I have been lucky enough at Stylish Fido here in Steyning to have quite a few new puppies in for their first groom.
Thought it might be interesting to share how I approach their first experiences in a salon.
Dogs use all their senses to understand and learn about their new world they are experiencing for the first time, so I work with them at all times.
When they sit/stand on the table (which is very similar to a vet’s table, so they are often ok with this kind of experience), I try and treat them with their favourite treat brought with them, or little pieces of cheese (often a big hit), I show them first the brush I might be using on them, and its very important for them to be able to sniff the brush/comb/clippers. Puppies don’t like equipment being used on them they haven’t seen or sniffed. Once they are sure it can’t (or shouldn’t) be eaten, I can start to brush out the dog.
If I am clipping the dog for the first time I always let them sniff and feel the clippers not switched on, then switched on, but sitting on the table. The vibrations of the clippers is probably nothing like they have felt before. I also use the clippers like a brush and move it (turned off) along the back of the dog and down the legs. I have had very few dogs that have not allowed me to clip them first time after first preparing them in this way.
During the groom, I make sure there are lots of treats.
During the groom, I make sure there are lots of words of praise.
During the groom, I make sure there are lots of cuddles (if required), if the puppy needs assurance, then I will stop the groom and give them some time and space to assess the experience. Sometimes just stopping for one minute, having a cuddle or a play in the garden can help them understand that a groom isn’t a traumatic experience and it will stop!
If the puppy is having problems coping with one aspect of the groom (say brushing out the legs), I just change and come back later to that area, lots of little changes can really make the difference.
The main objective I aim for is to stop when I am ahead and not seek utter perfection on a puppy’s first groom. if this means the ears are left natural, but the puppy has been 100% happy and not bored for 1.5 hours then I will stop. Puppies can’t concentrate for too long, and I would rather do most of a groom and have a happy puppy than a perfect looking one, but one that is in need of a break and upset and won’t come back through the door next time it is due for a wash.
I must say, all my puppies/young dogs are keen to come to the salon for a biscuit/cuddle and groom. I think this says it all !
hope you enjoyed the little insight into what I do here. hope to see more puppies soon, I love their cuddles!
Caroline
TTouch Workshop May 2016
/in Stress, Training, TTouch, Workshops /by fidostyleI will be holding an Introduction to Tellington TTouch on Saturday 21st May 2016.
Venue: Cowshed Studio, Steyning Hosted by Caroline Still P1 Practitioner
Changing behaviour through posture – Learning skills to help calm, relax, and give confidence to your dog or cat”
Suitable for calming excitable dogs, teaching puppies manners, dogs that pull on the lead, dogs with fearful tendencies, calming dogs reactive to noise (eg fireworks) and much much more…
I will be teaching you about this holistic, respectful way of learning, training, behaviour and communication with your animal, the day will consist of individual and group sessions and slow outside groundwork exercises for your dog, nothing strenuous or difficult!. Available for all ages and abilities, puppies or older dogs. (no dog-to-dog aggressive animals please. Contact me for details on individual sessions.)
£50 per person with maximum of one dog per paying person. Spectators £40 welcome.
Price includes tea, coffee, biscuits, please bring your own lunch.
Places very limited due to small class size, please book now, a deposit will be required to hold your place.
All enquires and bookings through Caroline please on caroline@stylishfido.co.uk
or call 07940 080980
Labels and Intention
/in Uncategorized /by fidostyleAt one of my successful workshops this year (2014), we talked about ‘labels’ we use on our dogs e.g. my dog is ‘naughty‘ or she is ‘my poor rescue’. When we attach emotions and negative words to describe our animals we see them imperfect or having problems. They may not be the perfect beings we imagined or are striving for, but how about we call them ‘challenging and in-training’ or ‘my new best friend’ . When we think and talk of them negatively we put that emotion down the lead and reinforce feelings we don’t actually want to encourage. So give your loved companions a pat on the back, imagine them as you want them to be, and strive forward with perfect intentions and help your animal be the best they can be, they will follow your lead – literally!
Book onto a TTouch Workshop – Fireworks special
/in Fireworks, TTouch, Workshops /by fidostyleHelping your dog cope with Firework season. Workshop details:
Sunday 26th October 2014
12.00 – 17.00
Cowshed Studio, Steyning Hosted by Caroline Still P1 Practitioner
Changing behaviour through posture – Learning skills to help calm, relax, and give confidence to your dog or cat”
Suitable for calming excitable dogs, teaching puppies manners, dogs that pull on the lead, dogs with fearful tendencies, calming dogs reactive to noise (eg fireworks) and much much more…
I will be teaching you about this holistic, respectful way of learning, training, behaviour and communication with your animal, the day will consist of individual and group sessions and slow outside groundwork exercises for your dog, nothing strenuous or difficult!. Available for all ages and abilities, puppies or older dogs. (no dog-to-dog aggressive animals please. Contact me for details on individual sessions.)
