Reviews

“It’s clear, comprehensive, and it’s going to help a lot of dogs and their caretakers”.

I highly recommend this book. The simplicity in which the author conveys her recommendations, along with many tips and insights, makes them easy to put into practise. With a clearer understanding of things from our dogs perspective we’re guided in ways to adapt our approach so as to build trust and deepen the bond we have with our dogs – sometimes it just needs a change in our mindset to start to improve the grooming experience.

Within a few days following this advice I have seen a huge difference in the way my nervous JR reacts to her feet being touched, simply by using Sue Williamson’s desensitisation methods – my JR now willingly puts her front paws in my hand (her choice) and will let me stroke them with the nail clippers. It takes patience and practise but I’m confident we’re finally on our way to happier, less stressful nail trimming sessions.. The authors gentle manner is quite infectious and will convince all who read this book that there is a better, more enjoyable way, than “just getting the job done”. Trust and respect forms the basis of her teachings.

Jack has found grooming very difficult in the past so we’ve come to Sue who is happy to work as slowly as Jack needs. We are making progress. Because of Jack’s issues we are having to go at a snail’s pace but Sue has been so patient with both myself and Jack and he’s starting to learn to trust her, which is very exciting for me to see.

Sue has groomed both of my dogs and done a wonderful job, not only do they look beautiful but they aren’t stressed out afterwards. I believe Sue cares about the dogs and has their best interest at heart, this is why I will keep using Happy Paws.

Filbert was terrified of the hair drier and would not let us brush him. His first visit was this evening and Sue managed to brush Filbert and by the end of the session, he was close to the drier and pretty settled which is huge in comparison to where he started. Sue also was extremely patient, we had to cancel two appointments as Filbert had injured his leg and not once was this an issue despite quite last minute cancellations. I cannot wait for Filbert to go back again! He looked so handsome with his bandana when finished.