The Holistic Grooming Academy

💥 TOOT TOOT 💥

Yappily is partnering with The Holistic Grooming Academy!

We are delighted to announce our new affiliation with The Holistic Grooming Academy, founded by Stephanie Zikmann.

Stephanie is a leader in consensual dog grooming, promoting a caring and kind approach that focuses on the overall well-being of dogs. We can't thank you enough for your continuing support Stephanie ❤️

About Stephanie Zikmann:

Stephanie's journey began when she saw the sometimes stressful and rushed conditions in conventional grooming.

Determined to create a better experience for dogs, she founded The Holistic Grooming Academy. Her methods emphasise gentle, stress-free techniques that prioritise the emotional and physical health of pets.

Consensual Grooming and what that entails;

Consensual grooming is central to Stephanie's approach. It involves:

Adapting to Individual Needs: Each dog is unique, and grooming methods are tailored to suit their specific requirements.

Minimising Stress: Techniques ensure that the dog feels safe and comfortable, reducing anxiety and fear.

Holistic Care: Emphasising care, patience and kindness, grooming is seen as part of a broader health and wellness strategy.

To celebrate our new Affiliation, and the launch of its very own registration category on Yappily, The Holistic Groomer is offering a 50% discount on their flagship IPET approved course exclusively for Yappily PREMIUM members!

Premium Yappers-Get in touch for your whopping 50% off!

Not a premium Yapper? Then log into your account and upgrade your listing to be able to receive this fantastic offer ✌️

Thinking about joining Yappily ? now is probably a good time to snap up that listing👉 https://yappily.co.uk/get-listed/

EXCITING NEWS! 👏

We had to share this amazing post from our affiliates over Yappily who are celebrating reaching a whooping 1.28 Million impressions! 🤩

The Holistic Grooming Academy are very selective of the organisations and individuals we support and affiliate with but we are proud to share our latest collaboration with these guys here! 😍

From a marketing and potential reach perspective, having your name and business in as many platforms will no doubt help you get into the sights of your ideal clients BUT it is just as important to ensure that the platforms you trust to do just that, are reputable and ethical in their own processes as well 👌

We have thoroughly investigated Yappily's services and are in full support of what they represent and have to offer pet care providers 👍

What's refreshing is that they are thorough with prerequisites, passionate about finding ethical and reputable organisations to affiliate with, and have even placed a "Holistic Grooming Academy" option within their listing processes as well - how awesome is that?! 🥳

What's more, we are honoured to have been given our very own 50% OFF discount code to join their Premium Listing that is *exclusively* for our existing members/students in return for offering their existing members the same amazing discount for our amazing Accreditation in Holistic Grooming & Behaviour! 😍

We don't think collaboration could get any better than that!

For more information on how to claim your discount:

Yappily Members: please contact Rosie over at Yappily

HGA Members: please contact Stephanie over at The Holistic Dog Groomer

🚀 Exciting News! 🚀

We're so happy to share that thanks to our design and SEO experts, Yappily has achieved over 1.28 MILLION impressions on Google in the last 6 months! 🎉

What does this mean? It means that Yappily and its content are being seen by a massive audience. The red Y is making waves and getting noticed A LOT!

But we’re not stopping here. We want YOU to be part of this incredible journey!

👉 Check out our latest content and see what the buzz is all about:

www.yappily.co.uk

Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being part of our growing community! 🌟

This is the first of TWO planners that we will be introducing to you all!

Available for both Professional Dog Groomers and Doting Dog Carers who are interested in following a truly dog-led approach to grooming tasks!

Inside you can expect a blend of fun templates, training prompts and diary inputs including:

👉 Dog Biography & Very Important Info

👉 Health Assessment Forms

👉 Professional Grooming Planner

👉 Appointment Slots

👉 Home Grooming Planner

👉 Recommended Products, Tools &
Directions

👉 Address Book for Like-Minded Pet Care Providers

👉 Diary Log, Grooming Notes & Significant Event Entries

And more!

This amazing resource is finally bridging the gap between grooming and other care-based services, to encourage a consistent and positive approach to caring for your dog that also considers their individual needs!

