sue: grooms condition, desensitize,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

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Sue: train.

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I don't like to say train them to enjoy

grooming because I don't want to train

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them to sit there and tolerate grooming.

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I really want them to be.

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comfortable with it, because I can, you

know, I can't easily just train them.

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They've got to sit there and

they're not allowed to move.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh,

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Sue: But I don't think that

we should be doing that.

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It's one of those, just because

we can, doesn't mean we should.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

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Sue: I'd much rather do use positive

reinforcement techniques and counter

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conditioning to teach them that grooming

is not scary and it's not something

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they've got to sit there and tolerate.

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So I mean, I must admit,

there's quite a few of my dogs.

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My canine clients, I don't

bath, either the pet parents

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bathed them the day before.

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And I've got a few, I've got a

few that still cannot be bathed

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at all, even by the parents.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mm.

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Mm.

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Sue: so I know it's frowned upon to use

your scissors and blades on a dirty dog.

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But at the end of the day, it

doesn't really matter for me

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because my son's a blade sharpener.

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So I just.

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Give my blades to him afterwards.

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I do keep my older blades for

those, and scissors for those,

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for scissoring and flipping dogs

that have not been bathed first.

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But yeah, my son's a

sharpness, so I don't have to

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

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Sue: worry about that.

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So,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

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Oh, but even better to have someone

in the family that can do it for you.

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Sue: absolutely,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

and it would be the worst thing with

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a nervous or anxious or sensitive.

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dog, you know, to make the, it's

quite a stressful experience going

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to the groomers anyway, like the

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Sue: absolutely.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: So

the worst thing would be to do is to

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make that experience more stressful.

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So you want to make them feel

comfortable and, and, you know, as,

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as relaxed as it can, because it

must be quite a scary thing for them.

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Sue: I'm, I'm convinced it is, you know,

it's, as somebody that has suffered from

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panic attacks in the future about, in the

past, about the smallest little things,

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I can understand how they feel, even when

it's, I mean, we, we know as groomers,

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what we're doing is, is safe, you know,

the dogs are safe with us, but it doesn't

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matter to the dog if they perceive

it as being scary, it doesn't matter.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: mm,

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Sue: You know, what we're trying to do,

if they still perceive that, that task

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as being scary, they're going to react

in the same way as if it's a real threat,

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rather than just a perceived threat.

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So

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah,

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Sue: I think that's what we've got to

start understanding a little bit more in

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the grooming industry, that a dog will

react the same way, irrelevant of whether

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it's a real threat or a perceived threat.

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The same as we do, really, isn't it?

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You know, there's There's lots of things

we're scold of that's completely, you

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know, it's only a perceived threat.

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It's not a real threat, but we, our

nervous system acts the same way.

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So,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

or flight sort of,

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Sue: absolutely.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

way of, way of dealing with it.

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Yeah, and I totally relate

to what you're saying.

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I, I suffer really badly

with severe anxiety.

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So, you know, you know, for a dog to

be, you know, put in that situation.

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Sue: And it's not like

you can talk to them.

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Like, you know, if you, if I was

with you and you were having an

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anxiety attack, I can talk to you and

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: exactly.

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Sue: you feel better.

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You can understand what I'm saying, but I

don't quite understand what we're saying.

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So,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

no, no, it's all about just making

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them as comfortable and, you know,

as relaxed and safe as possible.

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I love, I love the approach and I've been

so looking forward to talking to you.

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There's

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Sue: God bless you.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

much to speak about.

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So.

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Consent based grooming is still

a fairly, sort of, niche concept.

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Sue: is, yeah.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

you, do you face any resistance

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or, or did you face any resistance

or scepticism when you started?

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Sue: Yeah, and I still, we'd

still do to a certain extent.

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It's a lot of groomers consider

us a bit airy fairy, you

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know, a bit of snooze like.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

like dub trainers, you know,

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Sue: yeah, you know.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

reinforcement dub trainers.

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Sue: I really think there's

some of the resistance is that,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

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Sue: some groomers feel that we're saying,

Oh, you're, you're cruel to the dogs.

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You're, you know, you're,

you're being harsh handling.

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And it's not that at all.

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It's, it goes back to the dog

thing, you know, being scared.

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Irrelevant of whether it's a scare.

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We think it's a scary thing or not.

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And in groomers training.

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There's very little information

about body language.

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Yeah, I, when I, when I'd finished

my T Touch training when I became

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a level one practitioner, it meant

I could deliver one day workshops.

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So I used to deliver one day workshops

to the groomers and it was, it became

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apparent really quickly that a lot of

groomers didn't know what calming signals

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were, didn't understand body language,

didn't understand figure stacking.

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So it's, I think if groomer training

included dog behaviour first, how the

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system works, how the body language,

how they communicate through their

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body as well, how we can communicate

through our bodies and understand

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things like trigger stacking, I think.

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grooming would become much safer for

both the dogs and for the groomers.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: what's

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Clay?

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Sue: so I think that's, that's why

we've met resistance and I don't think,

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I think a lot of groomers struggle

with understanding what consent

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grooming is or holistic grooming.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mm,

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Sue: I've heard people say, oh,

they walk in the door, you ask if

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they want to be groomed and the dog

say no, so you let them go home.

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Well, it's not that at all, you know, what

consent grooming is for example, the most

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common technique I use is table protocol.

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I have my table down low, I sit

on a chair, because I'm lazy.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Would be me.

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Make the,

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Sue: I've got a little set

of steps, of caravan steps,

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and I've put carpet on them.

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And I just,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

texture nice on their paws,

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Sue: so it's just like carpet,

so it's like they're going

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up the normal stairs at home.

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And

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah,

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Sue: I just train them to get onto

the table, and then they're allowed to

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get off the table when they need to.

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So,

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: mm,

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Sue: you know, I've had a dog in this

afternoon, she stayed on the table

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for 40 minutes, and then decided

she needed a five minutes break.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: had

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Sue: So, yeah, she just needed a break.

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She went and had five minutes,

then come back on the table.

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So when I'm on the table,

that means I can groom them.

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That is their consent

for me to groom them.

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When they get off the

table, I have to stop.

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

yeah, yeah,

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Sue: must admit, when I first tried

it I tried it on my protocol first.

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I sat on the floor with my

friend and asked me to groom her

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working cock up and where she'd

been taking them to be groomed.

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They'd had to have two people to hold

him and he had to be muzzled and she

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said, well, you try grooming him.

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And I says, well, I'll try, but I'm

not going to promise because I won't.

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use restraint.

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So I thought

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Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Silence.

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Sue: away, did another one and he

just moved a little bit closer.

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So I thought I'm actually gonna switch

my clippers on, see what he does.

364

:

Switched my clippers on, didn't move.

365

:

So I stroked him down the back, he didn't

move and actually managed to do two.

366

:

Stripes down his back clipping and he

got off the mat and I thought, that's

367

:

it, that's all I'm going to get done.

368

:

He went and looked out the window and

came back down and sat next to me again.

369

:

It just stunned me that

he chose to do that

370

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yes, all about choice.

371

:

Sue: yeah, and I managed

to do a full groom on him.

372

:

Without any restraints, without the

muscle, without another person holding

373

:

him, just giving him that choice to get on

and off, checking in and out as he wanted.

374

:

And that was it.

375

:

I was a total convert then

to consent based grooming.

376

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

377

:

Sue: It's

378

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

all about working with

379

:

the dog in front of you.

380

:

I

381

:

Sue: is, yeah.

382

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

383

:

Sue: And it's so much less

stressful for me as well because,

384

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mmm,

385

:

Sue: I was talking to somebody on

a podcast a few weeks ago and he

386

:

said, I think you're really brave

working with aggressive dogs.

387

:

And I said, well, actually, I don't

work with aggressive dogs because

388

:

they don't need to be aggressive.

389

:

Because if they feel threatened,

which is when that aggression comes

390

:

in, they just get off the table.

391

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: exactly.

392

:

Sue: So,

393

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

394

:

Sue: you know.

395

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

see how people probably a bit

396

:

threatened by it or a bit.

397

:

They just don't understand it.

398

:

Like you say, it's a bit like

399

:

Sue: Yeah,

400

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

They don't really have like behaviour.

401

:

It's a bit, it's a bit like

groomers, you know, so they

402

:

probably feel a bit threatened.

403

:

And almost some groomers, and I'm

not being I don't mean to speak ill

404

:

health, but you know, it's almost like

a conveyor belt getting them in and out.

405

:

But it sounds like, you know, your

owners or pet parents, guardians,

406

:

they, they've got dogs where they

know they, they're nervous, so they

407

:

don't mind that it takes a bit longer.

408

:

You may not even get the groom done.

409

:

Sue: you know what?

410

:

It doesn't take longer though.

411

:

I,

412

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

No, right.

413

:

Sue: I, I, I do, I do cockapoos

my bread and butter basically.

414

:

I can do a cockapoo an hour and a half

415

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

416

:

Oh wow.

417

:

Sue: because I'm not spending any time

for, and that's, and with them having

418

:

breaks as well and just taking a groom

at their pace, and there's, you know,

419

:

hour and a half for a cockapoo is pretty

standard, but it's because all the,

420

:

all the work I put in at the beginning

to make them feel safe, to build their

421

:

confidence, to do all the counter

conditions, desensitization, that's

422

:

what takes the time at the beginning.

423

:

But once I've done all that work and

worked out their individual plan.

424

:

We just fall into a nice

pattern and routine and it's

425

:

nice, nice and straightforward.

426

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Brilliant.

427

:

So we've already touched on it

a little bit, but moving on to

428

:

our next section of consent based

grooming and why does it matter?

429

:

So for those that might not be familiar,

could you just sort of break it down?

430

:

What consent based

grooming actually means?

431

:

Just a few steps.

432

:

Sue: Yeah, so consent based grooming

is teaching the dog a technique

433

:

so they can communicate to us.

434

:

So, because we do, when we're

working with dogs, we do a lot

435

:

of communicating to the dogs.

436

:

We do a lot of handling, but we don't

give them much opportunity to say what

437

:

they want and what they don't want.

438

:

And they can't speak English or

whatever language the groomer speaks.

439

:

So we need to teach them a

way of communicating to us.

440

:

So, for example say table

protocol is my favorite technique.

441

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

442

:

Sue: them to get onto the table.

443

:

That's the first step.

444

:

The second step is to teach

them when they're on the table,

445

:

they're going to get touched.

446

:

And I'm going to touch them with

grooming equipment, but they're

447

:

allowed to get off the table.

448

:

So when I'm first training them, I

like them to get on without food, but

449

:

I will throw food on the floor to get

them to choose to go off the table.

450

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Sure.

451

:

Sue: Sometimes I will use a

bit of food to make the table

452

:

a really positive place to be.

453

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

454

:

Sue: So the first step is really

teaching them on the table, you're going

455

:

to get touched, you're going to get

groomed, off the table, that all stops.

456

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

457

:

Sue: that gives them a

way to communicate to me.

458

:

Yes, I'm on the table.

459

:

You can touch me.

460

:

You can groom me or no, I'm off the table.

461

:

Please don't come.

462

:

Don't come near me with any equipment.

463

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

464

:

Sue: It's,

465

:

it's one of those things you've really

got to see it, for it to sink in, how,

466

:

how it, how it's done how it works.

467

:

The same with the mat protocol when,

when they come and show me on the mat.

468

:

Grooming will take place when they

get off the mat, grooming stops.

469

:

I use a chin rest as well.

470

:

Because

471

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah,

472

:

Sue: you know, particularly for dogs

that don't like having their face done,

473

:

teaching them a chin rest, you can get

the face done much quicker than a lot of

474

:

groomers will hold the chin fur, which

475

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah,

476

:

Sue: obviously then

builds in more resistance.

477

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah.

478

:

You are pre on that?

479

:

Sue: Yeah, because dogs will be trying

pulling away so you get them up, but

480

:

if you teach them just to put their

chin in your non grooming hand, you

481

:

know, it might take a few goes to

really get them confident to do that,

482

:

but after that, once they learn that,

that's one less stress for them because

483

:

they know they've got that choice.

484

:

I use place protocol.

485

:

Quite often as well, so I groom a couple

of dogs in their own home and I've got

486

:

one little dog that They've got three

steps from their hallway down to the

487

:

lounge and he sits at the top of those

steps to be groomed So while he's sitting

488

:

at the top of those steps, we groom him

because they use the same technique why

489

:

I'm not there When if that's enough,

he'll move away from the top of the steps.

490

:

So it's really

491

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mm.

492

:

Sue: message to me or whoever's

grooming him that Top of the

493

:

stairs, grooming takes place, away

from the stairs, grooming stops.

494

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

495

:

Sue: They

496

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: that

497

:

Sue: get it, the dogs get

it a lot quicker than we do.

498

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yeah, always the way.

499

:

Oh, brilliant.

500

:

That's, that's great.

501

:

Thank you.

502

:

So in terms of a dog's emotional and

physical state, how would you assess

503

:

that before you start a grooming session?

504

:

Oh,

505

:

Sue: physical obviously.

506

:

Because I'm a TTouch practitioner, we

are always taught to make observations

507

:

before we start working on dogs.

508

:

You know, have a look at the coats,

you know, changing coat patterns

509

:

can indicate things like tension.

510

:

And I've actually just completed a Galen.

511

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

I've been hearing some,

512

:

Sue: Yeah, they do.

513

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

some stuff about this.

514

:

Sue: Yeah, you have to have it.

515

:

I'll send you the link for it.

516

:

I've just done a it's a six hour

online session face to face on

517

:

the online sort of thing and it

goes through what's good posture.

518

:

What's what to look for for not

faults in posture, but what's

519

:

what's normal and what's not normal.

