Video – Force-Free Grooming Tips

A few minutes of practice can set your dog up for stress-free visits to the groomer. Learn force-free games you can play at home to get your dog comfortable with brushing, nail clipping, and more. Thanks to E. Foley, Jadzia the cocker spaniel, and Jackie of GroomingMyDog.com for this video.

Groomers

The following groomers have been recommended by trainers, volunteers, or students. They have all been described as gentle and patient with the dogs they groom.

Maryland – Beltway and Surrounding Areas

Muddy Branch Veterinary Clinic

Monica Adams
Gaithersburg, MD
www.mbvets.com
[email protected]
301-963-0275

The groomer takes as much time as needed to make the visit stress-free.

Kenhaven Animal Hospital

Susan Chapdelaine
Rockville, MD
www.kenhaven.vetstreet.com
[email protected]
301-881-6212

Pampered Poodles

Carrie Seek
Silver Spring, MD
www.pamperedpoodlesbycarrie.com
301-593-9177

All-breed grooming

Peaceful Dog

Kirsten Stade
Silver Spring, MD
www.peacefuldog.blogspot.com
[email protected]
240-988-4207

Specializes in working with shy and fearful dogs, using massage and treats to make grooming as stress-free as possible.  In-your-home services available for additional cost.  Available to speak to dog training classes, obedience clubs, or any group of dog lovers about making their pets more comfortable with grooming and about simple, holistic DIY grooming techniques.

Maryland – Frederick and Surrounding Areas

Temple of Groom at Paws in the City

Frederick, MD
301-514-6078

Work by appointments to avoid crating dogs.  Spa has separate grooming areas to allow multiple dogs to be groomed at the same time; serene, calming environment where your dog receives exclusive attention.  Groomers highly attuned to dogs’ reactions to the environment.

Maryland – Prince Georges County

Paws of Enchantment

Cassandra Kraham
Mt. Rainier, MD
www.pawsofenchantment.com
[email protected]
301-209-0411

Holistic spa utilizing aromatherapy, hypo-allergenic shampoos, and basic massage techniques. Offer basic grooming and upgraded “spa” options as well as crystal and reiki sessions.  Willing to network with trainers/behaviorists for dogs who are fearful or reactive.

Washington, DC

Bonnie’s Dog and Cat Grooming

Bonnie Peregoy
Washington, DC  20003
www.bonniesdogandcatgrooming.com
[email protected]
202-548-0044

Cageless option for fearful or elderly dogs.  Will not work on sedated dogs.

Northern Virginia

Belly Rubs Pet Care

Ashburn, VA   20147
www.bellyrubspetcare.com
[email protected]
571-295-5516, ext. 1

In-shop grooming, self-service dog wash, and mobile pet spa.  Mobile grooming available in parts of Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.  Salon open 7 days a week.  Salon and mobile grooming services by appointment only.  Multiple dogs may be groomed at the same time in the same area.

Pampered Pets

Sabina Poinelli
Springfield, VA
http://www.pamperedpetsva.com
[email protected]
703-822-4495

Works by appt only; no drop-offs.  Specializes in working with fearful dogs.  Cage-free grooming. In-your-home grooming and transport services available at additional cost.  Also offers pet-sitting services in cage-free environment with supervised care.  Specializes in boarding senior and fearful dogs.

Pooch Pawlor at Potomac Valley Vet Hospital

Selena Hill
Fairfax, VA
703-425-7387

Grooming services are offered at veterinary clinic, so dogs are crated when not being groomed.