Encouraging both groomer and carer to work together to achieve a low-stress grooming experience, we are confident that this planner will help keep you motivated and inspired to make grooming a more positive experience from now on!

It will be available to buy on Amazon soon, and of course HGA Members, Students & Graduates will receive an exclusive discount as well if they purchase through us directly!

Who's excited!?

One of our inspiring students has had this amazing feature in her local press this week, and we are ecstatic for her 😍

Victoria of Happy Henry’s Grooming and Training is re-launching her business in a brand-spanking-new space where the needs of DOGS comes first 🫶

For us, it's all about allowing dogs to lead the way and Victoria has thought about every possible way to ensure that her new grooming process achieves just that! 🐶

On 19th May, you can join her for the Grand Re-Opening and indulge yourself in an array of educational opportunities, entertainment and even grab yourself some amazing goodies 🙌

Being able to receive this publicity is more than just a way to market a business for us here at The HGA, it's about raising awareness of an entirely new concept of grooming animals that takes more consideration on the EXPERIENCE an animal receives.

Our environment plays a crucial role in achieving safety and cooperation - in our Accreditation, we encourage students to focus more on the logistics of a grooming business, the grooming layout itself and the process.

Victoria is demonstrating this core part of our approach splendidly, and we cannot wait to see how she gets on over the coming months!

Well done!!!!

Dog business hopes to get tails wagging with a move to new home following investment - Daily Focus An innovative dog grooming and training company has expanded following a £20,000 investment into new premises.

Collaboration and meeting new friends is EVERYTHING.

Shout out to this fab lady Stephanie Zikmann from The Holistic Grooming Academy who raised £500 for Dogs Trust with a meet up and walk this weekend.

Stephanie is a DJ turned dog groomer and has such a brilliant story, she had a dog herself and realised that she wanted to take a kinder approach to grooming where the welfare and comfort of the dog were paramount.

There wasn't really any protocol to follow so she made her own - and in 2020 the Holistic Grooming Academy was born.

Stephanie has supported thousands of pet professionals through her training and books - The Magic Of Holistic Grooming is an Amazon No1 Best Seller.

I've worked with Steph and been around her since the beginning and we got to meet at the weekend! It was so good!

If you don't already, do go and follow her, she's just the most lovely lady and a total powerhouse businesswoman too.

Thanks Steph and your lovely group for welcoming me and Patch this weekend xx

We are walking 5 miles to raise money for Dogs Trust TOMORROW! 😁

CAN YOU HELP US REAch £500? 🙏

If you can spare just one or two pounds towards our very first charity fundraiser, we would be ever to grateful!

Holistic Grooming Academy Community Walk Help Stephanie Zikmann raise money to support Dogs Trust

Dogs communicate with us in SO many ways, can you tell us what those are? 👇

Hello, I’m Stephanie, Founder of The HGA 👋

After battling with a mental health condition for 16 years, I decided to take the plunge, quit my job as a Disc-Jockey and delve both feet into the pet care industry!! 😬

I trained as a professional dog groomer in 2018 and dedicated the next four years of my life learning as much as I could about holistic care and grooming as a THERAPY 🪄

Fast forward to today, I have introduced my very own protocol that was initially inspired by the observations I’ve made watching my own dogs and also animals in the wild groom one another as a way to self-soothe, enhance social structures and preserve health 🥰

I wondered why so many dogs hated being groomed and suddenly it made total sense…

Through my organisation, The Holistic Grooming Academy, I have introduced an unorthodox approach to grooming that goes against the status quo and challenges the conventional approach to grooming dogs 🐾

I teach my students all about canine behaviour, psychology, communication, cooperative care, choice, consent and the importance of emotional safety - and why all of this is very much a part of grooming 🩵

I feel blessed and humbled to say that, so far:

👉🏻 I have helped more than 500 dogs overcome their fear of grooming ✂️

👉🏻 I’ve supported and continue to support over 100 professional groomers through my online accreditation

👉🏻 I’ve worked with and taught hundreds more dog carers how to groom their own dogs positively and safely 🐶

Not only this, through my work as a holistic dog groomer I have felt strong enough to stop taking my medication! I feel empowered and strong 💪

I can now manage my mental health disorder completely on my own and I whole-heartedly believe that grooming dogs holistically has saved my life, and it could save many others! ❤️‍🔥

I KNOW holistic grooming is magic and I feel it’s my life’s purpose to prove it to the world by showing how it can make a difference! ✨

To learn with me, I have a wonderful 50% off deal on my Accredited Diploma for the month of May 🥰

Check out the links in my bio above for more info!👆

We loved speaking with Yappily and getting to share our amazing approach and how it all started!