520

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

521

:

Sue: and it was, I found it really

interesting, really, really, it's

522

:

just added another layer to me.

523

:

Then there's a degree you can go on

to do, a diploma you can go on to

524

:

do, but that takes three years and

525

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah, I

526

:

Sue: yeah, I'm not sure I'm

quite in that platform yet.

527

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

yeah, a colleague you might, you might

528

:

know, Deb Betts, I think she's doing

529

:

Sue: Oh, Debbie?

530

:

Yeah.

531

:

No, no, Debbie.

532

:

Really?

533

:

Well.

534

:

Yeah, she's doing the, the

diploma, isn't it fair?

535

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

oh, she's doing the deflating

536

:

rights, but there is

537

:

Sue: Yeah.

538

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

like you say, like a, like a

539

:

taster course or something.

540

:

Sue: They do a couple of taster courses.

541

:

So they do, they do one that's just like

a, I think it's 20 pound and it's just an

542

:

hour and a half or something like that.

543

:

And it's just basically shows you what's,

what's a good position and what's the,

544

:

you know, weight and starts, starts

pay more attention to your own dog.

545

:

I just finished that yesterday, so,

but I do always pay attention when

546

:

the dogs come in, see, you know,

whether, whether they're limping, and

547

:

to be fair, I also do ask guardians if

they've been fine since the last session

548

:

whether they've had any health issues,

549

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah.

550

:

Sue: so I mean, groomers have more

hands on experience of dogs than

551

:

any other canine professional,

you know, to be quite honest.

552

:

So yeah, so I always do look at

them physically when they first

553

:

come in to make sure they've,

they've not got a leg hanging off.

554

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

you imagine?

555

:

Remind us, Sue, of the name

of that, because I can't, I, I

556

:

struggle with the name of it.

557

:

Is it Galen?

558

:

Sue: Galen.

559

:

Yeah, G A L E N.

560

:

L E N,

561

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yeah, just Galen

562

:

Sue: Galen Myotherapy.

563

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: the one.

564

:

Sue: Yeah,

565

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Thank you.

566

:

Brilliant.

567

:

So,

568

:

Sue: and then from.

569

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, go on,

570

:

Sue: Oh, sorry.

571

:

From an emotional point of view,

I'll just be watching body language,

572

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yes.

573

:

Sue: you know

574

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

language.

575

:

Sue: you know, and how happy they are,

you know, whether they're, I'm having

576

:

to drag them in from the gate, which I

577

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: No,

578

:

Sue: rarely have.

579

:

Yeah, there's no dragging involved at all.

580

:

And yeah, I mean, I think that's, that's

one of the best bits of the job, you

581

:

know, I'm go, go most, I have about

50% pet parents stay, which is quite

582

:

different to a lot of the groupers,

583

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yes

584

:

Mm,

585

:

Sue: stay, I go and meet them at the

gate and I'd say 95 percent of those,

586

:

I'll open the gate and they come

running straight through into my salon.

587

:

I think there's just one,

588

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah,

589

:

Sue: he gets a little bit

waylaid, shall I say, Lisbon's.

590

:

You know you spend hours

walking around the garden.

591

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah I'm

big on all pet parents, pet professionals

592

:

doing understanding body language.

593

:

Like my team cause I've got a dog

walking business and my team all do like

594

:

a understanding canine body language

workshop in the first few months of coming

595

:

Sue: Yeah.

596

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: And

when I used to teach puppy classes in

597

:

person, I'd talk about it to pet parents.

598

:

But I'm very big on even them doing that.

599

:

Research even before

they get a doctor learn.

600

:

It's all about education around

601

:

Sue: It certainly is.

602

:

Yeah.

603

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

604

:

Sue: In my book, the Guardian's

version of the book, it talks about

605

:

calming signals and body language.

606

:

So does the Guardian's version.

607

:

So they all get a copy of that when they

first start bringing the book to me.

608

:

So they can understand about body

language and trigger stacking.

609

:

Because I think it's just important

for the Guardians to understand that.

610

:

It's just for me to understand that.

611

:

Thanks.

612

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

glad you touched on your book.

613

:

Cause I do have it, but it's

actually downstairs in my bookshelf.

614

:

But, I do need to I do need to, I've

got so many books I need to read.

615

:

It's terrible, but I need to, I need to,

I'm making a conscious effort to start

616

:

reading more this year, but I need to

read your book, but let's just tell our

617

:

listeners about your or I didn't know

there was, I think, I know there's one,

618

:

I didn't know there was a guardian and a,

619

:

Sue: There's three versions.

620

:

There's,

621

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: wow.

622

:

Sue: Yeah, so there's taking

the girl out of grooming your

623

:

dog, which is for pet parents.

624

:

There's taking the girl out

of the grooming salon, which

625

:

is for grooming professionals.

626

:

And then there's introducing

your puppeteer girl as grooming.

627

:

So that's the new puppy guardians

teach them so that they can do a

628

:

lot of the work term before they

take them to a grooming salon.

629

:

So that when they, for the puppies

go for the first session, they

630

:

know some things to expect.

631

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

We're, we're touched on that a

632

:

bit in the, in the episode about

633

:

Sue: Yeah.

634

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

puppies used to it and decentralization.

635

:

Now I'm going to have to

check what version I've got.

636

:

I remember seeing, being in one

of your groups and a bit being

637

:

posted, but I'm going to have

to check which version I've got.

638

:

Sue: They've all got

different dogs on the front.

639

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

yeah, I've got it.

640

:

After this, after this, I'm going to check

and make sure I've got the right one.

641

:

So many pet parents worry about their

pups feeling stressed at the groomers.

642

:

What are some of the key things

that you do differently to

643

:

make it a positive experience?

644

:

Sue: So I, as I say, about 50 percent

of my pet parents stay anyway, so they

645

:

can completely observe whilst they're

there, they can see how their pets are,

646

:

and I find in the mean that the dogs

do better with the parents, the pet

647

:

parents there, with their person there,

648

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yeah, yeah.

649

:

Sue: and I think some of that's down

to, because sometimes when you're

650

:

working one to one with a dog In

grooming, it can come a bit intense

651

:

for the dog because she's just

652

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: mm,

653

:

Sue: on that dog.

654

:

Whereas if the guardians are

there, I spend some of the time

655

:

talking to the guardians as well.

656

:

And it sort of takes the focus off the

dog a little bit, you know, I am obviously

657

:

concentrated on the dog to groom it.

658

:

But it gives, you know, it just makes it

a little bit less intense for the dog.

659

:

And it gives me somebody to talk

to because I do work on my own.

660

:

And also, with having the pet parent

there, I can talk to the pet parent.

661

:

Oh, did you see that?

662

:

What he did there?

663

:

And, oh, I think this leg's a little

bit, you know, in an odd position.

664

:

And then I get more information

about how they are at home,

665

:

what they do on a daily basis.

666

:

And that all feeds into how I can

adapt the groom to suit each dog.

667

:

But I think we're not one house.

668

:

When new dogs come to me, I do ace

free work for the first session.

669

:

So, I put things like licky mats

down, sniffle mats bits of old

670

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: that.

671

:

Sue: carpets, anything I've got sort of

laying about, and then I put different

672

:

treats on them, licky stuff they can lick.

673

:

And that's all I do the first session.

674

:

So they come into the salon, And they're

allowed to just do that free work.

675

:

I don't touch them.

676

:

They get to hear the, some of the noises.

677

:

The, the, the, the everyday

noises in my salon.

678

:

Like I've got a tree next to my

cabin and I get a lot of pigeons

679

:

walking up and down the top.

680

:

So they'll, they'll hear those.

681

:

They'll hear my dogs barking in the house.

682

:

They get to know my voice and the

smell of me and the smell of the salon.

683

:

And while, getting used to all this while

they're doing free work and the calm,

684

:

it starts to build up a really positive

experience for them straight away.

685

:

And then I just build on that over

the next three or four sessions of

686

:

doing a little bit more each time.

687

:

So by the time I need to groom

them, they know me really well,

688

:

they know my salon really well,

they're comfortable, they feel safe

689

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: good.

690

:

Sue: and that's off the

691

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

important.

692

:

Sue: battle.

693

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

That's important.

694

:

So just for our listeners that don't know

what ACE stands for, that's Animal Centred

695

:

Education ACE Free Work, and the wonderful

Sarah Fisher so another little reveal,

696

:

Sarah is coming on to the Yappy Hour

697

:

Sue: That's

698

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

So I I can't, I can't wait for, to

699

:

have Sarah while we're just in the

process of getting her booked in.

700

:

So yeah, Ace Freeway is definitely

something that's worth looking into.

701

:

Do you think that traditional, a

bit controversial, do you think that

702

:

traditional grooming environments

could contribute to anxiety in dogs?

703

:

Sue: Absolutely.

704

:

And again, it all comes back

down to this not feeling safe.

705

:

If you don't feel safe somewhere,

706

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yes.

707

:

Sue: adds to the stress.

708

:

And it, again, it's not as the

groomers are harsh handling.

709

:

It's just being in a strange

environment with strange people,

710

:

strange smells and sounds.

711

:

It's, it's like, you know, I also

liken it to us, us going abroad, not

712

:

knowing anybody there, my own, and we're

just pushed into a room with complete

713

:

strangers talking a different language.

714

:

And then they start touching us and

moving us from one seat to another.

715

:

And, you know, your brain's exploding.

716

:

You don't know where the toilet is.

717

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

different smells and

718

:

Sue: Yeah,

719

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

and yeah.

720

:

Sue: you don't know the protocols of

that where you go and you don't know

721

:

what you should be doing, what you

shouldn't be doing, you don't know

722

:

what they're going to do to you next.

723

:

So your nervous system will just be going

724

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

put yourself in the shoes of the dog.

725

:

Sue: absolutely.

726

:

Yeah.

727

:

So

728

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

You won't like it.

729

:

Sue: it's not that the groomers

are being harsh or doing anything.

730

:

But it's just that lack of understanding

that really the dogs need to feel

731

:

safe before you start grooming them.

732

:

And that doesn't happen a lot.

733

:

You know, many dogs, they get taken

to a salon for the very first time.

734

:

And immediately they're put onto

a table or put into the bath.

735

:

And they have all this strange stuff.

736

:

Dogs don't know how to be groomed, you

know, they're not born knowing how to

737

:

be groomed other than the parents, you

know, the canine parents cleaning them

738

:

and that's the natural way of grooming.

739

:

And then all of a sudden

740

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

741

:

Sue: salon with all this stuff

going on with them with a complete

742

:

stranger, somebody they don't

understand or know, there might be

743

:

other dogs in the salon barking.

744

:

It's a lot.

745

:

So I definitely think even, even

one to one when I first started to

746

:

grooming, I wasn't quite particular

what clients to take on now.

747

:

They've got to want, they've got

to want my particular skills.

748

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mmm.

749

:

Sue: I don't, if somebody rings before,

I want my dog grooming tomorrow.

750

:

Can you do it?

751

:

They're not the client for me.

752

:

But, you know, when I used to take

those sorts of dogs, any dog on, I'd

753

:

get, they'd get, get, oh the fine being

groomed, the, the groomer says the fine.

754

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Of

755

:

Sue: And then, and then you'd sort of

get the dog in the bath and the dog's

756

:

freaking out, or throwing calming

signals at you right, left and centre.

757

:

And it, and it's.

758

:

It's a bit upsetting that, because I

don't want to criticise other groomers,

759

:

you don't, I didn't know things years

ago, you don't know what you don't know.

760

:

So

761

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

762

:

Sue: I think the groomer training

lets a lot of groomers down if body

763

:

language and dog behaviour was taught

in groomer training, then the groomers

764

:

would know what I know, basically,

765

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Definitely.

766

:

Sue: I've just put a new

dog on started yesterday.

767

:

They probably did a

free work yesterday and.

768

:

The guardian says, Oh, she's

fine in the bath and being dried.

769

:

And automatically now put a question

mark over that is she really, you

770

:

know, so she won't get bath for a

few weeks yet, a few sessions yet.

771

:

So be interesting how calm she

and relaxed she is in the bath.

772

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mmm.

773

:

Sue: Yeah, it's, it's just a bit sad

that if the groomers had more dog

774

:

behaviour knowledge, they couldn't,

because some of the things you can,

775

:

it's quite easy to adapt some things

that takes a lot of stress away.

776

:

For example, doing that first session,

instead of bathing them and drying them

777

:

and, trimming them on the first session.

778

:

If you've just had a session where they

just were able to explore your salon,

779

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

780

:

Sue: Many groomers, most groomers,

in fact, stand up grooming.

781

:

So they've got the table

probably three foot high.

782

:

When you think, you know, you're one

of your toy poodles put on a three

783

:

foot high table, that's extremely high.

784

:

For a toy poodle, isn't it?

785

:

Or for any dog.

786

:

And then they've got the safety aids on.

787

:

So they might have a safety around

the neck and one on the belly.

788

:

If they've never had those on

before, again, that's quite scary.

789

:

And then

790

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: alien.

791

:

Sue: Then they start getting

brushed and touched and moved

792

:

around by a complete stranger.

793

:

And I think, you know, so what I've

done, because I have my table low,

794

:

I don't need to use the safety aids.

795

:

So the dogs are totally free on my table.

796

:

So I've taken my H bar off,

so, because I don't need it.

797

:

So the dogs have got complete

freedom to move around.

798

:

And that takes a lot of stress out for.

799

:

For some dogs as well.

800

:

I don't use muzzles because I

don't, mainly because I don't

801

:

need to because If the dog gets

stressed, it just gets off the table.

802

:

So

803

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

804

:

Yeah.

805

:

Sue: you know, there are lots

of things that groomers can do.

806

:

I mean, one of the biggest things I would

say, if any groomers are listening and

807

:

you want to think about things that reduce

stress in the salon, simply changing from

808

:

a noose or a collar around the neck to

a harness type restraint or safety aid

809

:

can make a massive difference in itself.

810

:

Because with a a harness type on,

they've got a better sense of balance.

811

:

It's more central rather than being all

the three straight being in one place.

812

:

It's more,

813

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

814

:

Sue: So just changing to a harness type

and a lovely, lovely lady whose business

815

:

is Just Think Dog has just designed

a grooming harness, which is amazing.

816

:

Yeah, specifically for grooming, so,

yeah, so simply by changing from that

817

:

collar and belly strap to a harness

makes a massive difference lowering your

818

:

table can make a big difference as well.

819

:

There's, there's lots of

little things you can do that

820

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

821

:

Sue: add up to a lot.

822

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Definitely.

823

:

Thank you.

824

:

So just moving on to some of our common

grooming challenges and solutions.

825

:

What's one of the biggest

struggles dog parents have?

826

:

Sorry.

827

:

One of the biggest that dog

parents have is getting their

828

:

dog to tolerate brushing at home.

829

:

Do you have any top tips for this place?

830

:

Sue: there's a couple

of things you can do.

831

:

I also encourage new puppy guardians

when they want to brush the puppy.

832

:

Put a licky mat on the floor, or

wherever they're going to groom.

833

:

Make it a consistent place where you

do your grooming, so the puppy knows

834

:

when it's in that place, that's when

grooming is going to take place.

835

:

So it already, it builds up that

this, this is what happens here.

836

:

So don't make it their dog bed,

don't make it somewhere that

837

:

they're really fun, rewarding.

838

:

Just make it a nice quiet

place that you can groom them.

839

:

Put a licky mat on the floor.

840

:

Or the Lip and Calm one that Pet

Remedy have just bought out, which,

841

:

which got suckers all over the back.

842

:

I don't know if you've seen it.

843

:

So you can stick it to

windows, side of cupboards.

844

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

yeah, the

845

:

Sue: it sticks everywhere,

even if you don't want it to.

846

:

So you can put, yeah, you can

put it in the bath as well and it

847

:

sticks really well to the bath.

848

:

And why stick it?

849

:

The puppy's licking away.

850

:

Just gently start the brush or comb

or do whatever you need to do while

851

:

they're doing something positive.

852

:

So it makes that easier.

853

:

When I first started grooming I

had, I knew this lady a long time.

854

:

I knew her from agility with her

previous dog and my previous dogs.

855

:

And she bought her little Shih Tzu

to me and the poor dog was lifted.

856

:

So I shaved him off completely brought

him back six weeks later and matted again.

857

:

And I said, look, why

aren't you brushing him?

858

:

She says, well, I have to pin him down

to brush him and he doesn't like it.

859

:

So I thought we've got to find a way that

she can brush and he's got some power.

860

:

So we came up with this technique

called, I call tooth brushing.

861

:

And I said, right.

862

:

Shaved him.

863

:

When you're sitting watching the TV, just

get the brush out, do one stroke on him,

864

:

then watch what he does, does he move

away, does he show you a calming signal,

865

:

because you know about calming signals.

866

:

As if, if not, do two brushes

and then watch what he does.

867

:

If he moves away, just let him move away.

868

:

If he shows you a calming

signal, just stop for a little

869

:

while and then try again.

870

:

And this is what she did.

871

:

She gradually was able to do four or

five brushes and then he'd move away.

872

:

But then a bit later

on, she'd do a bit more.

873

:

And then we found when she brought

him back six weeks later, he was

874

:

just a bit matted on his legs.

875

:

But his torso, which had

previously been matted, was.

876

:

Completely matte free.

877

:

And by the 12 week mark, she brought

him back and he wasn't matted at all,

878

:

apart from the odd tag here and there.

879

:

And that's still how she brushes him

now, you know, if he moves away, she

880

:

stops and waits for him to come back.

881

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

882

:

Sue: Now she's, it's rare

he comes with a mat now.

883

:

The only time she, poor lady had

surgery for cancer last year and

884

:

there were a couple of times where

he got a few more mats than usual.

885

:

But you know what?

886

:

I totally understand that you probably

haven't got the MNV2, the brushing.

887

:

So

888

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

889

:

Sue: You know, did what we usually

do, I just cut the mats out and sorted

890

:

him out and then she brought him

back and now she's, she's recovered.

891

:

We're back into the routine of

him not, not being matted at all.

892

:

So there are, there are,

893

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

That's funny.

894

:

Sue: sorry, go on.

895

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yeah, go on.

896

:

funny because our next question

is about matting, but yeah, go on.

897

:

Sue: Yeah.

898

:

So, you know, there's usually a reason

why people are not brushing their dogs.

899

:

So I always like to take the time

to ask them why, because it might

900

:

be they're using the wrong brush,

they're using the wrong technique.

901

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: hmm.

902

:

Sue: I've got a friend that has got really

bad arthritis in her hand, so brushing is

903

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah.

904

:

Sue: So if we can understand the

difficulties people are having,

905

:

we can find solutions for them.

906

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Definitely.

907

:

Yeah.

908

:

so talking about continuing matting,

there's some breeds that seem to turn

909

:

into walking velcro pads overnight.

910

:

What should pet parents do and

avoid when dealing with matting?

911

:

Mm hmm.

912

:

Sue: Okay, so the best thing to do if

you've got a dog that's matted, if you're

913

:

pet is matted, take it to a groomer.

914

:

There's some breeds that can't be

clipped off or shouldn't be clipped off,

915

:

but I think we'll discuss that later.

916

:

So if you've got like a Shih Tzu

or a Cockapoo wall coated dogs

917

:

that can be clipped, just take it

to the groomer, get it completely

918

:

shaved off, start from scratch.

919

:

I also advise my pet parents

to go for a length that they

920

:

can manage in between grooms.

921

:

So most of my clients

do choose to go short.

922

:

I've had a milieu I've had in

this afternoon, her guardian likes

923

:

to keep her a little bit fluffy.

924

:

But she brings it in every four

weeks, so she can maintain that

925

:

coat, that length in between grooms.

926

:

So most cockapoos come every six weeks

927

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mm.

928

:

Sue: so instead of coming every six weeks,

she comes in every four weeks, just so

929

:

she can maintain that little bit of fluff.

930

:

So.

931

:

Always go for a length that you can

maintain without portering your dog.

932

:

I live in quite a rural area, so I get a

lot of dogs that spend a lot of time in

933

:

wet fields particularly at the moment.

934

:

So, again,

935

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: man.

936

:

Sue: in fields, go for a shortcut.

937

:

It's much easier.

938

:

So, yeah, again, most of mine are

taken short because they want to

939

:

go in the fields and they want to

spend hours brushing out matting

940

:

and pitholes and all sorts.

941

:

Not technically, well it is

sort of technically related,

942

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

943

:

Yeah.

944

:

Yeah.

945

:

Sue: out the twig, I

immediately can cut that.

946

:

Either through the branch, through the

twig, and pull it out so it doesn't get

947

:

raveled up and cause a mat, or, you know.

948

:

If it's really embedded into the

fur, I'll just cut the fur out.

949

:

And I can do that immediately

rather than an hour later when

950

:

we're at home, when it's already

started to cause that big mat.

951

:

So yeah, really go for a length

that you can cope with that's

952

:

practical for your dog's life.

953

:

If it doesn't enjoy being

brushed, go for a short style.

954

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

955

:

Sue: And then just maintain it.

956

:

And if, if you have got a dog with

a difficult coat to maintain, go,

957

:

go to the grooms more frequently,

958

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

959

:

Sue: you know, because

they will be able to

960

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Makes

961

:

Sue: the coat in between grooms for,

you know, in, because I know some

962

:

groomers, some people decide to go I

have, say, a groom every three weeks,

963

:

but one time it's just a mini groom

and the next time it's a full groom.

964

:

So I used to do one, she'd come

every three weeks and she'd have a

965

:

bath and just to tidy up and then

the three weeks later she'd be back

966

:

again and she'd have a full groom.

967

:

So some groomers will offer that

for you as well, especially if you

968

:

can't maintain six weeks, you know.

969

:

just a better option than leaving

it six weeks and then being

970

:

fully matted six weeks later.

971

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

972

:

Brilliant.

973

:

What would you say like the

biggest mistake that owners or

974

:

pet parents unknowingly make

when it comes to grooming?

975

:

Mm.

976

:

Mm.

977

:

Mm.

978

:

Sue: I think it is this.

979

:

I've got to get this done.

980

:

So I'm just going to hold on to

his collar and get it brushed,

981

:

get him brushed or her brushed.

982

:

And then course you had

it, you had in that.

983

:

If you don't know how to brush properly

either, that just makes it even worse

984

:

because a lot of people will just brush

the top layer of the dog and then It looks

985

:

like they're not matted, but then when you

get to the base of the fur, it's pelted.

986

:

So it's really important if you've

got a long coated dog that you

987

:

part the fur, then brush out from

the root right down to the end.

988

:

Keep brushing like that,

then re part the fur again.

989

:

So that you've, you get down to the

skin every time, not brushing the skin,

990

:

obviously, but you brush from the root

outwards, and then when you've brushed

991

:

them all over, go through with a comb

to make sure there's no mats, but just

992

:

brushing the top layer, you're just going

to get the pelting, and that's when they

993

:

have to go really, really short, and

it's really uncomfortable for the dog.

994

:

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

995

:

Right.

996

:

Brilliant.

997

:

So, moving on to the emotional and

physical impact of grooming people often

998

:

see grooming as just an aesthetic thing,

but does, how does proper grooming

999

:

impact a dog's overall well being?

:

00:49:55,705 --> 00:49:58,845

Sue: It all does come down to the

matting, to be quite honest, you

:

00:49:58,845 --> 00:50:03,925

know, if your dog gets matted, it

doesn't work, the coat doesn't work

:

00:50:03,925 --> 00:50:08,735

properly how it's supposed to work, it

doesn't protect the skin, it doesn't

:

00:50:08,735 --> 00:50:13,805

protect the because strangely enough,

you know, dogs, dogs fur is designed

:

00:50:14,005 --> 00:50:16,175

to protect them from the elements.

:

00:50:16,765 --> 00:50:17,105

So,

:

00:50:17,154 --> 00:50:17,854

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mm.

:

00:50:18,125 --> 00:50:20,785

Sue: if your dog's coat is

matted, it's not going to

:

00:50:20,815 --> 00:50:22,265

protect them from those elements.

:

00:50:22,275 --> 00:50:23,745

So, the.

:

00:50:23,975 --> 00:50:25,475

It's particularly worse in summer.

:

00:50:25,475 --> 00:50:30,835

So if you say we've got a matted poodle

or cockapoo, what happens is if it's a

:

00:50:30,835 --> 00:50:36,645

really hot day, the coat will absorb all

that heat and then keep that heat onto the

:

00:50:36,645 --> 00:50:41,335

skin and not let any air flow through it.

:

00:50:41,485 --> 00:50:46,265

Whereas if it's nice and brushed

out, that acts as a protector against

:

00:50:46,265 --> 00:50:51,280

the sun, the fresh airs that can go

between the foot, the piece of the fur.

:

00:50:52,305 --> 00:50:57,195

And it keeps the skin much cooler,

so it's protecting the dog's skin.

:

00:50:57,835 --> 00:51:01,485

So yeah, dogs have particular

coats for a reason.

:

00:51:02,515 --> 00:51:08,735

So like a Labrador, a Labrador that

was bred originally to retrieve,

:

00:51:09,805 --> 00:51:12,225

you know, particularly in water.

:

00:51:12,775 --> 00:51:18,525

Their coat is Texts, you know,

the water just drips off them

:

00:51:18,755 --> 00:51:20,195

unless they're in there forever.

:

00:51:20,845 --> 00:51:23,155

Have you ever tried to wet a spaniel?

:

00:51:24,235 --> 00:51:27,425

If you've ever tried to wet a

spaniel, you'll know that their

:

00:51:27,425 --> 00:51:29,575

coat is quite water resistant.

:

00:51:30,025 --> 00:51:34,215

And that's because, you know,

their job was to be out in

:

00:51:34,215 --> 00:51:35,805

the fields all day flushing.

:

00:51:36,385 --> 00:51:39,345

So if it was chucking it down a rain,

you didn't want your dog soaking.

:

00:51:39,345 --> 00:51:41,515

So the coats are designed for a purpose.

:

00:51:42,915 --> 00:51:47,885

You know, and keeping them in,

in the condition to achieve that

:

00:51:47,885 --> 00:51:50,235

purpose is what we need to be doing.

:

00:51:52,119 --> 00:51:52,639

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Pretty good.

:

00:51:53,629 --> 00:51:57,239

do you think dogs can actually enjoy

being groomed once it's done right?

:

00:51:57,239 --> 00:51:59,635

Oh, wow.

:

00:51:59,635 --> 00:52:00,834

Yes.

:

00:52:01,115 --> 00:52:05,645

Sue: as a puppy in the correct

way, I think some dogs do enjoy it.

:

00:52:05,645 --> 00:52:12,135

Going back to when my aunt gave me my

toy poodle, she had miniature poodles.

:

00:52:12,695 --> 00:52:15,905

She had three miniature poodles

of her own and she had one.

:

00:52:16,390 --> 00:52:21,770

She had a beautiful white one and this

dog, honestly, I used to watch her

:

00:52:21,770 --> 00:52:26,570

grooming it and when it came to doing

it, she used to paint her nails and

:

00:52:26,720 --> 00:52:32,300

she would literally sit with her paw

held out to have her nails painted, but

:

00:52:32,320 --> 00:52:38,380

again, no restraints, free movement,

and she always looked really glamorous.

