FEAR-FREE CERTIFIED
the most advanced care protocols
TO AVOID FEAR, STRESS AND ANXIETY
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What is Fear-Free Grooming
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Grooming doesn’t need to be stressful for your pet. In fact, a trip to the groomer can be relaxing and even enjoyable. With positive training methods, compassion, and a little bit of patience, your pet can have a stress-free grooming experience for years to come!
Dogs love Fear-Free
We care about your pet’s emotional well-being. We also value your pet’s freedom of choice. This means we may need to stop a certain procedure if your pet is displaying too much stress. Your pet’s stress level will be closely monitored and scored. If your pet is experiencing high levels of stress, the appointment will need to be broken down into multiple visits to work through these fears, rather than overwhelm your pet. Your pet may need to be desensitized to equipment slowly. If your pet has a previous negative association with equipment or a procedure (such as a nail trim or a bath, for example) this will require a more gradual breakdown to reintroduce your pet to the item or procedure to develop a positive association.
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I had made the mistake of using an e-collar early on when suggested to me. This made things worse. Then, Zora broke her leg. This involved many trips to the vet. Her trust was vanishing. She never liked being touched, but this was making things worse. Laura gave so much good behavioral advise. First, she helped Zora to tolerate being touched. She slowly adjusted her to everything she would use to groom. She never did too much. If Zora was done, they were done. The dog that started to snap at me for rubbing her, now allows me to pet her. I can now walk Zora without her pulling to get away and chase a car. Laura also helped by arranging walks with other dogs. Both my dogs are starting to walk with other dogs without reacting. She would instruct us on exactly what to do. Laura is very kind and patient. I had someone visit my house and they said it was like I had a new dog.
Kathryn W.
HOLISTIC EUROPEAN APPROACH TO DOG CARE
the most humane care in the world
We oppose methods that cause pain and discomfort or rob dogs of their natural instincts.
We believe understanding how dogs view the world and communicate deepens and enhances our relationships with them. Our method moves away from the traditional approach to dog training in obedience and control, and instead takes a holistic, dog-centered approach. We draw on scientific research on how dogs evolve and spend their time, and make recommendations based on this research and the welfare of the dog.
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Dogs love to be Free
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We use humane and relevant training techniques, ensuring that each dog has appropriate choices and opportunities to act out normal dog behavior
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We never use or encourage physical or psychological punishment on dogs in any way and form.
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We base our recommendations on ethical and peer reviewed scientific research.
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We teach responsible training, care and welfare and encourage choices for dogs. Emotional and physical welfare must be paramount, and the needs of each dog must be taken into account at all times.
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We discourage the use of prongs, choke chains, slip leads, headcollars, spray collars, e-collars, retractable leashes, short leashes, confinement in cages, crates and any equipment that restricts normal movement, choice, causes pain, shock, fear or restricts breathing.
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We discourage repetitive and arduous games, activities, competitions and exercise (for example retrieve, fetch, being asked to sit repeatedly, traditional obedience, agility) that may cause physical and/or emotional stress, hyperactivity and obsessive behavior.
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We always take into account the age, health and individual preferences of the dog to decide on the appropriateness of activities.
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We only utilize positive reinforcement methodology and the latest scientifically based training protocols. We want your dog to love you, not fear you.
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We subscribe to the high standards of the Code of Ethics of the Europe Pet Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild, the largest Force-Free organization in the world.