It’s also always great to form new affiliations with like-minded, ethical pet professionals and organisations 🙏

Stay tuned for an exciting initiative coming soon for both Yappily and HGA Members! ❤️

Morning Folks!

We've teamed up with Stephanie Zikmann, the creative force behind The Holistic Grooming Academy, to bring you a fascinating blog 😎

Together, we're exploring holistic grooming, sharing insights and advice that will transform your approach and understanding of dog grooming and wellness.

So grab a cuppa and dive in! 👇

https://yappily.co.uk/holistic-dog-grooming-with-stephanie-zikmann/

When the teacher becomes the student you can expect to uncover a few home truths as well as some monumental breakthroughs.

That was certainly what happened to me when Nala joined our family and had me question everything I thought I knew about raising dogs…

There is a real vulnerability in the process of accepting that you could be doing things better. It can be intimidating and uncomfortable stepping into the unknown but one we should all face with patience, courage and an open-heart 🧡

More than anything, Nala has unlocked parts of me I didn’t even know were there — she has exposed my weaknesses as a person but also helped me to identify many of my hidden strengths too.

I think for most people living alongside dogs is a blessed journey filled with not only an irreplaceable kind of love but a very deep and meaningful spiritual connection 🫶🏼

Dogs teach us the true meaning of purposelessness — that to live presently in this moment, right here, is to set ourselves and others free from unrealistic expectations so that we can begin to embrace the beauty in simply BEING who we are.

My thoughts for today are simple: while we all may aspire to guide our dogs to living with us in a certain way we must also remember that to be an individual means to be granted the right to live authentically and as close to nature intended.

We are proud to have some amazing graduates 🤩🤩🤩

🐾 Introducing Holistic Grooming 🐶✨

🌟 At VA VA GROOM, we believe in treating every dog as the unique individual they are, which means working at their own pace. 🎯 Our approach involves me getting down on the floor to let the dog take the lead, giving them the freedom to approach me when they're ready. 🙌💕

🐾✂️ The grooming process can sometimes feel overwhelming for our four-legged companions, which is why we've broken it down into manageable sessions. During our time together, I incorporate Tellington TTouch bodywork and movement exercises to positively influence their behaviour and overall well-being. 🤗🌺 TTouch is all about cooperation and understanding - it's something we do for the dog, not something we do to them! 🐕🤝

🏗️ Building a relationship of trust takes time, but thanks to our bespoke care plans, this little fella now is on the first stage or being positively re-introduced to the grooming process. 📋💖 We've also provided his guardians with advice and products to use at home, ensuring a smooth and consistent grooming experience. We're excited for our next session, where we'll continue his grooming journey! 🚀🛁

📞✅ Does your dog struggle with grooming too? Don't worry, we've got you covered with our own bespoke care plans! Book a "meet and treat" session and start your unique grooming journey today. 📅🐶💙

One month to go before we all arrive at Buttermere, The Lake District for our sponsored walk for Dogs Trust.

Many of us have sentimental reasons to be taking part in this event having brought a dog home to love from the charity 🐾

If you can spare a couple of pounds to support the work that this organisation does to help dogs in need, we would be really grateful 🙏

Holistic Grooming Academy Community Walk Help Stephanie Zikmann raise money to support Dogs Trust

We have been told that we have been awarded,

‘Best Online Grooming CPD Course Provider - UK’

Talk about niche, but hey we’ll take it 😅🙏

It’s always good to get some recognition for the hard work, sweat and tears you put into a business, and we at the HGA are always amazed with the support and love we receive by our loyal supporters and friends 💜

Our success really is thanks to our amazing students and we firmly believe that all of our awards past and future are just as much a celebration of THEIR success, as it is ours ⭐️

Here’s to ALL of our HGA members, students and graduates across the world 🌎

Cheers! 🍻

Wishing you all a Yappy Easter 💛

And don’t forget to keep your beloved animals safely away from any chocolate and sweets 🍭

Check this fab post out by our Founder 👇

The Holistic Dog Groomer Stephanie is a multi-award-winning holistic dog grooming behaviourist with a rehab clinic in Scotland

🌼 THREE GROOMING TIPS FOR SPRING TIME 🌼

You may be just as excited as us for spring time, but what should you look out for when it comes to grooming your dog?

Our three top tips will help you prevent any unnecessary grooming-related issues so that you and your dog can enjoy more time going on adventures before temperatures begin to peak for Summer ☀️

We ask that you look out for:

1. Parasites — a coat inspection after every walk will help you to identify any rogue hitchhikers on your dog’s coat. Make sure you have a flea comb and tick removal tool in your pet first aid box at home, and if you would like to learn how to use them safely ask your registered Vet or Professional Groomer 🐜

2. Paw Care — there are many things to be mindful of when it comes to spring time and your dog’s toes including grass seeds and chemicals such as w**d killer! Remember that the pads absorb what they make contact with so it’s good to get your pup used to having a nice paw soak and inspection after every walk too! 🐾

3. Knots and Tangles — with the nice weather kicking you can expect to plan some wild adventures with your dogs but remember to keep up your daily brushing regime if you do decide to venture into bushes and forests. Coats can attract pollen, dirt and also nettles which can cause the coat to tangle and aggravate skin conditions as well. Making brushing a positive bonding experience for you and your dog has the added benefit of being a stress-buster so, why wouldn’t you want to?! 🫶🏼

We would love to see some of your holistic grooming sessions with your dogs like Spring time, so please feel free to tag us on any dog spam! 😍

For more tips and tricks on caring for your dog’s skin and coat, you can follow us or our founders page over 💜

🐾❤️🐶🛁

Our Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Diploma is one of the most advanced online enhancer courses for professional groomers looking to increase their confidence in working with more challenging dogs 🐕

Through our course framework, you will be introduced to a modern and updated approach to dog care that focuses on achieving cooperation within the grooming salon to reduce stress and make the environment safer 🩷

Animal welfare is at the forefront of everything we do, and we help to support students in developing their compassion and self-compassion so that they can begin to truly utilise the benefits of a more holistic and cooperative grooming practice 🫶🏼

Through the implementation of positive training and dog-centred care, students can expect to learn more about:

👉🏻 canine behaviour & psychology

👉🏻 safe & compassionate handling

👉🏻 consent-based training for cooperation

👉🏻 canine communication & body language

👉🏻 developing our own self-care & professional development

And so much more.

We provide business support and bring in various pet industry specialists from all over the world to cover a broad range of topics that will only enhance your learning journey 🌎

As an organisation that prides itself in being inclusive, approachable and ethical in nature, we only support and endorse like-minded businesses and individuals, giving you the additional peace of mind that we practice what we so passionately preach as well 🥰

If you would like to join us, we would love to welcome you to our safe community. Just follow our link via our bio to find out more 👆

🐾❤️🐶🛁

When students are that committed they even study on Sundays 😎🤓

Founder The Holistic Dog Groomer had a lovely time sharing her journey with the team at Yappily the other day.

We are proud to be able to spread awareness of holistic grooming and the amazing difference it can make to the grooming experience a dog receives 💜

Thanking the guys over at Yappily for their support and for choosing us as their second “expert” in their amazing “Ask The Expert” posts 🙏

Read here: https://yappily.co.uk/holistic-dog-grooming-with-stephanie-zikmann/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/aR9JNLCFjSaTgBGa/?

Evening Yappers!