:

00:52:38,380 --> 00:52:41,810

You could imagine her walking around

France with a little handbag on her

:

00:52:41,810 --> 00:52:46,315

paw, you know, strutting her stuff,

and you could tell that she loved it.

:

00:52:46,565 --> 00:52:51,725

She enjoyed the attention, so I think

yes, if it's introduced properly, it's

:

00:52:51,735 --> 00:52:54,815

stress free, then dogs can enjoy it.

:

00:52:55,345 --> 00:53:00,125

Unfortunately a lot depends on

the dog's temperament as well.

:

00:53:00,465 --> 00:53:05,115

Dogs with anxiety Rethought

guarding actually is closely

:

00:53:05,115 --> 00:53:07,535

linked to body handling issues.

:

00:53:08,550 --> 00:53:13,360

So, many of the dogs I groom also

have resource guarding issues as well.

:

00:53:14,670 --> 00:53:18,070

And I suppose it's just their way

of resource guarding their body.

:

00:53:19,000 --> 00:53:19,430

So

:

00:53:19,660 --> 00:53:20,120

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

00:53:20,297 --> 00:53:24,107

Sue: yeah, so I do think it's possible

for some dogs to enjoy being groomed.

:

00:53:24,157 --> 00:53:27,267

I've got a few dogs that I've

groomed since they've been a puppy.

:

00:53:28,087 --> 00:53:32,777

And they're my easiest dogs to

groom because it's been, they've

:

00:53:32,777 --> 00:53:35,737

been not trained to be groomed.

:

00:53:36,452 --> 00:53:38,872

They've experienced it in a positive way.

:

00:53:38,892 --> 00:53:41,012

So, you know, they're just.

:

00:53:41,370 --> 00:53:41,400

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Good.

:

00:53:41,627 --> 00:53:45,877

Sue: Let me get on with it, including

to my own poodle, one of my own poodles.

:

00:53:45,877 --> 00:53:47,127

I had her from eight weeks.

:

00:53:47,797 --> 00:53:52,827

Brilliant breeder, you know, really

good breeder that started grooming

:

00:53:52,827 --> 00:53:56,537

them before I had her at eight weeks.

:

00:53:58,220 --> 00:53:58,870

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

That's good.

:

00:53:59,197 --> 00:54:02,557

Sue: And yeah, about to put

her on the table to dry.

:

00:54:03,617 --> 00:54:05,607

Lays down on the table

and lets me dry off.

:

00:54:06,047 --> 00:54:07,017

It's that easy.

:

00:54:09,300 --> 00:54:09,920

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh.

:

00:54:09,990 --> 00:54:10,680

Okay.

:

00:54:11,710 --> 00:54:17,390

So, handling anxious or sensitive dogs in

the grooming process is our next section.

:

00:54:18,050 --> 00:54:22,470

So, many dog parents have

spicy or anxious dogs.

:

00:54:22,520 --> 00:54:24,880

How do you approach the grooming for them?

:

00:54:25,947 --> 00:54:29,017

Sue: Yeah, it's, it's, it goes back

to what I was talking about how

:

00:54:29,017 --> 00:54:30,377

I introduced them to the salon.

:

00:54:30,377 --> 00:54:32,247

I get, you know, they get to do free work.

:

00:54:32,717 --> 00:54:35,997

I get to know the dog

first, put a plan together.

:

00:54:36,105 --> 00:54:40,875

Areas of anxiety or where they need

to use, whether you previously used

:

00:54:40,875 --> 00:54:43,425

aggression to stop that happening.

:

00:54:43,795 --> 00:54:45,645

And it's just building a plan around.

:

00:54:46,380 --> 00:54:52,150

their preferences, building on

what they like and working on what

:

00:54:52,190 --> 00:54:56,340

they don't enjoy to change their

emotional response to that element.

:

00:54:56,350 --> 00:55:01,560

So I've been working with a, a

kapupu recently that had been

:

00:55:01,570 --> 00:55:03,450

banned from previous groomers.

:

00:55:03,500 --> 00:55:08,790

He'd spent two years being sedated,

having to be sedated for grooms.

:

00:55:09,380 --> 00:55:09,900

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Wow,

:

00:55:10,282 --> 00:55:12,712

Sue: After four sessions with

him, I was able to clip him off

:

00:55:12,732 --> 00:55:14,402

completely after four sessions.

:

00:55:15,252 --> 00:55:22,332

I think I got one, I think I got one growl

in there, but nothing, no, no aggression.

:

00:55:22,332 --> 00:55:26,912

So by eliminating the

need to show aggression.

:

00:55:28,057 --> 00:55:30,867

I'm making the groom easier for

them and I'm making the groom

:

00:55:30,867 --> 00:55:32,357

easier for myself as well.

:

00:55:33,257 --> 00:55:35,577

And he's just the most delightful dog now.

:

00:55:35,597 --> 00:55:40,167

You know, he's, he really likes being

bathed, which is really straight.

:

00:55:40,357 --> 00:55:42,867

Those dogs hate it, but he loves the bath.

:

00:55:42,937 --> 00:55:44,327

So what we'll do now

:

00:55:44,520 --> 00:55:45,060

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah

:

00:55:45,417 --> 00:55:47,197

Sue: one session he'll get a bath.

:

00:55:47,772 --> 00:55:51,732

And we'll do a little bit of training of

the things he don't like, and then the

:

00:55:51,732 --> 00:55:57,242

next session he gets clipped off, which is

the bit he doesn't really enjoy so much,

:

00:55:57,452 --> 00:56:00,292

but now, you know, I can clip him off.

:

00:56:02,597 --> 00:56:05,407

And it's just working with

each individual dog to find

:

00:56:05,407 --> 00:56:06,887

their dislikes and their likes.

:

00:56:07,547 --> 00:56:12,287

With the, I do find the generally anxious

dogs a little bit more difficult because

:

00:56:13,347 --> 00:56:18,847

if they're generally anxious on day to

day, there's not one specific thing in

:

00:56:18,847 --> 00:56:21,917

the salon particularly that they find.

:

00:56:22,442 --> 00:56:23,012

difficult.

:

00:56:23,012 --> 00:56:25,022

It's everything they find

difficult in the salon.

:

00:56:25,022 --> 00:56:30,402

So again, it's finding the best

way for each individual dog

:

00:56:31,372 --> 00:56:32,812

so that they can cope better.

:

00:56:32,872 --> 00:56:36,962

I've got for example, a little dog that

I said I'd go to his home to groom.

:

00:56:37,432 --> 00:56:41,422

He would come to the salon,

didn't like the car, didn't

:

00:56:41,422 --> 00:56:42,882

like how his harness put on.

:

00:56:43,742 --> 00:56:48,012

And we taught him table protocol

and would probably get 10 minutes

:

00:56:48,012 --> 00:56:50,452

of grooming using table protocol.

:

00:56:50,502 --> 00:56:55,332

But after 10 minutes, he would I was

totally disengaged, couldn't cope,

:

00:56:55,362 --> 00:56:59,762

wouldn't get back on the table, would

find stuff to snag around the salon

:

00:56:59,762 --> 00:57:02,482

that he'd never bothered with before.

:

00:57:03,172 --> 00:57:05,752

And then it was really difficult

for the guy to get his harness

:

00:57:05,752 --> 00:57:07,782

back on to get him in the car.

:

00:57:07,782 --> 00:57:09,472

So I said,

:

00:57:09,750 --> 00:57:10,740

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

I've got a workup.

:

00:57:11,332 --> 00:57:12,212

Sue: this is not working.

:

00:57:12,762 --> 00:57:14,482

Let me come to your house.

:

00:57:14,492 --> 00:57:16,702

So you don't have to come in the car.

:

00:57:17,102 --> 00:57:20,882

He doesn't have to have his harness on

and let's see if it makes a difference.

:

00:57:21,102 --> 00:57:22,752

I get 45 minutes now.

:

00:57:23,382 --> 00:57:27,832

a really good focus work, which

means I can completely kick them

:

00:57:27,832 --> 00:57:33,052

off in 45 minutes and get a little

bit of time to have a bit of a play.

:

00:57:34,442 --> 00:57:38,972

So it really is just working

out what's best for each dog.

:

00:57:40,355 --> 00:57:40,715

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

00:57:40,765 --> 00:57:42,055

Working with a dog in front of you.

:

00:57:42,055 --> 00:57:42,795

I love that.

:

00:57:43,215 --> 00:57:46,845

What can pet parents do at home

to prepare their dogs for a

:

00:57:46,845 --> 00:57:48,645

stress free grooming session?

:

00:57:48,695 --> 00:57:50,985

So obviously you mentioned some

bath then, but is there anything

:

00:57:51,135 --> 00:57:53,335

else in terms of preparation?

:

00:57:53,672 --> 00:57:57,372

Sue: yeah, a lot of it is obviously if

they buy my books, they can do a lot of.

:

00:57:58,137 --> 00:58:01,647

work at home with making them more

comfortable with being groomed.

:

00:58:02,207 --> 00:58:06,317

But it's thinking about any

triggers leading up to a groom.

:

00:58:06,367 --> 00:58:12,877

So if you've got a dog that's reactive

to other dogs, that is sensitive to other

:

00:58:12,877 --> 00:58:19,187

dogs or other people, or You know, life in

general, try and keep them stress free as

:

00:58:19,187 --> 00:58:23,127

much as you can a few days up to a groom

so that they're coming into the grooming

:

00:58:23,127 --> 00:58:26,407

salon as rest as peaceful as possible.

:

00:58:27,087 --> 00:58:27,917

So some groomers will.

:

00:58:27,950 --> 00:58:29,120

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

that bucket isn't full

:

00:58:29,267 --> 00:58:30,337

Sue: Absolutely.

:

00:58:30,347 --> 00:58:32,577

Make sure that bucket's

as empty as possible.

:

00:58:33,427 --> 00:58:36,057

We have, we do have a lot of groomers

that will say, if they've got a

:

00:58:36,057 --> 00:58:39,167

difficult dog, they'll say, oh, take

it for an hour's walk before they

:

00:58:39,167 --> 00:58:40,857

bring them to the salon, wear them out.

:

00:58:42,067 --> 00:58:42,907

And I'm thinking,

:

00:58:42,980 --> 00:58:43,490

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: okay.

:

00:58:44,127 --> 00:58:47,407

Sue: that's all well and good, but what if

you've got a dog that is really sensitive

:

00:58:47,407 --> 00:58:52,567

to other dogs or people and being out in

the street, that's going to trigger them.

:

00:58:52,947 --> 00:58:55,997

But also, what if you've got a dog

that's got bilateral hip, that's got

:

00:58:56,027 --> 00:58:58,467

hip displace, your luxate and patella.

:

00:58:59,107 --> 00:59:01,317

then they're coming

into the salon in pain.

:

00:59:02,437 --> 00:59:06,647

And whilst I'm talking about pain,

pain is probably one of the biggest

:

00:59:06,647 --> 00:59:08,087

issues in the grooming salon.

:

00:59:09,367 --> 00:59:13,477

There's a lot more dogs in

pain and then they're blamed

:

00:59:13,497 --> 00:59:16,737

for being, they certainly are.

:

00:59:16,737 --> 00:59:21,287

You've got dogs that, you know, come

in and then they're being moved about,

:

00:59:21,287 --> 00:59:24,907

they're being washed and rubbed on,

probably joints that are painful.

:

00:59:24,907 --> 00:59:28,977

And then the dogs are blamed for

getting aggressive when actually

:

00:59:29,130 --> 00:59:29,820

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Mm.

:

00:59:29,877 --> 00:59:30,847

Sue: down to that pain.

:

00:59:31,427 --> 00:59:32,237

So I am.

:

00:59:32,320 --> 00:59:32,830

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

00:59:33,587 --> 00:59:40,277

Sue: Because I only, I probably only groom

10, 12 dogs a week I'm very flexible.

:

00:59:40,347 --> 00:59:47,017

So, if I've got a dog that's Has got an

injury or been to the, had to have an

:

00:59:47,017 --> 00:59:51,997

emergency appointment at the vets or has

been sick or ill overnight, I'd rather

:

00:59:51,997 --> 00:59:58,377

move that appointment and wait until the

dog's better or if it's out of, I've got

:

00:59:58,377 --> 01:00:02,127

one dog in particular I'm working with, a

working, another working Cocker Spaniel,

:

01:00:03,147 --> 01:00:05,477

that he's really sensitive to rain.

:

01:00:06,592 --> 01:00:12,452

So, if it's raining or really windy,

we just move the appointment to another

:

01:00:12,452 --> 01:00:14,402

day when it's not wet and windy.

:

01:00:15,192 --> 01:00:19,342

Our South Wales, I know I'm going to get

nothing done because he's so stressed

:

01:00:20,565 --> 01:00:21,215

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:00:22,582 --> 01:00:28,222

Sue: that he can't cope and he is, he

has got a bite history, not with me, but

:

01:00:28,972 --> 01:00:31,332

with previous because he was rehomed.

:

01:00:31,442 --> 01:00:32,342

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, bless him.

:

01:00:32,608 --> 01:00:33,218

Sue: so.

:

01:00:34,123 --> 01:00:38,313

His new guardians are working

with a vet behaviourist as well.

:

01:00:38,593 --> 01:00:42,493

So they're doing all they can to

make this dog's life much better.

:

01:00:43,073 --> 01:00:47,923

But I know that I know that if I push

him too far, he's still would bite.

:

01:00:48,563 --> 01:00:52,793

So if I can eliminate all the

triggers, as many triggers as

:

01:00:52,793 --> 01:00:56,793

I can before he comes into the

salon, then that makes sense to me.

