A dog groomer says canines should be asked for consent before treatments are carried out - as the experience should be "positive" and it's important pets are "comfortable". Stephanie Zikmann's comments come after a dog owner was criticised over a grooming advert posted online.
The advert stated that any applicants must be willing to wait for and then maintain consent while treating their pet. But Stephanie, 30, said: "Consent is not ridiculous. We have got to consider the emotional needs of a dog. We have a duty of care.
"I’ve seen a lot of grooming where dogs are treated as objects to be styled. It’s like a cattle market."
Stephanie, a mum-of-three, describes herself as a holistic dog groomer. Her methods including inviting prospective clients and their dogs in for a 15-minute ‘meet and treat’ before being given a bespoke grooming plan.
She set up her business after struggling to find groomers to style her Tibetan Mastiff's Louise and Nala and miniature poodle, Lola.
Stephanie said: "I get new dogs to come in and explore and pick up what they want from textures and treats.
"It shows me that a dog might not like carpet or metal so I can devise a bespoke care plan. Many then have two to three sessions to get them to adapt and feel comfortable. Some dogs are more resilient than others.
"Grooming should be enjoyable for the dog. I look at the confidence level of the dog.
"Lots of them come into an unfamiliar environment so we want them to be comfortable. If they are not this is often when they might try to bite or escape a groomer."
Stephanie, from East Ayrshire in Scotland, charges £60 an hour and also offers clients a grooming masterclass so they can care for their dogs at home. She added: "Each dog is individual. If you have co-operation and consent the groom shouldn’t take longer than an hour.
"But you have to open-minded to a dog's needs. Some may be comfortable if you do 30 minute sessions at a time.
"We’re all dog lovers but lots of groomers might not know any better. We want to make the experience positive for everyone – including the dog."
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