For dogs other groomers refuse
Reset your dog’s relationship with grooming, without force or fear.
The Wag-Wagatha Way: Grooming Reset is a specialised programme for dogs with deep-rooted grooming aversions – the ones who can’t be safely handled in a typical salon. We rebuild trust step-by-step so your dog can be groomed calmly, confidently, and without trauma.
Perfect for guardians who are done with muzzles, wrestling, and “he just needs to get used to it” advice.
Grooming Reset at a glance
Designed for dogs other groomers label “too hard” or “unsafe”
Science-based desensitisation & cooperative care methods
One guardian-led plan you can continue at home and with future groomers
Is The Grooming Reset right for you?
For the dogs who shake, snap, and shut down at the sight of a brush.
The Wag-Wagatha Way Grooming Reset is a fit when your dog’s behaviour is more than “a bit wiggly.” It’s designed for guardians who want to prioritise emotional safety while changing their dog's negative association with grooming. This is a skill for life, not a quick fix.
Dogs this helps
Dogs who have been refused by 1+ groomers
Dogs who growl, snap, bite, or panic on the table
Rescue dogs with unknown or traumatic grooming history
Dogs who have sedated vet clip-offs
Guardians who feel sick with worry before every grooming appointment
What makes it different
Slow, consent-based grooming – your dog has a say
Training and grooming combined, not rushed “get it done” visits
You’re coached to use techniques for home grooming
We plan for medical and handling needs, not around them
It's not for you if...
You want a quick shave-down, regardless of how your dog feels
You’re looking for the cheapest, fastest groom
You’re unwilling to make any changes at home between sessions
You expect a full groom in one visit with a highly reactive dog
How Grooming Reset works
A structured reset to rebuild safety, trust, and grooming skills.
We blend behavioural science, cooperative care, and low-stress handling with real-world grooming tasks. Here’s what the process looks like:
1
Deep-dive history & behaviour consult
We start online with a 45 minute consultation to understand your dog's history, triggers, health, and goals.
Review past grooming experiences and what went wrong
Identify medical or pain red flags to address first
Set realistic goals and an achievable path for the reset
2
Reset sessions & cooperative care training
In-person or hybrid sessions, where we pair real grooming tasks with behavioural work at your dog’s pace.
Teach your dog to opt-in and opt-out of handling
Break grooming into tiny steps your dog can handle
Coach you on exactly what to practice between visits
3
Maintenance & continuation plan
You’ll leave with a clear plan to continue your dog’s progress — whether that’s with me or your usual groomer — ensuring everything we’ve worked on carries forward.
Written grooming plan your future groomers can follow
Home-care routine to keep progress going between visits
Video recap for you to revisit any time
What guardians are saying
“When our previous groomer said she can no longer groom my reactive dog I was devastated and didn’t know what to do.”
Her setup is clearly designed to help those dogs that need more work with the grooming process. She is great at reading dogs' body language, making them feel comfortable and earning their trust, which has made such a difference already, and it’s only very early days. Honestly can’t recommend her enough.
– Rebecca & Bonnie
Vanessa has been amazing with Finn, he has improved so much with her. Mostly due to her patience and understanding his body language and not pushing him. Week one we couldn't even get a hand on him, now he goes straight in for cuddles. I'm so pleased with how far he has come.
– Maria & Finn
Vanessa has made incredible progress with our nervous rescue within just a couple of visits. Vanessa is highly experienced and is working wonders - we wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend!
– Jane & Bonni
Every dog is different, but the pattern is the same: when we slow down, listen, and rebuild trust, safer grooming becomes possible.
Grooming Reset Option
Choose the right reset level for your dog.
Not sure which reset to choose? Start with a reset consult call, and I can advise you. The cost of the consult
will be deducted from your monthly payments.
No pressure, no judgment. Just a clear, kind path forward for you and your dog..
Before you book
What to expect from your dog’s Grooming Reset.
Your dog’s emotional state is the priority. If they say “I can’t” today, we listen.
We may not achieve a picture-perfect groom. Progress is measured in comfort, not coat length.
You’ll be asked to practice short, specific exercises at home between visits.
If we suspect pain or medical issues, we may pause grooming and refer you back to your vet.
You’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how to replicate it later.
We’ll talk honestly about what’s realistic for your dog’s body, coat type, and stress levels. Sometimes that looks like a modified haircut, a vet-paired sedation plan, or a new routine that avoids their biggest triggers.
There is no such thing as a “bad dog” in this process. There are only dogs who haven’t been heard yet.
Questions, answered
Grooming Reset FAQ
Will my dog get a full groom during a reset package?
Not straight away — and that’s by design.
The Wag-Wagatha Way Grooming Reset focuses on understanding and resolving the why behind your dog’s grooming struggles, rather than pushing through a full groom before they’re ready.
We take a step-by-step approach, building calm, positive experiences so your dog can learn to feel safe and cooperative.
As confidence grows, we gradually work toward more complete grooming— creating lasting change, not short-term results.
What if my dog has bitten a groomer or vet before?
This is more common than you might think — and it’s something we approach with understanding, not judgement.
Biting is often a sign that a dog feels overwhelmed, frightened, or unable to cope in that moment. The Wag-Wagatha Way Grooming Reset is specifically designed to support dogs who have reached this point.
We take a careful, behaviour-led approach to reduce stress, rebuild trust, and teach your dog safer ways to cope with grooming and handling. Safety is always the priority — for your dog, for you, and for anyone involved in their care.
Every plan is tailored to your dog’s history and needs, and we work at a pace that prevents them from feeling pushed beyond their limits.
Do I need to be present for the sessions?
Yes—you're a key part of the process.
The Wag-Wagatha Way isn’t just about what happens during sessions but about understanding your dog and learning how to support them long-term.
By being present, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to continue the work at home, which is where the real progress happens.
How long before I see progress?
Every dog’s story is different, but positive changes often begin to emerge within the first few sessions.
With The Wag-Wagatha Way, we look for the small but important clues: reduced tension, quicker recovery, and growing confidence.
From there, we build steadily towards bigger changes, creating progress that lasts rather than rushing results.
Do you work virtually or only in person?
Most sessions are carried out in person, where we can work directly with your dog and respond to what we see in real time.
However, support doesn’t stop there — you’ll also have access to guidance between sessions to help you stay on track.
If you’re further afield, feel free to reach out and we can explore suitable options.
We offer online-only behaviour consultations worldwide and hybrid programmes in select local areas. Even for in-person programmes, some sessions may be conducted virtually to review video and coach your home practice.
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