Specialty grooming
Grooming for reactive, anxious & special-needs dogs
Every dog deserves to be clean, comfortable and cared for, including the ones who find grooming scary. We specialize in exactly those dogs.
Does this sound like your dog?
- Other groomers have turned your dog away
- Your dog snaps, growls or panics during handling
- Nail trims are a battle at home or at the vet
- Your dog comes home from grooming shaking or shut down
- Your rescue has an unknown or difficult past
- Your senior or special-needs dog needs extra patience
You’re not alone, and your dog isn’t “bad”. Grooming means being handled, restrained, and exposed to noise and water. For a fearful dog that’s a lot. With the right approach, most dogs can learn to tolerate grooming, and many even come to enjoy it.
Meet Jesse, our reactive dog specialist
Jesse has 9 years of grooming experience, focused on reactive, aggressive and special-needs dogs. Jesse shares his home with a reactive dog too, so he knows how much it means to find people who truly understand your dog.
Read Jesse’s story →How we groom reactive dogs
- 1
Start with a consultation
New clients booking with Jesse start with a 30-minute consultation. We learn your dog's history, triggers and what has or hasn't worked before, and figure out the right plan and groomer.
- 2
Find the source of the fear
Reactivity usually comes from fear or discomfort. We take the time to understand what's behind it, so we can reduce the anxiety instead of just getting through the groom.
- 3
One groomer, one calm room
No assembly line and no being passed between people. Your dog works with one groomer at a pace that suits them, and breaks are always allowed.
- 4
Progress over perfection
Some dogs need a few shorter visits to build trust before a full haircut. We'll always tell you honestly what's realistic and what's best for your dog.
Groomers who specialize in nervous dogs
Common questions
- Do you groom aggressive dogs in Calgary?
- Yes. Our General Manager Jesse Toll specializes in reactive, aggressive and special-needs dogs, and Tae focuses on nervous and shy dogs. Every dog is assessed first so we can plan a safe, low-stress groom.
- Is there an extra charge for reactive dogs?
- Bookings with Jesse may include a behavioural surcharge, assessed case by case. Email us to ask about your dog.
Book your visit
Let's talk about your dog
Tell us about your dog's history and triggers. We'll recommend the right groomer and first step, whether that's a consultation, a short intro visit or a full groom.