Holistic Grooming

Writer: Nathalie Ariey-JouglardFor the International Grooming Society – Holistic & Ethical Grooming Introduction “Consent-based grooming” is becoming a central concept in modern, ethical grooming practice. Rooted in behavioural science and welfare-focused care, it shifts grooming from a procedure done to  the animal toward a cooperative process done with  the animal. But what does consent truly mean in grooming and how can we apply it safely without compromising the animal, t

A science-based guide for professional groomers By Nathalie Doaré--Ariey-Jouglard Introduction When a dog arrives at the salon with dull coat, excessive shedding, dandruff or greasiness, most groomers instinctively look for external causes: product choice, grooming frequency, nutrition, seasonality.But there is one major factor that often goes unnoticed, yet profoundly impacts coat quality: -> Chronic stress. Modern research in dermatology and behavioural science demonstrates

How science, sensory awareness, and human–dog synchronisation redefine modern grooming. Introduction Behind every grooming session lies an invisible dialogue: a physiological and emotional exchange between the groomer and the dog. While grooming is often perceived as a purely technical profession, research now proves that the groomer’s emotional state, environment, and handling style shape the dog’s stress level more than any tool ever will. At the International Grooming Soci

For many years, grooming was viewed primarily as an artistic craft; a profession driven by manual skills, visual results, and experience-based intuition. But the global grooming industry has shifted. It is no longer enough to create a beautiful finish; professionals are increasingly expected to understand the biological, emotional, and dermatological needs of the animals entrusted to them. This worldwide transformation did not emerge spontaneously...

Toward a New Vision of the Grooming Profession Long seen as a purely aesthetic or hygienic activity, grooming is evolving. More and more professionals now choose to view it as a true act of care , a moment of connection, attention, and respect for living beings. At the heart of Holistic Grooming , this perspective profoundly transforms the relationship between the groomer, the animal, and their guardian. Understanding the Difference Between Care and Constraint The word “care”

In the grooming world, there are phrases we hear so often that they become almost invisible. One of them, and perhaps one of the most misleading, is: “He’ll get used to it.” At first glance, it sounds harmless. After all, humans and animals alike adapt to new experiences, don’t they? But in reality, this phrase ignores one of the most fundamental aspects of animal well-being: the uniqueness of each individual’s sensory threshold. Why “getting used to it” is a dangerous shortc

When we think about grooming , most people imagine a haircut or a refreshing bath. But grooming is much more than just aesthetics. More and more professionals are now embracing a broader vision: holistic grooming . A global vision of animal well-being The word holistic  comes from the Greek holos , meaning “whole.” Applied to grooming, it reflects the idea that we cannot take care of an animal’s coat without considering its body, emotions, and environment.A holistic groomer t