:

01:00:57,003 --> 01:01:00,783

So I've got a less

stressed dog to start with.

:

01:01:01,707 --> 01:01:02,477

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Definitely.

:

01:01:03,547 --> 01:01:08,377

So, moving on to our next section,

which is breed specific grooming advice.

:

01:01:08,377 --> 01:01:11,457

So, breeds have different grooming needs.

:

01:01:11,507 --> 01:01:14,547

Are there any general guidelines

that pet parents should

:

01:01:14,547 --> 01:01:15,787

follow based on a coat type?

:

01:01:16,385 --> 01:01:21,485

Sue: Yeah, so there are specific

brushes or tools for different dogs.

:

01:01:22,085 --> 01:01:24,875

And you, you are best to talk

to, you know, depending on

:

01:01:24,875 --> 01:01:26,275

the coat type of your dog.

:

01:01:26,935 --> 01:01:29,475

Because there are so many different,

you know, cause poodlers have

:

01:01:29,475 --> 01:01:30,725

been crossed with everything now.

:

01:01:30,765 --> 01:01:35,605

They've, and all the coats vary so much.

:

01:01:36,005 --> 01:01:40,470

You are probably best talking to a

groomer to ask what you should be using.

:

01:01:40,480 --> 01:01:44,760

But in saying that I have found

so for an example, if you went to

:

01:01:44,760 --> 01:01:47,820

most groomers and you said, I've

got cockapoo, what brush is best?

:

01:01:48,220 --> 01:01:49,710

They will say a slicker brush.

:

01:01:50,343 --> 01:01:50,833

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

:

01:01:51,760 --> 01:01:57,000

Sue: However, some dogs, some dogs

don't like slicker brushes and it's

:

01:01:57,000 --> 01:01:58,350

going to make it more difficult.

:

01:01:58,360 --> 01:02:02,980

So this is really naughty of me and

groomers going to hate me for saying

:

01:02:03,280 --> 01:02:09,540

this, but I actually keep a really

big selection of brushes in my salon.

:

01:02:10,525 --> 01:02:12,585

Including human hairbrushes.

:

01:02:13,773 --> 01:02:14,323

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Okay.

:

01:02:15,240 --> 01:02:18,360

Sue: I will, if I, if I try with

a slicker brush on a dog and it

:

01:02:18,370 --> 01:02:21,170

doesn't look like a slicker brush,

I'll try one of the other brushes,

:

01:02:21,883 --> 01:02:22,293

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:02:23,030 --> 01:02:26,200

Sue: and if they, you know, if

they find that brush easy, then

:

01:02:26,200 --> 01:02:27,860

that's the brush for them, because

:

01:02:27,903 --> 01:02:28,783

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Exactly.

:

01:02:28,860 --> 01:02:32,010

Sue: it's no use trying to force

a brush onto a dog, as long

:

01:02:32,010 --> 01:02:33,270

as you are parting the fur.

:

01:02:34,305 --> 01:02:37,985

and combing out from the root to the

tip of the fur, it doesn't matter

:

01:02:37,985 --> 01:02:41,135

what brush you use, as long as

you're keeping that dog mat free.

:

01:02:41,425 --> 01:02:44,955

And in fact, some dogs will

tolerate a comb, a steel tooth

:

01:02:44,955 --> 01:02:47,385

comb, much easier than a brush.

:

01:02:48,005 --> 01:02:51,085

So whilst yes, there are general

guidelines of what brushes you

:

01:02:51,115 --> 01:02:55,365

should be using for what breed

and what coats you like, you've

:

01:02:55,365 --> 01:02:57,295

got to apply better common sense.

:

01:02:57,295 --> 01:03:01,775

And if your dog doesn't like that

type of brush, use a different one.

:

01:03:02,453 --> 01:03:03,143

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

That's it.

:

01:03:03,243 --> 01:03:03,593

Yeah.

:

01:03:04,005 --> 01:03:06,385

Sue: And technically, really,

realistically, the breeder

:

01:03:06,415 --> 01:03:10,715

should be advising you on what

brush to use for your dog.

:

01:03:10,735 --> 01:03:14,855

So, if you've got a dog that's

got short fur, then something

:

01:03:14,905 --> 01:03:16,755

like a zoom groom is really good.

:

01:03:17,355 --> 01:03:18,065

Longer coats.

:

01:03:18,830 --> 01:03:25,670

Then generally people advise a slicker

brush, double coated, we advise a rake.

:

01:03:26,300 --> 01:03:29,730

But if they don't like that, then

find something that your dog will

:

01:03:29,790 --> 01:03:33,970

tolerate and make sure that you're

really thorough in brushing them.

:

01:03:34,603 --> 01:03:35,513

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Exactly.

:

01:03:35,983 --> 01:03:36,493

Brilliant.

:

01:03:37,323 --> 01:03:39,553

certain breeds struggle more

with creaming than others?

:

01:03:41,070 --> 01:03:49,230

Sue: I actually find the dogs that

struggle most with being groomed is

:

01:03:51,210 --> 01:03:53,780

any gundog breed crossed with a poodle,

:

01:03:54,633 --> 01:03:54,853

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

:

01:03:55,730 --> 01:03:56,170

Sue: particular cockapoos.

:

01:03:56,170 --> 01:04:01,090

My books are full of cockapoos.

:

01:04:02,540 --> 01:04:07,570

Then I've got some, I've got

a couple of cavapoos actually.

:

01:04:12,000 --> 01:04:14,460

Labradoodles Golden doodles,

:

01:04:14,638 --> 01:04:14,758

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Wow.

:

01:04:14,758 --> 01:04:15,388

All the poodles

:

01:04:16,160 --> 01:04:18,980

Sue: all the p all the

poodles crossed with gun dogs.

:

01:04:19,490 --> 01:04:24,080

And then I've got a couple of West,

west Island terriers and a couple of

:

01:04:24,215 --> 01:04:29,770

of Shitzu seems to be the other popular

breed that don't enjoy being groomed.

:

01:04:30,368 --> 01:04:30,818

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

:

01:04:31,020 --> 01:04:34,500

Sue: And I think that's 'cause

they've got such badly ba, badly.

:

01:04:35,529 --> 01:04:39,240

design bodies, you know, they've

got little legs, so it's really

:

01:04:39,240 --> 01:04:40,910

difficult to get around the leg areas.

:

01:04:40,910 --> 01:04:46,040

But yeah, in particular, I mean,

who thought crossing a spaniel

:

01:04:46,080 --> 01:04:47,790

with a poodle was a good idea?

:

01:04:49,618 --> 01:04:52,738

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

God, that's what's your take on the

:

01:04:52,738 --> 01:04:56,518

shaving, double coated breeds debate.

:

01:04:56,910 --> 01:04:57,270

Sue: Right.

:

01:04:57,279 --> 01:05:02,010

In a perfect world, they wouldn't

be shaved because it, this goes

:

01:05:02,010 --> 01:05:04,460

back to, you know, their coats

are designed for a purpose.

:

01:05:05,068 --> 01:05:05,548

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:05:05,560 --> 01:05:05,920

Sue: Yeah.

:

01:05:06,000 --> 01:05:11,910

And there is a lot of research that shows

that shaving them does damage the coats.

:

01:05:12,528 --> 01:05:13,008

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:05:13,265 --> 01:05:17,145

Sue: I would rather, if a, if a double

coated breed came to me completely

:

01:05:17,145 --> 01:05:21,095

matted, I would rather clip it

and worry about coat funk later,

:

01:05:21,698 --> 01:05:22,328

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: mm

:

01:05:22,755 --> 01:05:23,755

Sue: as dogs, as pets.

:

01:05:24,450 --> 01:05:28,450

Double coated breeds, dogs do get

older and they're laying down more,

:

01:05:29,120 --> 01:05:35,260

then they're more prone to matting and

again, I would rather shave it than the

:

01:05:35,260 --> 01:05:40,140

guardians really struggling to groom a

dog, brush a dog that's got arthritis

:

01:05:40,150 --> 01:05:45,230

in its rear end, you know, and pulling

on those mats, I would rather shave it.

:

01:05:45,958 --> 01:05:46,378

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah,

:

01:05:46,560 --> 01:05:51,180

Sue: I know it's not generally

approved of in the grooming industry,

:

01:05:51,180 --> 01:05:54,540

but I'm all for welfare over vanity.

:

01:05:54,810 --> 01:05:54,900

Thank you.

:

01:05:55,688 --> 01:05:56,168

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

definitely.

:

01:05:56,235 --> 01:05:56,785

Yeah,

:

01:05:57,231 --> 01:06:03,091

Sue: and I've got a couple of collies that

I groom that spend a lot of time in wet,

:

01:06:03,121 --> 01:06:07,261

muddy field and get very wet underneath.

:

01:06:07,341 --> 01:06:08,491

And I do shave them,

:

01:06:09,685 --> 01:06:10,105

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah,

:

01:06:10,431 --> 01:06:11,911

Sue: shave them underneath, not, not.

:

01:06:12,866 --> 01:06:17,066

Not the full pose, but I do shave the

underneath because otherwise they're

:

01:06:17,066 --> 01:06:19,446

just matted every time they come in.

:

01:06:19,975 --> 01:06:20,545

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

I said, it's a

:

01:06:20,696 --> 01:06:22,866

Sue: They don't enjoy, they

don't enjoy being brushed

:

01:06:22,866 --> 01:06:24,316

underneath and the back legs.

:

01:06:24,796 --> 01:06:28,426

So it's, you know, it's a,

it's a no brainer for me.

:

01:06:28,426 --> 01:06:33,316

I know technically I shouldn't,

but it's better for the dogs.

:

01:06:33,665 --> 01:06:35,025

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Well, that's all, that's all that

:

01:06:35,025 --> 01:06:37,105

matters, what's best for the dog.

:

01:06:37,105 --> 01:06:41,255

So moving on to just our next section,

we're, we're nearly, we're nearly done.

:

01:06:41,255 --> 01:06:45,225

We've so much, Pat, Pat, we're going

to have to get you back on because

:

01:06:45,325 --> 01:06:48,855

it's so much we could talk so much

more about the products and tools,

:

01:06:48,855 --> 01:06:50,345

what's worth it and what's not.

:

01:06:50,685 --> 01:06:54,625

There are a million products

out there, but what is your ride

:

01:06:54,625 --> 01:06:56,595

and died cream and essential,

:

01:06:56,841 --> 01:07:04,151

Sue: Okay, every I think every guardian

that's got a wool coated dog or a

:

01:07:04,151 --> 01:07:08,681

drop coat dog or a double coated

dog needs Cowboy Magic detangler.

:

01:07:08,681 --> 01:07:09,811

And I

:

01:07:09,904 --> 01:07:10,404

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: right?

:

01:07:10,991 --> 01:07:13,781

Sue: love that because it's

not got a strong aroma.

:

01:07:14,516 --> 01:07:17,586

But also, it's like a serum

rather than, most, most

:

01:07:17,846 --> 01:07:20,246

detangling products are a spray.

:

01:07:20,725 --> 01:07:21,305

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

:

01:07:22,606 --> 01:07:24,476

Sue: We know dogs don't

like being sprayed.

:

01:07:27,696 --> 01:07:31,136

That's why they're used as a

deterrent for bad behaviour.

:

01:07:32,456 --> 01:07:36,116

So so I don't like any products

that you have to spray on dogs.

:

01:07:36,605 --> 01:07:37,255

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:07:38,776 --> 01:07:39,566

Sue: So this.

:

01:07:40,101 --> 01:07:43,271

Cowboy Magic, you get it, it's

like a serum, so it's like

:

01:07:43,271 --> 01:07:45,991

hair gel and it is amazing.

:

01:07:46,061 --> 01:07:50,441

You just rub this into where the coat's

matted, leave it for three or four

:

01:07:50,441 --> 01:07:52,141

minutes and then it just brushes out.

:

01:07:52,381 --> 01:07:55,401

Obviously, if it's a thick

mat, it's not going to work.

:

01:07:55,761 --> 01:07:59,951

It's not a miracle worker, but if

you've just got a little tangle, it's

:

01:07:59,961 --> 01:08:02,031

really, really productive for that.

:

01:08:02,695 --> 01:08:03,235

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:08:03,331 --> 01:08:06,681

Sue: so Cowboy Magic is one

I would really recommend.

:

01:08:07,621 --> 01:08:14,331

I love the doodle, the MIPI,

that's M I K K I doodle brush.

:

01:08:14,900 --> 01:08:15,460

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Okay.

:

01:08:15,871 --> 01:08:19,951

Sue: It's really, it's a, it's

a pin brush, so the spikes

:

01:08:19,951 --> 01:08:21,581

have got little pin heads on.

:

01:08:22,071 --> 01:08:23,761

So it's not as harsh on the coat.

:

01:08:24,421 --> 01:08:26,680

And it's a really cheap and

cheerful one as well, I think

:

01:08:26,680 --> 01:08:28,180

it's something like about 10.

:

01:08:28,470 --> 01:08:32,331

But it's really comfortable, it's

really ergonomically designed.

:

01:08:32,810 --> 01:08:37,421

So it's comfortable to hold, the

dogs seem to I like it a lot more

:

01:08:37,451 --> 01:08:42,491

than some of the other brushes out

there, so I have got quite a few of

:

01:08:42,520 --> 01:08:46,310

the doodle brushes and I use them

even on dogs that are not doodles.

:

01:08:49,356 --> 01:08:52,866

Other products I like, I

love Pore Galic shampoo.

:

01:08:53,796 --> 01:08:57,856

It's really, again, it's

a low aroma shampoo,

:

01:08:58,279 --> 01:08:58,620

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:08:58,716 --> 01:09:00,106

Sue: it's really good quality.