We've teamed up with Stephanie Zikmann, the creative force behind The Holistic Grooming Academy, to bring you a fascinating blog 😎

Together, we're diving into holistic grooming, sharing insights and advice that will transform your approach to dog grooming and wellness.

So grab a cuppa and dive in! Blog link in the comments below 👇

We are sharing our forthcoming fundraiser again with you all in hope that you can spare a few pounds to help us raise as much money as possible for Dogs Trust 🥰

Please share with your family and friends so that we might reach our target 🙏

The Academy's first official student meet-up will be taking place at the Lake District this May, where we will hike 5-miles around Buttermere Lake.

ANYONE is welcome to join us, though we ask that you leave your beloved dogs at home or in your chosen hotel.

Thank you all for your continual support in the work that we do, we promise to carry on helping professional groomers advance their knowledge and skillset to make our industry a safer and more dog-centred place 🥰

Holistic Grooming Academy Community Walk Help Stephanie Zikmann raise money to support Dogs Trust

Have you ever been told something like the following statements:

"Business ownership is about having a really strong money-making mindset!"

"The more services I can provide the more I can upsell and make money"

"The more dogs I can groom a day, the more money I will make!"

What if we told you that all of these statements are the equivalent to a quick fix approach to dog training as in, they won't necessarily bring you the success you long for, long-term? 🧐

You may be thinking, "but business ownership is all about making money" - is that strictly true?

Money can be earned in all sorts of ways - you do not need to be a business owner to make money, so what is being in business all about?

We've found that many pet care professionals come from very well-paid corporate jobs to their chosen pet-related sector because they genuinely want to make a positive difference to the treatment of animals, irrespective of whether they make more or less money than they did before.

Sure, having a powerful money-making mindset is a good thing but when does it become harmful to your business?

What happens when we put making money fast over and above the quality of care we provide our clients?

👉 we create shortcuts that often compromise basic animal welfare requirements

👉 we create a higher-stressed environment for ourselves and the animals in our care

👉 we lose sight of our original purpose and intention because we become consumed by our profit margins

👉 we add more and more services and products to our already over-populated business to try and make more money, faster

👉 we begin to feel burnt out and exhausted with the pressure we have placed upon ourselves

👉 eventually, we lose clients because they no longer see our value

It can be tempting to try and find ways to make money fast but when we neglect the experience and quality of care our clients receive, we eventually dilute our worth.

How then, do we prevent this and still make money?

We give ourselves time to build-up a reputation as the specialists we are, and we trust the process!

The pet care industry is entering a new age where the quality of care an animal receives is really being questioned by not only other pet care professionals but pet carers too -

Our sources have told us that the dog carer community has grown 39% in the UK since Lockdown 2020, with more dog carers searching for 'holistic' remedies and services for their beloved companions.

Furthermore, there is an ever-growing demand for specialist services that consider the emotional needs of an animal over and above what a methodology might demand - this is amazing news!

This tells us that now might be the time to re-assess how you make business choices to ensure that the needs of animals are put at the forefront of everything you do.

Let us know what you think! Why did you get into the pet care sector? 👇

Why are physical restraints causing more harm in professional grooming environments?

Check out The Holistic Dog Groomer's latest post below!

To learn more about our Accredited Diploma, visit our website:

https://courses.holisticgroomingacademy.com

‼️ POTENTIAL KNEE JERKER POST ‼️

Energy is emotion.

👉🏻 When energy is blocked emotions cannot be expressed naturally.

👉🏻 When emotions cannot be expressed naturally, they are suppressed.

👉🏻 When emotions are suppressed the Sympathetic Nervous System is activated.

👉🏻 When the Sympathetic Nervous System is activated we see an escalation of behaviours as per the 'Fight/Flight' response.

👉🏻 When a dog is in a state of fight/flight they and we are at risk of being injured.

Therefore, physical restraints DO NOT create a safe environment.

❌ Control and safety are not the same thing ❌

Want to learn why? I can prove it!

Find out more via The Holistic Grooming Academy’s amazing diploma that is IPET Network approved 👩‍🎓

Note: I am using this device as an example of potential restrictions to the flow of energy only.

Glossary:

FAS - Fear, Anxiety, Stress