GROOMERS, Diversified Services = More Income “Value Added”

Brad Pattison
Jul 16
5 min read

By offering grooming and training services, you serve a broader client base. Pet owners who come in for grooming may become long-term training clients, creating additional income streams.

Better Handling of Dogs During Grooming

Trained dogs are calmer and more cooperative during grooming sessions. A groomer certified by Hustle Up Dog Training gains experience in handling dogs with ease, making appointments smoother and reducing the time needed for care.
Increased Client Trust

Certification establishes you as an expert in both grooming and behavior management. Clients will trust you more and recommend your services, knowing their pets are in good hands.
Safer Work Environment

Handling poorly behaved dogs can lead to bites, scratches, or stress. Hustle Up training emphasizes safety and conflict-free handling, drastically reducing incidents and making your workplace safer.
Loyalty Through Long-Term Relationships

Offering training classes as part of your services generates recurring business. Clients will trust your expertise for both grooming and training, increasing client retention.
Competitive Advantage

Becoming a certified professional sets you apart from other groomers. It positions your business as a full-service pet care destination, attracting owners seeking comprehensive solutions.
Shorter, Stress-Free Appointments

Trained dogs are easier to manage, meaning less time calming them or dealing with disruptive behaviour. This increases efficiency and lets you serve more clients.
Boost Your Reputation in the Community

Being CTE-certified contributes to the well-being of dogs and their families. Clients value businesses that prioritize safety and training, enhancing your reputation.
Personalized Training Services

Expand your offerings by tailoring training solutions to each dog’s specific needs. This adds value for clients facing behavioural challenges and looking for help from someone they trust.
Easy Upsell Opportunities

With certification, you can create bundled packages like “Training & Grooming,” encouraging clients to spend more on services that benefit both them and their pets.

Bonus: Easier Dogs, Fewer Conflicts

The Hustle Up Dog Training program focuses on creating harmonious relationships between dogs and handlers. When you're working with trained dogs, grooming sessions are nearly conflict-free. Dogs used to positive reinforcement are far less likely to resist handling, making your job more enjoyable and stress-free.

Incorporating Hustle Up Certification into Your Skill Set

Adding Hustle Up certification to your professional skills allows you to create a safer, more profitable, and client-friendly business. It also shows your dedication to improving dog behaviour and welfare—something that resonates deeply with pet owners.

Risk of Being Bitten as a Dog Groomer

The risk of being bitten is significant, as groomers often handle dogs in high-stress situations like bathing, nail trimming, or clipping—conditions that can provoke defensive or aggressive behaviour.

Risk Statistics:

1. Percentage of Groomers Bitten:

o Industry studies and surveys suggest that between 30% and 50% of groomers have been bitten at least once during their career.

o Around 1 in 5 groomers experiences a bite injury annually that requires medical attention or disrupts their work.

2. Severity of Bites:

o Most bites result in minor injuries like scratches or surface puncture wounds.

o Severe bites causing deep tissue damage, nerve injuries, or infections are less frequent but can have long-term effects and require professional care.

3. Frequency of Aggressive Incidents:

o Groomers often encounter dogs showing aggressive behaviour (barking, lunging, biting) triggered by fear, anxiety, or past trauma.

o These incidents can occur in 10% to 25% of appointments, depending on clientele and groomer experience.

Reducing Risk:

· Behavioural Training: Partnering with certified trainers like those from Hustle Up Dog Training ensures dogs are calm and trained before grooming.

· Handling Techniques: Implementing low-stress techniques and a calm grooming environment helps reduce aggression.

Overall Risk Level:

· The general level of risk is moderate to high, depending on the groomer’s experience, handling techniques, and type of dogs serviced.

· Groomers working with rescued or poorly socialized dogs face a higher risk compared to those handling well-trained pets.

Contributing Factors to Bite Risk:

1. Stressful Environment:

o Loud noises (e.g., clippers, dryers), unfamiliar handling, or exposure to other animals can increase anxiety and defensive biting.

2. Poorly Socialized or Untrained Dogs:

o Dogs unfamiliar with grooming or being handled are more likely to bite when scared or uncomfortable.

3. Owner Neglect:

o Dogs with matted coats, overgrown nails, or other neglected conditions may experience pain during grooming, leading to aggression.

4. Groomer Fatigue or Error:

o Long hours can reduce alertness, causing groomers to miss warning signs (growling, tense body language) or improperly restrain dogs.

Bite Risk Reduction Strategies:

1. Behavioral Training:

o Work with certified trainers (CTE - Hustle Up Dog Training) to ensure dogs are well-behaved before grooming.

o Dogs with basic obedience and handling tolerance are significantly less likely to act aggressively.

2. Reading Body Language:

o Educate groomers to identify early warning signs of fear or aggression (tail tucking, lip licking) to prevent escalation.

3. Safety Tools and Protocols:

o Use grooming muzzles, harnesses, or specialized restraints when needed.

o Have clear protocols for handling high-risk dogs and safely ending sessions if required.

4. Low-Stress Handling Techniques:

o Create a calm grooming space with noise reduction, gentle handling, and gradual desensitization for nervous dogs.

By implementing these strategies, bite risk for groomers can be greatly reduced—creating a safer, more positive experience for both professionals and pets.

Brad Pattison: Canada's Leading Canine Behaviour Expert

Brad Pattison has built a remarkable reputation as one of Canada’s top dog behaviourists and advocates for canine welfare. His extensive experience in behaviour training and modification has transformed thousands of dogs and handlers.

Key Achievements:

1. Books & Media Presence:

o Brad’s books like Puppy SOS, Unleashed, and Synergy Between Man and Dog promote direct, results-driven training methods.

o His TV shows At the End of My Leash and Puppy SOS demonstrate his expertise in solving real-world dog behavior issues.

2. Industry Pioneer:

o He founded the first dog daycare industry in Canada and has certified trainers across Canada and the U.S., expanding access to high-quality training.

3. Global Animal Rescue Missions:

o Brad has led missions in disaster zones including Mexico, Haiti, New Orleans, and Australia, highlighting his commitment to animal welfare under pressure.

4. Public Speaking & Advocacy:

o With over 500 speaking events, Brad has educated audiences on humane training and dog care, appearing on CBC News, CKNW Radio, and more.

5. Innovative Training Philosophy:

o His courses focus on, safety, and conflict-free handling—benefiting both professionals and pet owners.

The Impact of Hustle Up Dog Training

Brad’s Hustle Up program offers certified courses for aspiring trainers based on science, real-world behavior understanding, and a 30-year study of canine behaviour—including feral dog and coyote behavior. This depth of knowledge creates highly effective, confident trainers equipped to work with dogs in homes, clinics, and grooming salons.

By integrating these teachings, Hustle Up certification not only improves dog behaviour—it enhances the safety, efficiency, and reputation of dog professionals everywhere.