:

01:09:00,106 --> 01:09:02,015

It brings the coat up lovely.

:

01:09:02,486 --> 01:09:04,095

And it's really kind.

:

01:09:04,606 --> 01:09:08,056

So, when I first started grooming,

I was using different shampoos.

:

01:09:08,136 --> 01:09:13,546

And winter was a right pain because

my hands would get so sore from

:

01:09:13,546 --> 01:09:15,486

wabbling the dogs and being cold.

:

01:09:15,836 --> 01:09:17,426

And I'd get really sore hands.

:

01:09:17,426 --> 01:09:21,203

But since I switched to Pore Organic,

I don't get sore hands at all.

:

01:09:21,203 --> 01:09:21,606

So

:

01:09:21,640 --> 01:09:22,069

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: wow.

:

01:09:22,456 --> 01:09:26,336

Sue: Paulganic is my go to

shampoo now for most dogs.

:

01:09:26,776 --> 01:09:28,076

There's a couple of dogs I use.

:

01:09:28,116 --> 01:09:33,265

Duxo, if they've got skin issues, then

Duxo's a really good product as well.

:

01:09:33,840 --> 01:09:34,319

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:09:35,886 --> 01:09:39,366

Sue: then a lick and calm mat, you know.

:

01:09:40,020 --> 01:09:42,661

It's technically not a grooming

product, but it's something I use on

:

01:09:42,661 --> 01:09:44,701

a regular basis or for the formats.

:

01:09:45,475 --> 01:09:46,035

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Grooming accessory.

:

01:09:46,831 --> 01:09:49,651

Sue: Yeah, and Pet Remedy calming spray or

:

01:09:49,755 --> 01:09:50,135

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

:

01:09:50,321 --> 01:09:53,140

Sue: products, and I

find that's really good.

:

01:09:53,850 --> 01:10:00,461

And if, if you want to buy any Pet,

because I'm the Pet Remedy Ambassador.

:

01:10:01,015 --> 01:10:01,495

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah, so

:

01:10:01,651 --> 01:10:01,761

Sue: it.

:

01:10:02,431 --> 01:10:04,871

Yeah, so we've got apart.

:

01:10:04,941 --> 01:10:08,461

Yeah, so we've got codes we

can use to get discounts.

:

01:10:08,521 --> 01:10:11,391

If people want to use them,

I'll let you use your code.

:

01:10:11,921 --> 01:10:16,831

So pet remedy and something I do

recommend is if you have got a dog that.

:

01:10:17,611 --> 01:10:20,091

is not a massive fan of

going to the grooming salon.

:

01:10:20,751 --> 01:10:25,891

Use pet remedy at home when they're

already calm and then take some pet

:

01:10:26,021 --> 01:10:29,571

remedy in with you to the grooming

salon so they smell that pet remedy

:

01:10:30,411 --> 01:10:33,211

and it reminds them of being calm.

:

01:10:33,511 --> 01:10:35,131

So that can help, really help.

:

01:10:35,141 --> 01:10:37,781

But I do use pet remedy a

lot in the salon as well.

:

01:10:38,621 --> 01:10:44,531

So pet remedy is on my

list of do or die products.

:

01:10:47,065 --> 01:10:49,035

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: was

like an organic type one, but natural

:

01:10:49,055 --> 01:10:51,265

versus chemical based grooming products.

:

01:10:51,265 --> 01:10:52,495

Does it make a difference?

:

01:10:53,781 --> 01:10:55,651

Sue: To me, yes I.

:

01:10:56,106 --> 01:10:59,131

I suffer from migraines, so if I use

:

01:10:59,225 --> 01:11:00,235

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Gosh, yeah.

:

01:11:00,261 --> 01:11:03,991

Sue: So, if I use anything

that's got highly perfumed,

:

01:11:04,399 --> 01:11:05,232

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:11:05,501 --> 01:11:08,621

Sue: products are really

bad for me as well.

:

01:11:08,641 --> 01:11:16,111

So, I try and, I can't help but think

if strong smells or strong chemical

:

01:11:16,111 --> 01:11:19,066

smells give me migraines, there's

no reason to think why they don't.

:

01:11:19,226 --> 01:11:23,796

give dogs migraines or headaches,

particularly as their sense of

:

01:11:23,796 --> 01:11:27,016

smell is way better than ours.

:

01:11:27,156 --> 01:11:31,946

You can only think how, how much

some of the products that we use

:

01:11:32,346 --> 01:11:37,506

must smell to the dogs, that must

be absolutely horrendous so strong.

:

01:11:37,506 --> 01:11:44,346

So I do like to keep my products as low

scented as possible for my benefit as much

:

01:11:44,346 --> 01:11:48,666

as the dogs, because obviously I don't

want to be having migraines every day.

:

01:11:49,665 --> 01:11:50,105

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:11:50,226 --> 01:11:51,216

Sue: so.

:

01:11:51,656 --> 01:11:56,576

Again, this poorganic one, the,

the aromas are so delicate there's,

:

01:11:56,635 --> 01:11:56,795

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: smart.

:

01:11:56,795 --> 01:11:57,925

Aw.

:

01:11:58,016 --> 01:12:00,116

Sue: there's vintage mint,

:

01:12:00,184 --> 01:12:01,315

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: okay.

:

01:12:01,496 --> 01:12:05,066

Sue: is a little bit, smells a

little bit minty, sherbet lemon.

:

01:12:06,666 --> 01:12:09,626

I love the sherbet lemon one because

it does remind me of the sweets.

:

01:12:10,676 --> 01:12:13,646

And then, and there's the yankee

doodle one, which is brilliant,

:

01:12:13,706 --> 01:12:15,626

would be brilliant for your poodles.

:

01:12:16,306 --> 01:12:19,051

And it doesn't really

smell of anything, so it's.

:

01:12:19,981 --> 01:12:21,981

It's a really neutral smell,

:

01:12:22,465 --> 01:12:23,665

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, okay.

:

01:12:24,021 --> 01:12:28,641

Sue: that's why I like the the Porganic

stuff because the aroma is so low and

:

01:12:28,761 --> 01:12:31,481

it's really kind for my skin as well.

:

01:12:32,311 --> 01:12:37,561

So I, I don't use any

strong chemical based stuff

:

01:12:38,055 --> 01:12:38,585

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:12:38,711 --> 01:12:39,661

Sue: can avoid it.

:

01:12:39,931 --> 01:12:44,591

Obviously we have to clean our

equipment and I, I tend to use

:

01:12:44,591 --> 01:12:46,601

Milton sterilizing tablets for that.

:

01:12:46,631 --> 01:12:47,061

So

:

01:12:47,205 --> 01:12:47,905

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, okay.

:

01:12:47,905 --> 01:12:48,325

Yeah.

:

01:12:48,621 --> 01:12:51,211

Sue: I don't clean the stuff

while the dogs are in the salon.

:

01:12:52,221 --> 01:12:55,741

I make sure that those smells

have dis dis, disappeared by the

:

01:12:55,741 --> 01:12:57,201

time I bring the next dog in.

:

01:12:57,701 --> 01:13:01,841

So yeah, a lot of groomers

will use colognes on dogs,

:

01:13:02,235 --> 01:13:02,995

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

:

01:13:03,601 --> 01:13:04,851

Sue: just don't see the point.

:

01:13:05,445 --> 01:13:05,895

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Bye bye.

:

01:13:07,035 --> 01:13:07,505

Yeah.

:

01:13:07,701 --> 01:13:14,021

Sue: dog would not choose to smell of

Yves Saint Laurent or Calvin Klein.

:

01:13:14,031 --> 01:13:17,421

They'd much rather smell of fox poo.

:

01:13:17,825 --> 01:13:18,095

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:13:18,131 --> 01:13:18,331

Sue: know that.

:

01:13:20,275 --> 01:13:22,705

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

So that might be one, might be one

:

01:13:22,705 --> 01:13:25,915

of the products or tools you'd like

to see owners throw in the bin.

:

01:13:26,205 --> 01:13:27,495

That was my next question.

:

01:13:27,495 --> 01:13:30,535

Are there any products or tools

that you see owners using that

:

01:13:30,855 --> 01:13:32,335

you'd love to throw in the bin?

:

01:13:32,621 --> 01:13:35,401

Sue: Oh, apart from extendable leads.

:

01:13:36,195 --> 01:13:36,605

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh God.

:

01:13:36,645 --> 01:13:36,845

Yeah.

:

01:13:36,845 --> 01:13:38,275

Not a fan of flexi leads.

:

01:13:38,275 --> 01:13:38,485

Yeah.

:

01:13:38,691 --> 01:13:42,111

Sue: And any, any tools, obviously that.

:

01:13:42,786 --> 01:13:48,286

We'd consider it to be aversive but

from a groomer's point of view, those

:

01:13:48,286 --> 01:13:53,046

mat splitters that have got blades on

them that you're supposed to, they're

:

01:13:53,046 --> 01:13:57,726

like little hooks that have got a blade

on one side that you're supposed to

:

01:13:57,726 --> 01:14:00,196

split the mat with and cut the mat out.

:

01:14:01,585 --> 01:14:02,525

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: oh gosh.

:

01:14:03,636 --> 01:14:06,046

Sue: They're quite quite

dangerous in the wrong hands.

:

01:14:07,895 --> 01:14:08,455

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:14:08,525 --> 01:14:09,125

Okay.

:

01:14:09,555 --> 01:14:09,945

Yeah.

:

01:14:09,946 --> 01:14:13,506

Sue: But other than that, you

know, as long as If pet parents

:

01:14:13,506 --> 01:14:18,436

are using appropriate tools for

their dog, you know, grooming tools

:

01:14:18,446 --> 01:14:22,876

for their dogs, then that's okay,

:

01:14:23,305 --> 01:14:23,525

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: That's

:

01:14:23,746 --> 01:14:24,606

Sue: you know, to me.

:

01:14:25,566 --> 01:14:28,326

There's lots of products I'd like to

see disappear out of grooming salons.

:

01:14:28,326 --> 01:14:30,344

That's,

:

01:14:30,394 --> 01:14:30,494

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: enough.

:

01:14:32,154 --> 01:14:35,174

Alright, so I'm going to ask you

a question on the role of the dog

:

01:14:35,214 --> 01:14:36,674

parent in the grooming success.

:

01:14:36,674 --> 01:14:41,634

So for those dog parents who might be

feeling overwhelmed, Sue, what's one

:

01:14:41,644 --> 01:14:46,894

simple thing they can start doing today to

improve their dog's grooming experience?

:

01:14:48,080 --> 01:14:49,420

Sue: Try and keep them mat free.

:

01:14:49,994 --> 01:14:50,554

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah,

:

01:14:50,730 --> 01:14:58,020

Sue: Even if, you know, even if I've

got a dog come to me that's matted, I

:

01:14:58,050 --> 01:15:00,740

can make it as stress free as possible.

:

01:15:00,770 --> 01:15:04,570

But if the dog's matted, it's

going to be uncomfortable.

:

01:15:04,994 --> 01:15:05,504

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah,

:

01:15:05,820 --> 01:15:10,240

Sue: So one of the first things

I do with new guardians is teach

:

01:15:10,240 --> 01:15:11,620

them how to brush properly.

:

01:15:12,220 --> 01:15:13,900

Not, I mean, just line brushing, but.

:

01:15:15,265 --> 01:15:16,875

brush with trust and

:

01:15:17,594 --> 01:15:18,064

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Love that

:

01:15:18,145 --> 01:15:21,595

Sue: because many of them stay anyway

they see the techniques I use and

:

01:15:21,595 --> 01:15:23,425

they carry on using those at home.

:

01:15:23,854 --> 01:15:24,394

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:15:24,905 --> 01:15:29,415

Sue: So yeah, just try and keep

your dogs as mat free as possible.

:

01:15:30,940 --> 01:15:31,510

Because

:

01:15:31,554 --> 01:15:33,124

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

grooming job easier as well

:

01:15:33,309 --> 01:15:36,100

Sue: it makes the groomer's

job easier, but it also makes

:

01:15:36,100 --> 01:15:37,550

it less stressful for the dog.

:

01:15:37,764 --> 01:15:38,624

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

dog, and that's ultimately

:

01:15:38,710 --> 01:15:42,960

Sue: I can only imagine how

uncomfortable it must be.

:

01:15:43,420 --> 01:15:47,320

Firstly being matted, but then

having a groomer pulling at your

:

01:15:47,320 --> 01:15:50,130

skin and to get those mattes out.

:

01:15:50,300 --> 01:15:53,470

It must be like somebody

constantly pulling your hair.

:

01:15:53,969 --> 01:15:54,449

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Horrible.

:

01:15:54,580 --> 01:15:58,180

Sue: I mean, if anybody wants

to, you know, feel how it must

:

01:15:58,180 --> 01:16:02,700

feel to be, to have to be.

:

01:16:03,434 --> 01:16:04,865

Brush it out when you're matted.

:

01:16:05,285 --> 01:16:09,455

Just rough your hair up for a bit

and put some chewing gum in it

:

01:16:09,455 --> 01:16:10,815

and then try and brush it out.

:

01:16:11,109 --> 01:16:11,329

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: It's a

:

01:16:11,515 --> 01:16:15,285

Sue: You know, just, that

must be how it feels.

:

01:16:15,355 --> 01:16:19,465

I mean, even when I've got quite long

hair and if I've got a cot in my hair,

:

01:16:20,075 --> 01:16:22,565

it's really uncomfortable to brush it out.

:

01:16:23,059 --> 01:16:24,269

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

It is, yeah.

:

01:16:24,525 --> 01:16:27,015

Sue: And I've got control

of how much I pull.

