Humanity over vanity
Humane dog grooming means caring for a dog’s coat, skin, nails, ears, and hygiene in a way that prioritizes the dog’s physical comfort, emotional well-being, and safety, not just appearance.
Low-stress handling: The groomer uses gentle techniques, avoids force, and works at the dog’s pace
Positive reinforcement: Treats, praise, and calm reassurance are used to build trust
Respect for fear or anxiety: Breaks are given, sessions may be shorter, and tools are adjusted if the dog is stressed
No painful shortcuts: Mats are carefully brushed out or humanely clipped—never ripped or yanked
Safe equipment: Properly maintained tools, appropriate restraints (or none at all), and non-toxic products
Health-first approach: Groomers watch for skin issues, infections, lumps, or injuries and alert the owner if something seems wrong
Reads canine body language
Stops if the dog becomes overwhelmed
May recommend multiple shorter visits instead of one long session
Never uses punishment, intimidation, or excessive restraint
Hand-drying instead of force dryers for noise-sensitive dogs
Nail trims done gradually to avoid cutting the quick
Allowing dogs to sit or lie down if standing is stressful
Working one-on-one rather than in a loud, crowded environment
Forcing a dog to “push through” extreme fear
Using muzzles or restraints as a default rather than a necessity
Ignoring signs of pain or distress
Rushing for speed over comfort
Humane grooming helps dogs:
Feel safer and less anxious
Build long-term trust with groomers
Stay healthier overall
Have more positive grooming experiences throughout their life