£40 per person with maximum of one dog per paying person. Spectators £30 welcome.
Price includes tea, coffee, biscuits, please bring your own lunch.
Places very limited due to small class size, please book now, a deposit will be required to hold your place.
All enquires and bookings through Caroline please on caroline@stylishfido.co.uk
or call 07940 080980

Recent TTouch Workshop
/in TTouch, Workshops /by fidostyleThe last TTouch workshop details:
An Introduction to Tellington TTouch Workshop For Companion Animals (dogs/cats)
Saturday 20th September 2014 10.00 -16.00
Cowshed Studio, Steyning Hosted by Caroline Still P1 Practitioner
Changing behaviour through posture – Learning skills to help calm, relax, and give confidence to your dog or cat”
Suitable for calming excitable dogs, teaching puppies manners, dogs that pull on the lead, dogs with fearful tendencies, calming dogs reactive to noise (eg fireworks) and much much more…
I will be teaching you about this holistic, respectful way of learning, training, behaviour and communication with your animal, the day will consist of individual and group sessions and slow outside groundwork exercises for your dog, nothing strenuous or difficult!. Available for all ages and abilities, puppies or older dogs. (no dog-to-dog aggressive animals please. Contact me for details on individual sessions.)
£50 per person with maximum of one dog per paying person. Spectators £40 welcome.
Price includes tea, coffee, biscuits, please bring your own lunch.
Places very limited due to small class size, please book now, a deposit will be required to hold your place.
All enquires and bookings through Caroline please on caroline@stylishfido.co.uk
or call 07940 080980

15 min mini-TTouch session
/in TTouch /by fidostyleLast week I was asked to help a friend stop his dog pulling on the lead. I walked down to his house with kit bag in tow and was met with a fabulous gentlemen and his very excited, but well mannered springer spaniel.
I showed this gentlemen a very simple way of holding a long lead from his original collar, around the dog’s chest, back up to the handler.
All tension was taken off the collar and the only points of contact were on the dog’s chest.
Instantly the dog did not pull away, but calmly walked alongside his owner for the first time on a lead ever. This is not magic, but just working with the knowledge that dogs can’t pull if there is nothing to pull against, and offering a different way to be in balance.
A TTouch session would normally have been an hour, but in just 15 mins, showing one simple exercise, the gentleman had a dog that could be walked, taking more interest and focus on him, and not dragging him across busy roads and the fields.
Hurrah for TTouch
Contact me if you would like to be shown the mighty balance leash. its not a miracle, its not expensive, and it works. What could be better. ?!
Caroline
A puppy’s first grooming experience
/in Brushing Your Dog, Grooming, Puppies, Training /by fidostyleI have been lucky enough at Stylish Fido here in Steyning to have quite a few new puppies in for their first groom.
Thought it might be interesting to share how I approach their first experiences in a salon.
Dogs use all their senses to understand and learn about their new world they are experiencing for the first time, so I work with them at all times.
When they sit/stand on the table (which is very similar to a vet’s table, so they are often ok with this kind of experience), I try and treat them with their favourite treat brought with them, or little pieces of cheese (often a big hit), I show them first the brush I might be using on them, and its very important for them to be able to sniff the brush/comb/clippers. Puppies don’t like equipment being used on them they haven’t seen or sniffed. Once they are sure it can’t (or shouldn’t) be eaten, I can start to brush out the dog.
If I am clipping the dog for the first time I always let them sniff and feel the clippers not switched on, then switched on, but sitting on the table. The vibrations of the clippers is probably nothing like they have felt before. I also use the clippers like a brush and move it (turned off) along the back of the dog and down the legs. I have had very few dogs that have not allowed me to clip them first time after first preparing them in this way.
During the groom, I make sure there are lots of treats.
During the groom, I make sure there are lots of words of praise.
During the groom, I make sure there are lots of cuddles (if required), if the puppy needs assurance, then I will stop the groom and give them some time and space to assess the experience. Sometimes just stopping for one minute, having a cuddle or a play in the garden can help them understand that a groom isn’t a traumatic experience and it will stop!
If the puppy is having problems coping with one aspect of the groom (say brushing out the legs), I just change and come back later to that area, lots of little changes can really make the difference.
The main objective I aim for is to stop when I am ahead and not seek utter perfection on a puppy’s first groom. if this means the ears are left natural, but the puppy has been 100% happy and not bored for 1.5 hours then I will stop. Puppies can’t concentrate for too long, and I would rather do most of a groom and have a happy puppy than a perfect looking one, but one that is in need of a break and upset and won’t come back through the door next time it is due for a wash.
I must say, all my puppies/young dogs are keen to come to the salon for a biscuit/cuddle and groom. I think this says it all !
hope you enjoyed the little insight into what I do here. hope to see more puppies soon, I love their cuddles!
Caroline
Avoiding dog disputes/good manners
/in Training /by fidostyleWelcome to my July blog about this unique, holistic and positive method of working and bonding with your animal friends.
My name is Caroline Still and I am a local dog groomer and TTouch Practitioner for companion animals here in Steyning.
Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones over 30 yeas ago, TTouch uses simple body movements (Ttouches) to improve circulation, behaviour and co-ordination. These touches help to reduce tension, promoting an overall sense of wellbeing and calm.
T-Touch influences the nervous system with highly effective techniques that not just owners, but care-givers such as vet nurses, groomers and dog walkers can learn and use on a daily basis. T-Touch is non-invasive, and can be used alongside other car
This month: Avoiding dog disputes
Teaching a dog early on that he can’t visit with every dog he meets is one good way owners can prevent lead aggression and teach good dog manners. Teach the dog not to pull on the lead, and to sit and wait for permission before greeting another dog. Basic obedience training and behaviour modification with positive reinforcement can help prevent fights and disputes. Allow your dog 3 seconds to say hello then encourage his focus back to you and move on. Many dogs need their space for various reasons, and being polite with greetings will teach excellent manners and help keep the peace.
To show your animals there is a different, more positive way to be, will be the first stage in a miraculous journey for you both.
Observation
/in TTouch /by fidostyleTTouch, changing behaviour through posture
Introduction to Tellington-Touch
Welcome to my third blog about this unique, holistic and positive method of working and bonding with your animal friends.
My name is Caroline Still and I am a local dog groomer and TTouch Practitioner for companion animals.
Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones over 30 yeas ago, TTouch uses simple body movements (Ttouches) to improve circulation, general health and co-ordination. These touches help to reduce tension, promoting an overall sense of wellbeing and calm.
TTouch influences the nervous system with highly effective techniques that not just owners, but care-givers such as vet nurses, groomers and dog walkers can learn and use on a daily basis. T-Touch is non-invasive, and can be used alongside other care.
This month: Observation
Its amazing what we see when we actually look. We can learn a lot about our pet’s health and well-being by being observant. Take some time to really look at your animal, how does it sit, sleep, walk and run? how does its coat sit? does it have any interesting patterns or whirls? A very clear indication of changing in your pet’s condition can be coat change, simple changes in texture, growth direction and or colour can indicate something going on underneath. Spend a few minutes this week looking with different eyes, and love your pets for the wonderful animals they are.
To show your animals there is a different, more positive way to be, will be the first stage in a miraculous journey for you both.
Fireworks season
/in Fireworks /by fidostyleTTouch, changing behaviour through posture
Introduction to Tellington-Touch
Welcome to my fourth blog about this unique, holistic and positive method of working and bonding with your animal friends.
My name is Caroline Still and I am a local dog groomer and T-Touch Practitioner for companion animals.
Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones over 30 yeas ago, TTouch uses simple body movements (Ttouches) to improve circulation, behaviour and co-ordination. These touches help to reduce tension, promoting an overall sense of wellbeing and calm.
TTouch influences the nervous system with highly effective techniques that not just owners, but care-givers such as vet nurses, groomers and dog walkers can learn and use on a daily basis. TTouch is non-invasive, and can be used alongside other care.
This month: Firework season
The noise of fireworks can be incredibly upsetting for some animals, and many owners fear firework season. Finding an area on your dog to calm and reassure can be beneficial, this is often around the chest area. Using slow circular strokes, with a very light touch might be enough to focus the animal, even just for a brief moment, so it can relax even if just for two seconds. Ear work – stroking the dog’s ear from base to top, slowly and lightly can be very beneficial. Using Thundershirts© and touch methods combined can produce positive results.
To show your animals there is a different, more positive way to be, will be the first stage in a miraculous journey for you both.
Pulling on the lead
/in Training /by fidostyleTTouch, changing behaviour through posture
Introduction to Tellington TTouch
Welcome to my second blog about this unique, holistic and positive method of working and bonding with your animal friends.
My name is Caroline Still and I am a local dog groomer and TTouch Practitioner for companion animals.
Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones over 30 yeas ago, TTouch uses simple body movements (Ttouches) to improve circulation, general health and co-ordination. These touches help to reduce tension, promoting an overall sense of wellbeing and calm.
TTouch influences the nervous system with highly effective techniques that not just owners, but care-givers such as vet nurses, groomers and dog walkers can learn and use on a daily basis. TTouch is non-invasive, and can be used alongside other care.
This month: Dogs pulling on the lead
A simple solution to a common problem can be to swap your flat collar for a harness and walk your dog with two points of contact. This stops the opposition reflex response that allows the dog to pull, it literally takes away the ability to pull. Alongside groundwork and Ttouches, dogs relax into walking calmly very quickly. No tricks, no gadgets, no pain to your animal, just changing your dog’s balance – and yours!
To show your animals there is a different, more positive way to be, will be the first stage in a miraculous journey for you both.