
FEAR FREE GROOMING
​​​What is Fear free grooming and how does it
benefit my dog?​
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Here at Wanderlust, we're proud to be a Fear Free Certified Salon. That means our team has been trained to recognize signs of fear, stress, and anxiety, and actively work to reduce them while creating a positive grooming experience for all dogs in our care.
​our goal is to help your pet feel as calm and comfortable as possible with the grooming process! This is achieved through a variety of techniques and choices including:
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reward-based training with high value treats
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desensitization with gentle touch
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calming music and pheromone diffusers
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non slip table and tub surfaces
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hearing protection
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fewer dogs in the salon
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in and out appointments​​​​​​​
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OPTING TO SKIP A SERVICE RATHER THAN FORCE A PET BEYOND THEIR COMFORT LEVEL
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fortunately, ALL DOGS BENEFIT FROM FEAR FREE GROOMING, EVEN IF THEY ARE ALREADY COMFORTABLE WITH THE PROCESS! FOR PET OWNERS WHO HAVE AN ANXIOUS DOG WHO STRUGGLES WITH GROOMING, OR A NEW PUPPY, WE OFFER SPECIALTY FEAR FREE SERVICES AS WELL.
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FEAR FREE SERVICES
​​​hAPPY vISITS / meet & treat
A 'hAPPY VISIT', also known as a 'meet and treat' IS A QUICK 5 MINUTE STOP INTO THE SALON TO GET TREATS, PETS, AND BUILD A POSITIVE ASSOCIATION WITH THE GROOMING ENVIRONMENT. THERE IS NO TRAINING OR GROOMING DONE AT THESE APPOINTMENTS, AND THEY ARE OFFERED AT NO CHARGE.
HAPPY VISITS MUST BE PRE-SCHEDULED TO ENSURE WE HAVE ADAQUATE TIME AND STAFF AVAILABLE - WALK INS NOT AVAILABLE.
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​​​VICTORY VISITS
A 'VICTORY VISIT' IS A 15 MINUTE DROP OFF APPOINTMENT OF POSITIVE GROOMING TRAINING AND ASSOCIATION FOR PETS WHO NEED A LITTLE MORE PRACTICE OR CONFIDENCE. THESE APPOINTMENTS CAN BE TAILORED TO INCLUDE ANY PART OF GROOMING THAT YOUR DOG NEEDS MORE PRACTICE WITH, OR generalized for the entire process (NAILS, GETTING ON THE TABLE OR INTO THE TUB, DRYING, TRIMMING THEIR FACE, ETC).
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$25 each
4 FOR $85
VICTORY VISITS MUST BE PRE-PAID and are non-refundable. if not all purchased visits are needed, the remaining amount may be applied to future grooming appointments.
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Send us a text to schedule your happy visit or victory visit!
(503) 825-0147​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
WHAT TO EXPECT
TREATS...LOTS OF TREATS!​​​
Bring your pet in hungry! WE have A VARIETY OF high value TREATS INCLUDING FREEZE DRIED BEEF LIVER, HOT DOGS (A FAVORITE!), EASY CHEESE, AND BUSY BUTTER to keep your dog engaged and motivated to learn! If your pet has allergies or is on a diet, please bring some of their favorite treats from home!
slow and steady
Some pets may find certain grooming procedures to be very frightening or just plain uncomfortable. In the event your pet feels scared or stressed, we may need to stop or omit certain parts of the groom. we may recommend victory visits to work through these fears, rather than overwhelming your pet. we may also recommend multiple visits in a short time period (for example, once per week) to help your pet to feel more comfortable.
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Teamwork
in some cases we may recommend talking with your veterinarian about calming medications or supplements to help decrease your pets anxiety. we may also recommend working with a trainer to target specific behaviors or fears that are beyond what we can offer. you may receive homework to practice with your dog to build up their confidence and tolerance between scheduled appointments.
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A Happy, clean, comfortable pup​
While it may not happen in just one grooming appointment, by staying dedicated to a Fear Free approach, your pet will leave the salon happy, clean, confident and relaxed! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
