Transform every stage of care into a calm, collaborative, low-stress sensory experience. This one-day training shows you how dogs and cats perceive and interpret sound, touch, scent, light, taste, and movement, how sensory overload develops, and how to design environments and protocols that reduce stress and increase cooperation—ethically and effectively.
Led by Nathalie Doaré–Ariey-Jouglard (Founder of the International Grooming Society, IGS), this course bridges science and practice. You’ll learn to map sensory triggers, adjust handling and workflow, and use gentle desensitisation to turn difficult moments (bathing, drying, clipping, nail care) into safer, smoother sessions for professionals and animals alike.
Date & Place: February 15, 2026 — Galway, Ireland
Language: English
Duration: 6–8 hours (presentation + PDF handout + final quiz + practical application)
Organiser: IGS Ireland Chapter
Price: €210 standard · €100 for IGS Members (find your coupon in the member area coupon page)
What you’ll learn (Outcomes)
Design sensory-friendly environments using light, soundscapes, airflow, textures, scents and taste-aware reinforcement (treats, pastes, avoid bitter residues).
Identify overload signals early (freeze, fidget, gaze aversion, lip licking, panting, flinch) and intervene before escalation.
Implement cooperative care protocols that replace restraint with choice, predictability, and control.
Standardise before/during/after routines to reduce cumulative stress and improve time-on-task.
Communicate the approach to clients to build trust, loyalty, and clear aftercare.
Measure impact (fewer incidents, smoother sessions, better client feedback) and iterate your setup.
Who is it for?
Groomers, animal-welfare professionals, holistic veterinarians, canine/feline educators, shelters and rescue staff—any practitioner who wants safer, kinder, more efficient care for dogs and cats.
FAQ
Is the course fully in English? Yes.
Do I receive a certificate? Yes—IGS Professional Development – Conscious Sensory Grooming. This course is worth 50 points for your IGS Professional Development Certificate 2026
Does it cover cats as well as dogs? Yes, protocols and examples include both.
How is “taste” relevant in grooming? Taste affects acceptance of reinforcement (treat flavours/textures), and animals may ingest microscopic residues, aerosols or drips. We’ll cover taste-safe product choices and how to prevent aversive flavours.
How do I get the member price? Log in with an active IGS membership (€100/year) and check the coupon code in the "Members Coupons and Discounts" page. Use it in your basket before paying.