:

01:16:28,799 --> 01:16:30,849

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: What

would you say is the best way for pet

:

01:16:30,849 --> 01:16:34,719

parents to build trust for their dog

when it comes to handling and grooming?

:

01:16:36,340 --> 01:16:37,630

Sue: learn about body language

:

01:16:38,009 --> 01:16:38,619

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

:

01:16:38,660 --> 01:16:40,520

Sue: and then follow that body language.

:

01:16:40,850 --> 01:16:41,190

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Big on

:

01:16:41,461 --> 01:16:47,871

Sue: I do think that small dogs really

struggle with handling because as

:

01:16:47,871 --> 01:16:51,901

puppies, and probably throughout their

lives, they're just picked up without

:

01:16:51,971 --> 01:16:57,011

any consideration of whether they want

to be picked up, whether they want to be

:

01:16:57,011 --> 01:16:58,991

handled, whether they want to be stroked.

:

01:16:59,901 --> 01:17:02,921

And with little dogs, you know

yourself, you've got the boy poodle.

:

01:17:03,351 --> 01:17:06,061

It's really easy to pick them up

and force them to do what they want.

:

01:17:06,381 --> 01:17:08,021

So force your will on them.

:

01:17:08,620 --> 01:17:09,380

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:17:09,591 --> 01:17:13,021

Sue: That's the worst thing you

can do and it does really impact

:

01:17:13,021 --> 01:17:14,901

on handling in the salon as well.

:

01:17:15,331 --> 01:17:19,991

So many dogs don't like being picked

up that come to the salon and I

:

01:17:19,991 --> 01:17:24,031

think a lot of that is down to

overhandling at home when the pup is.

:

01:17:24,661 --> 01:17:28,041

And you know, very little choice.

:

01:17:28,061 --> 01:17:32,471

So I've got a party poodle,

miniature party poodle.

:

01:17:33,296 --> 01:17:35,686

and she hates being picked up.

:

01:17:35,866 --> 01:17:39,316

When, if ever I pick her up

without getting her consent first,

:

01:17:39,326 --> 01:17:41,146

she just braces against you.

:

01:17:41,736 --> 01:17:47,796

So I just, I just don't pick her

up unless I absolutely have to.

:

01:17:48,486 --> 01:17:52,566

So if going in the car, we've taught

her to put her feet on the bumper

:

01:17:52,566 --> 01:17:54,126

when she's ready to be picked up.

:

01:17:54,666 --> 01:17:55,276

We've put in the car

:

01:17:55,300 --> 01:17:57,358

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:17:57,386 --> 01:18:00,066

Sue: all at the car now with the

paws on ready to go in the car.

:

01:18:00,576 --> 01:18:02,634

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:18:03,129 --> 01:18:04,989

Sue: The steps to get

on and off the table.

:

01:18:05,329 --> 01:18:11,709

So really the only time I have to pick

her up is if I think she's in danger, and

:

01:18:11,709 --> 01:18:16,139

then I'd rather pick her up and struggle

against me than be in danger, which is

:

01:18:16,169 --> 01:18:19,769

extremely rare because I don't put her

in a position where she's in danger.

:

01:18:19,769 --> 01:18:24,919

But if I think, you know, if a big dog's

running up to her because she's, she's not

:

01:18:24,929 --> 01:18:31,284

good with, She's not confident with other

dogs that she doesn't know, so I'd rather

:

01:18:31,334 --> 01:18:36,374

pick her up and make her feel a little

bit safer, but, you know, I avoid picking

:

01:18:36,374 --> 01:18:41,474

her up when, whereas my other poodle, I

could pick her up anytime and she'll love

:

01:18:41,474 --> 01:18:47,004

it, you know, so it's, it's really paying

attention to your dog's body language,

:

01:18:47,012 --> 01:18:47,152

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

That's it.

:

01:18:48,004 --> 01:18:51,484

Sue: really getting to know your dog

and what your dog likes and dislikes,

:

01:18:51,972 --> 01:18:52,342

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah,

:

01:18:52,714 --> 01:18:55,034

Sue: and that's the best way

to build trust with them.

:

01:18:55,679 --> 01:18:56,029

And

:

01:18:56,052 --> 01:18:56,272

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: it.

:

01:18:56,429 --> 01:18:57,919

Sue: I don't think, I think

when you've had one of those

:

01:18:57,939 --> 01:19:01,389

puppies, build that bond first.

:

01:19:01,829 --> 01:19:05,089

Yeah, it's great to have a dog

that can sit, that can do tricks.

:

01:19:05,639 --> 01:19:10,398

But I really feel that if you build

a bond with your dog first, they'll

:

01:19:10,409 --> 01:19:12,539

want to do training with you later.

:

01:19:13,112 --> 01:19:14,252

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Absolutely.

:

01:19:14,892 --> 01:19:15,502

Brilliant.

:

01:19:15,552 --> 01:19:20,182

Yeah, really big on that bond and that

relationship and body language and stuff.

:

01:19:20,252 --> 01:19:24,012

So we've covered so much, it's

been such a jam packed episode.

:

01:19:24,012 --> 01:19:28,302

So we're gonna for the last five or so

minutes, start to bring it around to a

:

01:19:28,302 --> 01:19:29,642

close and just ask you some questions.

:

01:19:29,692 --> 01:19:31,682

final questions or tips.

:

01:19:31,682 --> 01:19:35,882

If I may, I did want to quickly touch

on a couple of things that I want to

:

01:19:35,882 --> 01:19:40,782

say about obviously how important is

to desensitize a puppy to the groomers.

:

01:19:40,943 --> 01:19:41,374

Sue: Yeah,

:

01:19:41,482 --> 01:19:43,432

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

to say that in my puppy classes, but

:

01:19:43,474 --> 01:19:43,684

Sue: brilliant.

:

01:19:43,722 --> 01:19:46,272

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

just like just like going to the vet.

:

01:19:46,552 --> 01:19:50,402

Take them in there every week and get the,

the, the receptionist or the, the nurse

:

01:19:50,672 --> 01:19:55,002

to give them a treat and that, so that

they're not just deeming it a stressful

:

01:19:55,002 --> 01:19:56,372

experience every time they go in.

:

01:19:56,372 --> 01:19:56,632

So

:

01:19:56,773 --> 01:19:57,154

Sue: Yeah,

:

01:19:57,272 --> 01:19:59,612

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

like a grooming salon is take them for

:

01:19:59,622 --> 01:20:03,362

like, for these puppy introductions and

get them used to the environment and

:

01:20:03,494 --> 01:20:03,744

Sue: yeah.

:

01:20:04,074 --> 01:20:08,394

Just be very careful when you're talking

about groomers and puppy introductions,

:

01:20:08,614 --> 01:20:13,334

because for some groomers a puppy

introduction is a bath and a blow dry.

:

01:20:13,812 --> 01:20:14,422

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

:

01:20:14,752 --> 01:20:15,302

Okay.

:

01:20:15,452 --> 01:20:15,902

Yes.

:

01:20:16,584 --> 01:20:17,154

Sue: So.

:

01:20:19,114 --> 01:20:23,384

If you're talking about that, be really

specific of what you want them to do.

:

01:20:23,384 --> 01:20:26,304

So if you want to take your dog into

a grooming salon to get it used to

:

01:20:26,314 --> 01:20:30,924

being used to the surroundings first,

make it really specific to the groomer

:

01:20:31,254 --> 01:20:32,314

that that's all you want to do.

:

01:20:32,314 --> 01:20:34,494

You want to take them in for five minutes.

:

01:20:34,924 --> 01:20:38,344

You may have to pay for that time,

but it's worth it in the long run.

:

01:20:38,442 --> 01:20:39,302

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: it is.

:

01:20:39,404 --> 01:20:44,754

Sue: So, I've had a lot of Puppies come to

me after having one session with another.

:

01:20:45,214 --> 01:20:49,704

I've been through another groomer's

puppy introduction package, which is

:

01:20:49,704 --> 01:20:52,844

really not a puppy introduction package.

:

01:20:52,844 --> 01:20:53,564

It's a bath.

:

01:20:54,174 --> 01:20:59,234

For example, if you take it to a

well known door groomers, a puppy

:

01:20:59,273 --> 01:21:01,234

introduction is a bath and dry.

:

01:21:01,372 --> 01:21:01,592

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Right.

:

01:21:01,934 --> 01:21:03,834

Sue: And that is far too

much for some puppies.

:

01:21:03,844 --> 01:21:04,034

So

:

01:21:04,127 --> 01:21:04,187

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: is.

:

01:21:04,654 --> 01:21:07,744

Sue: I know you've got a lot of

trainers and behaviourists that

:

01:21:07,744 --> 01:21:09,144

listen to these podcasts as well.

:

01:21:09,144 --> 01:21:15,674

So if I could really encourage them to

talk to their pet parents, particularly

:

01:21:15,674 --> 01:21:20,234

puppies, about introducing them

to a groomer as soon as possible.

:

01:21:20,707 --> 01:21:21,547

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

:

01:21:21,704 --> 01:21:24,654

Sue: lot of people will wait until

the puppies are five, six months and

:

01:21:24,654 --> 01:21:31,724

matted before they take them to a

groomer because Cockapoo Breeders in

:

01:21:31,724 --> 01:21:36,454

particular will say don't don't get them

groomed until they're six months old.

:

01:21:36,894 --> 01:21:37,214

Sorry.

:

01:21:38,047 --> 01:21:40,057

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

No, don't apologise, I love it.

:

01:21:40,127 --> 01:21:40,577

It's like,

:

01:21:41,064 --> 01:21:42,184

Sue: I'm getting slogged.

:

01:21:43,127 --> 01:21:44,897

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

normally it's mine on my lap, so.

:

01:21:47,424 --> 01:21:52,144

Sue: Yeah, so cockapoo, a lot of cockapoo

breeders will say don't get them groomed

:

01:21:52,144 --> 01:21:58,523

until six months by which they're fully

matted and it surrenders for them.

:

01:21:58,523 --> 01:22:04,894

So as soon as the vaccinations are

complete, get them in for short sessions,

:

01:22:05,324 --> 01:22:10,554

even if you take them in by prearranged

appointment for 10 minutes where the.

:

01:22:11,034 --> 01:22:12,884

The groom was just giving them treats,

:

01:22:13,262 --> 01:22:13,422

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

that's it.

:

01:22:13,564 --> 01:22:15,934

Sue: you know, and just

make it really positive.

:

01:22:15,934 --> 01:22:19,614

And if trainers and behaviourists

can talk to their pet parents

:

01:22:19,614 --> 01:22:23,994

about that as well, then the word

will get spread more quickly.

:

01:22:24,882 --> 01:22:25,442

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

that's so important.

:

01:22:25,602 --> 01:22:28,232

Like I say, I used to do it in my

puppy classes, but that's so important

:

01:22:28,262 --> 01:22:30,342

and a good message to get out.

:

01:22:30,622 --> 01:22:34,772

I want to quickly touch, because

you've mentioned calming signals

:

01:22:35,049 --> 01:22:35,629

Sue: Yes,

:

01:22:35,982 --> 01:22:38,642

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Just

in case our listeners, I don't, I don't

:

01:22:38,682 --> 01:22:39,772

think I know, and I probably should.

:

01:22:39,772 --> 01:22:41,692

What, what are calming signals?

:

01:22:41,898 --> 01:22:45,709

Sue: you know what they are when I tell

you that, but probably stress indicators.

:

01:22:45,709 --> 01:22:46,219

So things

:

01:22:46,462 --> 01:22:46,932

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: right.

:

01:22:47,148 --> 01:22:47,509

Sue: eye,

:

01:22:47,842 --> 01:22:48,302

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh, yes!

:

01:22:48,549 --> 01:22:49,759

Sue: eye, yawning.

:

01:22:50,909 --> 01:22:51,068

I

:

01:22:51,132 --> 01:22:51,332

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: licking.

:

01:22:51,339 --> 01:22:54,259

Sue: know them as calming

signals because of Turid Rugas.

:

01:22:54,592 --> 01:22:56,132

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, yes, yes.

:

01:22:56,239 --> 01:22:56,259

Sue: Her,

:

01:22:56,642 --> 01:22:57,132

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: okay.

:

01:22:57,359 --> 01:23:01,179

Sue: book refers to them as

calming signals, but other people

:

01:23:01,179 --> 01:23:02,889

call them stress indicators.

:

01:23:03,032 --> 01:23:03,762

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: yeah.

:

01:23:03,779 --> 01:23:08,184

Sue: wail eye, the yawning,

lip licking, all this.

:

01:23:09,012 --> 01:23:09,782

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Poor lift.

:

01:23:09,802 --> 01:23:10,222

Blinking.

:

01:23:10,302 --> 01:23:11,442

Right, I'm with you, right.

:

01:23:11,654 --> 01:23:12,144

Sue: Yeah.

:

01:23:12,862 --> 01:23:16,392

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

your top tips for a happy groomed dog.

:

01:23:17,092 --> 01:23:22,472

If you could give dog parents three

golden grooming rules, what would they be?

:

01:23:23,544 --> 01:23:24,084

Sue: Okay.

:

01:23:24,394 --> 01:23:27,914

So make sure you get

a fifth purpose groom.

:

01:23:28,744 --> 01:23:31,724

So if your dog is gonna, if you've

got a cockapoo that's going in

:

01:23:31,724 --> 01:23:34,394

fields every day, have a short trim.

:

01:23:34,484 --> 01:23:39,284

Don't make them have a really fancy

style that's long that you've got

:

01:23:39,294 --> 01:23:43,494

to bath and brush out every day,

particularly if they don't enjoy it.

:

01:23:43,874 --> 01:23:45,384

Introduce them to grooming.

