Page 13 - Summer 2022 Newsletter

WITH AUNTY LISA

We move dogs from needing to be ‘But they are fine at the groomer’ I hear
anaesthetised to be groomed, to them a lot of clients say – the reality is if your
choosing happily to be clipped and dog isn’t comfortable and happy to be
scissored and brushed – no restraints, no groomed by you, their most trusted

panting, no stress, no coercion, just person, they are not likely to be ok at the
comfortable co-operation. It may not groomers – and compliance reigns. I see
always be their most favourite thing, but it every day.
they are in control at every stage, we
make it super lovely and so they are So if you want to make a huge difference
willing participants. A win for everyone – to your beddie’s happiness, to their
quick and easy for us and quick, easy and wellbeing and confidence and comfort

comfortable for them. and trust and joy, take a step back and
really look at how they feel about touch
There are two key things we do: – in all the contexts it happens, but
We use ACE Free Work to help with especially grooming as we know how
relaxation, confidence, sensory truly difficult it can be.
processing and building trust and
engagement. And we use the Bucket Use ACE Free Work, teach the bucket
Game to teach co-operative game, give your beddie real choice and

participation. support, teach your groomer to do this
too - and if they don’t think they need
We’ll pop some posts out about both of to, change your groomer – yep, it’s that
these in future Newsletters, but you can simple, there are now lots of groomers
go and look online for information too. who ONLY work like this, they are the
ones you need to use!
The bucket game (originally developed
by Chirag Patel) is essentially a way of

your beddie being able to say – I’m ready Your beddie will love you all the more for
for you to start, hang on I need a break making this one big change in their lives
and I don’t like that, please stop. And – and given how easy it is to do, why
giving them that control is lifechanging. wouldn’t you?
It's the difference between going to the
dentist or hairdresser or doctor and Aunty Lisa x
being tugged, poked and prodded as

soon as you go through the door without
any ability to give feedback or stop what
happens and being able to get comfy
first, explain what feels ok and what is
uncomfortable and just say stop at any
time. Same outcome – healthcheck/
clean teeth or hair – two totally different
experiences.

info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk
www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk