Sometimes a dog looks calm, but is that what’s really happening? Or could it be learned helplessness? Join me as I dive into this listener question and unpack the nuances between the two.

Can I touch you? A pilot study comparing consensual and non-consensual human-dog touch interactions

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159125000589

"Choice and consent are critical welfare elements, especially in interactions between humans and animals. Dogs incorporated in therapeutic settings (therapy dogs) may encounter human touch interactions where they have limited control over their circumstances. The present study examined how forced and free-choice touch treatments during interaction with humans influenced the behaviour of therapy dogs and hypothesized that therapy dogs would display a higher frequency of stress-related behaviours during forced in comparison to free-choice touch treatment. "

Old problem, new tools

One of the psychologists who discovered learned helplessness returns to the topic to pinpoint the phenomenon's neurobiological underpinnings.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/10/helplessness

"This is the illusion of control at the level of neurochemistry," Maier said.

Taken together, the findings suggest that in the face of any stressor, the DRN activates the body's ancient stress responses, but if that stressor turns out to be controllable, the vMPC steps in and calms the DRN's response. "It's like the forebrain is saying, 'Cool it, brain stem, we have the situation under control,'" Maier said.

Learned Helplessness Training Article by Nicole Wilde

https://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2019/01/09/learned-helplessness/

For full transcripts, go to the audio episode on CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

You can also listen to this episode as a podcast on my website or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

For more information about my classes-

The full diploma program

Master Groomer Behavior Specialist(MGBS) diploma program

Shorter courses-

Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers

Groom S.M.A.R.T.

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

I had a great conversation with The Amazing Susy Scott on The Groom Pod. She's a friend and a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist. You can find The Groom Pod at https://www.thegroompod.com/ 

The video can be found at https://www.creatinggreatgroomingdogs.com/videos/groom-pod-cggd/

For full transcripts, go to the audio episode on CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Working with behavior cases should not be frustrating. If you are frustrated working on behavior cases or working with dogs and pets who have difficulty with grooming, we will troubleshoot that this week.

For full transcripts, go to the audio episode on CreatingGreat GroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll talk about dog owners and where they can start. In the second part,,, we'll talk about new years resolutions for groomers. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about "energy" and how we can better describe what we mean. In the second part, we'll talk about "intuition" and what we're really observing. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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This week we're talking about the dogs who aren't difficult to groom but are showing signs of stress. Is that a behavior problem? Do we need to work toward Calm, Comfortable, and Cooperative? 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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In the first part, we'll talk about some myths about using your voice. In the second part, we'll talk about how using your voice can be a helpful tool. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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In the first part, we'll talk about cooperative care and how it helps us in the long run. In the second part, we'll talk about what force-free means and how it's often misunderstood. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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This week we'll talk about desensitization and sensitization. Are you making dogs more sensitive to something or less sensitive to something? 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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This week we're talking about the very first step of any training- Goal Setting. Why do we need a goal?

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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This week, we'll talk about what's happening when we say things like "It's almost to the point where I can't get this dog done" and "I just couldn't get this dog done today". These statements tell me quite a bit about what is happening. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, I'm going to have you imagine yourself doing a nail trim while I walk you through the steps I would take. In the second part, I'll talk about why I do it that way.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about some myths that groomers and owners may still believe. In the second part, we'll talk about helping fellow groomers modernize. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

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Does your owner know why their dog needs to be dried? Why do groomers want to dry the dog? And then what kind of drying can we do? What kind of tools and techniques do we have? And let's also discuss if dogs are really afraid of drying? 

For full transcripts, go to the audio episode on CreatingGreat GroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll talk about where the "Bad Experience" may be happening or may have happened. In the second part, we'll talk about matted dogs and preventing the "bad experience".

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week we're talking about the use of words and what to do if a dog doesn't know any useful words. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about 100 episodes and what I've learned. In the second part, we'll talk about how understanding a dog's comfort and range of motion can reduce unwanted behaviors. It's important for new groomers and a great reminder for the experienced groomers.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about dog owner responsibilities. In the second part, we'll talk about some of the homework I give owners. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about Discipline. What it really means, and is it useful in the grooming setting. In the second part, we'll talk about the grooming worlds love/hate relationship with giving treats. 

Animal handling skills are super important but we can add training to our handling skills to teach dogs to be better for grooming.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week, I'm talking adding training tech talk to what we do in the grooming room. What principles are we using? What is it if it increases or maintains a behavior? What is it if it decreases or lessens a behavior? Why does that matter? 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about pricing. Are "Handling Fees" a good idea? In the second part, we'll talk about physical comfort and anatomy.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This one is for the trainers and those of us who work with trainers. In the first part, we'll talk about the new puppy or new dog with no known problems. In the second part, we'll talk about the dog with a known problem.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we're going to talk about the Crossover Groomer. Making the switch from "Get it done even though the dog has a behavior problem" to "Work on the behavior problem to get it done". It's a big difference. In the second part, we'll talk about some limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week we're talking about repetition. Why is repetition important to learning? Why is that something that we would want to use in dog grooming, and how can that help us in dog grooming? Find out this week.

For full transcripts, go to the audio episode on CreatingGreat GroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

#CreatingGreatGroomingDogs #DogGrooming #PetGrooming #DogTraining #GroomerLife #DogBehavior #PetSafety #GroomingTips #PetProfessionals #GroomingEducation #SafeGrooming #DogLovers #PetPodcast #DogBites

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll talk about how stress builds up. In the second part, we'll talk about ways to calm a dog. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll be talking about using the Scientific Method. In the second part, we'll be playing a game of "Opinion or Observation". 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about a puppy that I worked with on the grooming table this week. In the second part, we'll talk about the training history of that puppy. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about working as a team and helping dogs win. In the second part, we'll talk about calming dogs if they become frightened and how to communicate that to owners.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week we're talking about keeping it simple. In the first part, we'll talk about some basic steps to follow with every dog. In the second part, we'll talk about using "Name And Explain" to help when a dog has trouble. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about good reasons for groomers to learn about behavior. In the second part, we'll talk about good reasons for other dog pros to learn about the grooming process.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week we're talking about the many ways that dogs and humans can be injured during the grooming process and how that ties in with the need to address behavior issues.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week, we're talking about the terminology of the measure of behavior change. Look at increasing, maintaining, or decreasing a behavior and assessing if you see a change or not. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about what to do when a dog is having trouble. In the second part,we'll talk about making progress. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week, we're talking about dogs when they're at home. What do their owners expect from them? What do their owners believe is going on at home, at the groomer, and at the vet. Why should we be asking?

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week, we'll talk about scratchboards and the dog toys designed to help you file your dog's nails or help your dog file their own nails. We'll talk about what they're good for, what they're not good for, and why your groomer might give you the hard eye roll if you say you've been using one.

Dog Nail Scratch Board File https://a.co/d/eo6mDLG

De' Vora Scratch Square Dog Nail Trimmer & File https://a.co/d/9pjlyQt

For full transcripts, go to the audio episode on CreatingGreat GroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

You can watch episodes at youtube.com/@creatinggreatgroomingdogs

#CreatingGreatGroomingDogs #DogGrooming #PetGrooming #DogTraining #GroomerLife #DogBehavior #PetSafety #GroomingTips #PetProfessionals #GroomingEducation #SafeGrooming #DogLovers #PetPodcast #DogBites

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll talk about the advantages to gentle, kind, and patient handling. In the second part, we'll talk about introducing our owners to the idea. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week, we're talking about how physical prompts, molding, and using touch to give a dog cues and information doesn't work well for off leash and hands free obedience but is the perfect tool for grooming, vet visits, and health care at home.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about helping our owners feel comfortable with new procedures and protocols. In the second part, we'll talk about what may be different for the dogs.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about the difference between when the dog is having trouble and when the person is having trouble. In the second part, we'll talk about some tips and tricks to help dogs be more comfortable. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll talk about how important it is for owners to be able to work with and on their dogs. In the second part, we'll talk about introducing owners to the "3 C's" Calm, Comfortable, and Cooperative. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

What difference does age make with behavior problems during grooming, vet care, and care at home? What should be be thinking about while working with puppies, adult dogs, and elderly dogs?

