Poodle Barber

Sonny is a work in progress. After being turned away by three groomers for being “mouthy,” it became clear that he was simply a very sensitive dog who found grooming overwhelming.

We slowed things down, let him relax and play with my dogs before grooming, and used positive reinforcement and gradual desensitization to build trust. His face, tail, paws, and even the dryer were difficult at first, but he has made wonderful progress.

His paws are still our biggest challenge and currently require medication, but the rest of his groom can now be done without a muzzle, growling, or teeth showing.

With patience and training at his own pace, Sonny is learning that grooming is safe.