:

01:23:46,279 --> 01:23:49,079

as puppies and make it really positive.

:

01:23:50,159 --> 01:23:51,059

And there was another one.

:

01:23:51,059 --> 01:23:52,779

What was the other one I was going to say?

:

01:23:56,019 --> 01:23:58,839

Make sure you go to the

groomers on a regular basis.

:

01:23:58,839 --> 01:24:03,339

So some guardians will probably

only take the dog to the groomers

:

01:24:03,339 --> 01:24:04,759

when they think they need grooming.

:

01:24:04,769 --> 01:24:06,818

So they might be 10, 12 weeks apart.

:

01:24:06,818 --> 01:24:10,419

That doesn't make for a pleasant

experience if your dog's matted.

:

01:24:10,898 --> 01:24:11,179

So

:

01:24:11,547 --> 01:24:11,607

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

It's been

:

01:24:11,719 --> 01:24:15,309

Sue: find a groomer that your

dog, not necessarily that you

:

01:24:15,309 --> 01:24:16,999

like, that your dog likes.

:

01:24:17,829 --> 01:24:19,619

and go on a regular basis.

:

01:24:19,639 --> 01:24:25,059

So I have most dogs in every six

weeks, some every four weeks, but

:

01:24:25,068 --> 01:24:29,159

I don't let them go any longer than

eight weeks, especially if you've

:

01:24:29,159 --> 01:24:32,229

got a cockapoo, preferably six weeks.

:

01:24:32,239 --> 01:24:34,789

So most of my dogs are

on a six week cycle.

:

01:24:35,267 --> 01:24:36,597

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yeah, am I a toy poodle or something?

:

01:24:37,419 --> 01:24:41,549

Sue: Yeah, I won't take a dog on that

only comes in two or three times a year.

:

01:24:42,047 --> 01:24:42,497

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Nah.

:

01:24:42,529 --> 01:24:43,898

Sue: it's not fair on the dog.

:

01:24:44,487 --> 01:24:44,916

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:24:45,159 --> 01:24:46,129

Sue: can't do anything with the dog.

:

01:24:46,849 --> 01:24:47,969

Two or three times a year,

:

01:24:48,577 --> 01:24:48,657

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: No.

:

01:24:48,657 --> 01:24:49,684

That's

:

01:24:49,759 --> 01:24:53,986

Sue: it's, you know, if I'm doing

desensitization or counter conditioner.

:

01:24:53,986 --> 01:24:55,780

I can't work with that.

:

01:24:55,780 --> 01:24:57,933

Oh, there's lots of lights above.

:

01:24:57,933 --> 01:25:01,880

We did write one down though,

so I'm actually going to

:

01:25:01,880 --> 01:25:04,032

go back and write one down.

:

01:25:11,916 --> 01:25:12,227

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: okay.

:

01:25:13,416 --> 01:25:13,537

No.

:

01:25:14,677 --> 01:25:15,107

okay.

:

01:25:19,318 --> 01:25:24,439

Sue: Oh yeah, there is a bit of a, and

it applies to dog training as well, just

:

01:25:24,439 --> 01:25:26,179

because we can doesn't mean we should.

:

01:25:27,099 --> 01:25:32,289

So yeah, we can groom a dog, we

can put lots of safety aids on.

:

01:25:32,309 --> 01:25:34,139

I'm careful not to use restraints though.

:

01:25:34,519 --> 01:25:37,179

We can use multiple safety restraints.

:

01:25:37,999 --> 01:25:38,779

We can use a muzzle.

:

01:25:38,779 --> 01:25:42,019

We can have somebody hold the

dog and force them to be groomed.

:

01:25:42,349 --> 01:25:44,389

But just because we can

doesn't mean we should.

:

01:25:45,112 --> 01:25:46,512

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Yeah, brilliant.

:

01:25:47,272 --> 01:25:52,041

So thank you so much for

joining me on the yappy hour

:

01:25:52,169 --> 01:25:54,659

Sue: Yeah, I think it's a bit

longer than an hour today.

:

01:25:55,332 --> 01:25:57,572

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: I

don't care and I really don't mind.

:

01:25:57,572 --> 01:26:01,041

I kind of there is, I knew it would

be and there was just so much we

:

01:26:01,312 --> 01:26:04,092

I wanted to cover and I definitely

want to get you back on in the

:

01:26:04,092 --> 01:26:05,782

future because I feel we've only just

:

01:26:06,299 --> 01:26:07,148

Sue: Oh, that would be amazing.

:

01:26:07,422 --> 01:26:07,492

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: surface.

:

01:26:08,152 --> 01:26:10,622

But where can our listeners find out more?

:

01:26:11,007 --> 01:26:12,027

More about you.

:

01:26:12,027 --> 01:26:14,747

If they want to learn about

you or book a session.

:

01:26:15,799 --> 01:26:21,489

Sue: Okay, so my, my business is

called Happy Pauses with Sue, but

:

01:26:21,489 --> 01:26:24,818

most people now know me as taking

the Girl outta Grooming dog.

:

01:26:25,379 --> 01:26:32,169

So I have got a website, which is

www happy pauses with sue.co.uk.

:

01:26:32,859 --> 01:26:34,509

But most people come through.

:

01:26:35,094 --> 01:26:39,844

find me through my Facebook page, which

is taking the girl out of grooming dog.

:

01:26:40,567 --> 01:26:41,067

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:26:41,414 --> 01:26:44,704

Sue: So yeah, if you join that

Facebook group, anybody can join.

:

01:26:44,704 --> 01:26:48,044

It doesn't matter whether you're

a trainer, a groomer, a guardian,

:

01:26:49,014 --> 01:26:52,354

physiotherapist, anybody can join

my group as long as they ask,

:

01:26:52,454 --> 01:26:54,264

answer the joining questions.

:

01:26:54,557 --> 01:26:54,977

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:26:55,284 --> 01:26:59,884

Sue: and it really is I'm really proud

of the group because it is all force free

:

01:27:00,367 --> 01:27:00,627

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yes.

:

01:27:01,114 --> 01:27:02,294

Sue: occasionally.

:

01:27:02,579 --> 01:27:06,789

will get people recommending a muzzle

and that's taken off straight away.

:

01:27:07,327 --> 01:27:07,767

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Yeah.

:

01:27:07,779 --> 01:27:11,209

Sue: And it's not that we're not, it's

not that we're against muzzles, it's

:

01:27:11,239 --> 01:27:15,179

just that if you are going to use a

muzzle, there needs to be muzzle trained.

:

01:27:15,657 --> 01:27:16,477

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Absolutely.

:

01:27:16,869 --> 01:27:26,529

Sue: So yeah, so my home, say my, my own

website is happy paws with Sue, but most

:

01:27:26,529 --> 01:27:31,039

people get to know me now through taking

the girl out of grooming dogs on Facebook.

:

01:27:31,272 --> 01:27:31,627

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: are

:

01:27:31,719 --> 01:27:32,309

Sue: And of course,

:

01:27:32,747 --> 01:27:32,847

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: in?

:

01:27:33,349 --> 01:27:34,179

Sue: I'm in Leicester.

:

01:27:34,666 --> 01:27:35,187

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Leicester.

:

01:27:35,187 --> 01:27:35,467

Yeah.

:

01:27:35,934 --> 01:27:36,304

Sue: yeah.

:

01:27:36,347 --> 01:27:36,697

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Brilliant.

:

01:27:36,754 --> 01:27:40,134

Sue: I have got the three books as well

if people, but again they can learn

:

01:27:40,144 --> 01:27:45,764

about that through my Facebook page and

at the beginning of March, I'm going to

:

01:27:45,773 --> 01:27:48,364

be launching a new education program,

:

01:27:49,097 --> 01:27:49,687

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh.

:

01:27:50,094 --> 01:27:54,344

Sue: which is going to include stuff

like body language how the brain works.

:

01:27:55,994 --> 01:28:01,344

Aimed at groomers, but I've already

got guardians interested as well, and

:

01:28:01,344 --> 01:28:06,684

there's going to be, there's going to be

loads of information on there about, you

:

01:28:06,684 --> 01:28:11,324

know, a bit about dog behaviour to set

the scene and so people understand why.

:

01:28:12,119 --> 01:28:14,919

Because I think grooming is

important, but then there's going

:

01:28:14,919 --> 01:28:19,909

to be information about talent and

t touch animal sense of education.

:

01:28:20,818 --> 01:28:24,609

I'm going to do a boast now because I

was the first groomer in the world to

:

01:28:24,609 --> 01:28:26,499

use free work in the grooming salon.

:

01:28:27,047 --> 01:28:28,197

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

You boast away.

:

01:28:28,267 --> 01:28:29,237

I love that.

:

01:28:29,299 --> 01:28:32,359

Sue: Yeah, I was the first groomer

in the world to use it because I'm

:

01:28:32,359 --> 01:28:34,939

one of Sarah's advanced hooters.

:

01:28:35,927 --> 01:28:37,057

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Oh, okay.

:

01:28:37,654 --> 01:28:40,523

Sue: So yeah, I was, I was

at the farm when she first

:

01:28:40,604 --> 01:28:42,894

introduced ACE free work to us.

:

01:28:43,523 --> 01:28:45,034

I forgot what I was going to say now.

:

01:28:46,232 --> 01:28:48,242

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: Oh,

just about your education programs

:

01:28:48,484 --> 01:28:50,054

Sue: Yeah, so it's going to include,

:

01:28:50,062 --> 01:28:50,332

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

amazing that,

:

01:28:50,443 --> 01:28:52,624

Sue: it'll have free

work on there as well.

:

01:28:53,054 --> 01:28:56,914

But I've put together a really

long list of quick hacks.

:

01:28:57,004 --> 01:29:02,804

So quick training things, there is a

complete section on different training

:

01:29:02,804 --> 01:29:06,644

techniques, positive based training

techniques, but then there's going

:

01:29:06,644 --> 01:29:11,193

to be a module on really quick hacks

that you can use to make grooming

:

01:29:11,244 --> 01:29:13,334

easier in the salon or at home.

:

01:29:14,044 --> 01:29:17,724

So really it's a lot of it is

what I've learned over the years

:

01:29:19,464 --> 01:29:21,273

and then adapted to grooming.

:

01:29:22,324 --> 01:29:25,254

So hopefully that's been

really successful as well.

:

01:29:25,254 --> 01:29:33,784

Yeah.

:

01:29:34,037 --> 01:29:36,210

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

you so much for joining me today on

:

01:29:36,443 --> 01:29:36,884

Sue: You're welcome.

:

01:29:37,287 --> 01:29:39,567

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour:

Hour, powered by Yappily.

:

01:29:39,887 --> 01:29:42,797

Absolutely amazing and I've

loved chatting to you and

:

01:29:43,137 --> 01:29:44,547

getting all your words of wisdom.

:

01:29:44,547 --> 01:29:46,497

We will definitely have

you back in the future.

:

01:29:46,554 --> 01:29:47,464

Sue: Oh, thank you.

:

01:29:48,157 --> 01:29:51,427

Nathan Dunleavy - The Yappy Hour: but like

I say, thank you for joining me and I look

:

01:29:51,427 --> 01:29:52,737

forward to speaking to you again soon.

:

01:29:53,693 --> 01:29:54,374

Sue: Lovely, thank you.

:

01:29:59,295 --> 01:30:03,835

Right, let's do a quick recap

of today's episode with Sue

:

01:30:03,835 --> 01:30:07,045

Williamson, because we covered a lot.

:

01:30:08,265 --> 01:30:13,035

Consent based grooming isn't just about

looks, it's about making the experience

:

01:30:13,045 --> 01:30:15,985

stress free and enjoyable for the dog.

:

01:30:16,705 --> 01:30:19,745

Grooming is an essential

part of a dog's well being.

:

01:30:20,065 --> 01:30:21,915

Neglecting it can lead to discomfort.

:

01:30:23,010 --> 01:30:25,040

matting and even health issues.

:

01:30:25,610 --> 01:30:30,030

Anxious or sensitive dogs can learn

to enjoy grooming with the right

:

01:30:30,030 --> 01:30:33,370

approach, patience and desensitization.

:

01:30:34,020 --> 01:30:37,330

Brushing a, brushing at home is crucial.

:

01:30:37,570 --> 01:30:40,840

Waiting until your dog is a

matted mess before seeing the

:

01:30:40,840 --> 01:30:42,910

groomer isn't fair to them.

:

01:30:43,184 --> 01:30:44,165

or your groomer.

:

01:30:45,065 --> 01:30:50,205

Pet parents play a huge role in

making grooming a positive experience.

:

01:30:50,495 --> 01:30:54,915

Simple things like rewarding calm

behaviour and getting dogs used to

:

01:30:54,915 --> 01:30:57,545

handling can make a big difference.

:

01:30:58,025 --> 01:31:01,535

Huge thanks to Sue for sharing

her wisdom with us today.

:

01:31:01,925 --> 01:31:06,350

If you found this episode helpful,

don't Don't forget to hit that subscribe

:

01:31:06,350 --> 01:31:11,070

button, share it with your fellow

dog parents and leave us a review.

:

01:31:11,380 --> 01:31:15,600

It really helps us to reach more

people who want to give their

:

01:31:15,600 --> 01:31:17,680

dogs the best life possible.

:

01:31:18,150 --> 01:31:22,770

You can also find Sue and her

work at Happy Paws with Sue.

:

01:31:23,650 --> 01:31:24,940

That's it for today's video.

:

01:31:25,330 --> 01:31:27,650

Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily.

:

01:31:28,030 --> 01:31:33,580

Until next time, keep your pups

healthy, happy and well groomed.

:

01:31:34,160 --> 01:31:35,480

I'll see you next time.

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