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

This week we're talking about helping owners during the Corona Virus. We'll talk about the problems they may befacing with their dogs right now and information that we can offer them. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about how much training is going on in day to day life. Training doesn't just happen when a trainer sets it up. In the second part, we'll talk about finding a trainer.

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll talk about having a Safety Policy and explaining to customers the many ways that a dog who is having trouble can get hurt. In the second part, we'll talk about the business costs if a dog, employee, or you get hurt. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week we'll be playing around with a made up example of when we aren't asking the right questions. We'll ask "do we need a better bucket?". In the second part, I'll give you a brief introduction to a tool to help figure out behavior problems. Applied Behavior Analysis, Functional Behavior Assesment, and Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence chains. Don't worry! I'll try to make this tool fun and easy. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

Together We're Better Behavior Chats! 

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Creating Great Grooming Dogs show! In this installment of "Together We're Better Behavior Chats," your host, Chrissy, engages in a fascinating conversation with the amazing Kayce Cover from Syn Alia Training Systems.

In this episode of Creating Great Grooming Dogs, Chrissy Neumyer Smith sits down with the renowned Kayce Cover, a friend, mentor, and pioneer in the field of animal training and cooperative care. Kayce shares her wealth of experience working with a diverse array of animals since the seventies, emphasizing the paradigm shift towards cooperative animal care in grooming and veterinary practices. The conversation dives deep into the philosophy of fostering trust and communication between groomers and animals, illustrating how understanding and adapting to each animal's unique needs can significantly enhance the grooming experience.

Kayce introduces the concept of 'Perception Modification' and explains various techniques, including the use of specific sound cues, or bridges,' to communicate effectively with animals during grooming sessions. She emphasizes the importance of making grooming sessions a positive, stress-free experience for animals, detailing the profound impact of creating a calm and understanding environment on the animal's welfare and the groomer's ability to work efficiently and safely.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the practical application of these methods, understanding how even small adjustments in approach can lead to significant improvements in animal cooperation and reduce stress for both the groomer and the pets. This episode is a must-listen for groomers, trainers, vet professionals, and anyone interested in advancing the well-being of animals through compassionate and informed care practices.

Here is a link to the blood drawing video that we discussed. Training With Kayce: Voluntary Swine Blood Collection

https://youtu.be/4uI8MDIOjDw?si=rW7WvxpsXjZnj45O

https://synalia.com/

For more info about About Kayce https://synalia.com/kayce-cover-resume/

For more information about Creating Great Grooming Dogs, go to

CreatingGreat GroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

This week, we're talking about our role as dog pros who are not veterinarians. Gathering clues about what behaviors are normal and abnormal and helping owners understand that their Vet may have some medications that can help their dogs be comfortable. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

In the first part, we'll talk about what consent is and why it's important. In the second part, we'll talk about consent as communication. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!

Mentioned in this episode:

"Groom S.M.A.R.T." https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/hnttrhwcf56ktxk-d283x-dtgr5-hx69t-8899w-8y9rf-ma93e Modern Behavior & Handling for Groomers https://www.wholepetnh.com/course-listing/p/behavior-handling

In the first part, we'll discuss what we would do if were "in crazy land" and wanted to teach dogs to be aggressive for grooming and vet visits. What would we do if we "wanted" dogs to struggle and wiggle against us? In the second part, we talk about avoiding tunnel vision and thinking about the bigger picture. 

For more info, go to CreatingGreatGroomingDogs.com

For more info on all of my classes etc, go to https://link.content360.io/CreatingGreatGroomingDogs

Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee!