Fear Free Grooming

Fear Free Grooming — Certified & Compassionate

Grooming should never be stressful. As a Certified Fear Free Groomer and behavior specialist with over 20 years of experience, I create calm, positive experiences for every dog, recognizing early signs of stress and working at their pace. Using gentle handling, reward-based methods, and voluntary cooperation, I help dogs feel safe and confident during every visit. My home-based grooming studio provides a quiet, comfortable environment designed to reduce anxiety and build trust from the very first appointment.

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What Is Fear Free Grooming?

Fear Free Grooming is a science-based approach that prioritizes your dog’s emotional well-being. It includes:

• Gentle, cooperative handling

• Positive reinforcement

• Respect for your dog’s boundaries

• Slow, thoughtful introduction to tools and procedures

• Stress-reducing techniques tailored to each dog

Goal: A grooming experience your dog can feel good about.

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Why Choose A Canine Understanding?

I am not just a groomer — I am a behavior specialist with over 20 years of experience and a Certified Fear Free Groomer, providing one-on-one, individualized care in a calm, home-based studio.​ While I run every appointment personally, my daughter assists as an apprentice, helping ensure each session is organized, calm, and focused on your dog’s needs.

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What Sets Us Apart

• One-on-one appointments: Every dog receives my personal attention — no cage dryers, no rushing.

• Behavior expertise: Specialized care for puppies, seniors, anxious dogs, and dogs with special needs.

• Certified Fear Free Grooming: Gentle, cooperative handling reduces stress and builds trust.

• Coat-appropriate products: Premium, U.S.-made shampoos and conditioners for skin and coat health.

• Structured, calm environment: Slow, thoughtful introductions to grooming tools for a positive experience.

• Specialty facial treatments: Doodles, drop coats, and small fluffy breeds receive gentle facial care to reduce odor and improve coat health.

• Attention to detail: Nails, ears, sanitary trims, face, feet, and finishing touches are carefully performed for safety and comfort.

• Licensed and inspected by Clark County #219977

Grooming is more than a haircut — it is a confidence-building, stress-reducing, and health-promoting experience.

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​​​Every Groom Includes​

• Bath with premium, skin-supportive shampoo and conditioner featuring high-quality, U.S.-made professional grooming products

• Hand blow-dry (never cage dryers)

• Thorough brush-out and coat preparation

• Nail trimming and filing

• Ear cleaning (and hair removal when appropriate)

• Anal gland expression if needed

• Paw pad trim

• Sanitary trim as needed

• Face and feet tidy

• Finishing spray

• Bandanna or collar flower

For doodles, drop coats, and small fluffy breeds, a specialized facial treatment is used to gently cleanse the face and help reduce trapped odor.

*Additional services, haircut styles, and specialty coat work is priced separately

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Grooming Pricing – Updated for 2026

Every appointment at A Canine Understanding is one-on-one and thoughtfully structured around your dog’s emotional well-being. Pricing reflects:

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• Certified Fear Free handling

• A private, home-based studio

• No cage dryers

• Extended appointment times

• Behavioral expertise and low-stress techniques

• Individualized care

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Pricing is based on size, coat type, coat condition, grooming frequency, and your dog’s comfort. Full grooming appointments assume regular maintenance every 6–8 weeks. Dogs that are seen less often may incur additional charges.

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Bath & Brush ​

• Small (under 20lbs) Starting at $45

• Medium (20–45lbs) Starting at $75

• Large (45–65lbs) Starting at $95

• Extra Large (65+lbs) Starting at $120

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Signature Full Groom - For dogs who are comfortable and cooperative​

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• Small (under 20lbs) Starting at $95

• Medium (20–45lbs) Starting at $120

• Large (45–65lbs) Starting at $140

• Extra Large (65+lbs) Starting at $170

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Behavior-Integrated Grooming - Extended, structured sessions combining grooming and behavioral expertise. For dogs who require extra handling support but can complete a full groom safely and humanely. 

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• Small (Under 20lbs) $185

• Medium (20-45lbs) $225

• Large (45-65lbs) $275

• Extra Large (65+lbs) $315

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Additional time beyond estimated appointment window: $100/hour

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Progressive Grooming Program - Structured behavior support for dogs not yet ready for grooming. This program is also ideal for dogs that struggle having their nails trimmed. These sessions focus on building confidence, desensitization, and cooperative skills:

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What We Work On:

• Calm studio entry

• Table confidence

• Cooperative handling

• Grooming loop acceptance

• Tub entry and exit

• Dryer desensitization

• Handling of feet, face, and sensitive areas

Progression:
Some dogs advance quickly; others may require multiple sessions at a single step before moving forward. Repetition builds confidence; pressure destroys it.

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Investment:

• 15 minutes (Nails only) - $35

• 30 minutes — $95

• 60 minutes — $135

Once your dog is comfortable, we transition into full grooming or nail appointments.

Specialty & Advanced Services​​​​​

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Hand Stripping - This is a specialized service and is scheduled separately from standard grooming appointments.

Pricing: $75 per hour

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De‑Matting - Charged Hourly 

Charged hourly, $75–$100/hour in addition to full grooming rate. Your dog’s comfort always comes first! 

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À La Carte Services

• Nail Trim - $10 - $15

• Anal gland expression - $15

• Ear cleaning: $10–$20

• Paw pad trim: $10–$15

• Face/feet/sanitary tidy: $20–$35

• Brush‑out only (no bath): $20–$40

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Creative Grooming Add‑Ons

• Nail Painting — $10–$20 (pet-safe polish in a variety of colors)

• Color Accents & Full Creative Color — Pricing varies based on design, coat type, and time required

All products used are pet-safe and designed specifically for dogs.