OUR STORY
Kristy - groomer, vet nurse, animal trainer
At The Happy Washtub, we care about your pet from nose to tail, prioritising their health, happiness, and haircut at every appointment.
As well as grooming, Kristy has worked as a vet nurse and professional dog and zoo trainer for over a decade, and she is passionate about stress-free, holistic visits to the salon, even for nervous or grumpy animals.
As a certified dog behaviour consultant and fear-free vet professional, she will ensure your pet learns that going to the groomer is a fun, safe, and relaxing experience, while taking care of all their grooming needs.
We can't wait to meet you and your pet at The Happy Washtub.
The Happy Washtub offers fear-free, one-on-one, cageless grooming services in Kureelpa, only 5mins from Nambour, where your pets will leave our home salon looking and feeling their best.
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Kristy is an experienced groomer that has also worked as a vet nurse and dog trainer for the last decade. She is passionate about fear-free cooperative pet grooming, and through gentle handling techniques and positive reinforcement training in every session, will ensure that your dog or cat feels that grooming is fun, not just forced.
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Certified through the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), Karen Pryor Academy of animal training, and the Fear-free Vet Professionals, Kristy uses science-based animal training methods and positive reinforcement to make the washtub and grooming a happy experience for your pet.
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Every appointment includes:
- complimentary full body check and dental check
- fear-free gentle handling
- positive reinforcement training
- cageless, quiet environment in the hinterland
- pheromone-infused towels to relax on
- soothing music to lower heart rates
- care and attention to every detail
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We can't wait to meet you at The Happy Washtub! Please see our services and shop sections for full pricing details.
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Ring to book your appointment today!
0409 680 861
What is Fear Free® Grooming?
Founded by Veterinary Behaviourist Dr. Marty Becker, and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practices, including grooming.
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In many ways, going to the groomer is similar to going to the vet: dogs and cats are usually up on a table, with sensitive body parts such as ears and feet being handled, in an environment filled with the sounds and scents of other animals. Many pets can become nervous or defensive in this kind of environment, and it is natural for them to let us know their discomfort.
At The Happy Washtub, Kristy has certified as a Fear Free Vet Professional, to endeavour to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets through the use of safe but gentle handling techniques, the observation of animal body language and signs of stress, combined with her grooming skills, to make your pet’s appointment as enjoyable as possible. She is also a certified dog behaviour consultant through the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, and a certified training partner of Karen Pryor Academy.
With your permission, Kristy will also include lots of positive reinforcement during grooming, including teaching your pet how to stand and hold their bodies for minimally invasive handling, as well as desensitise pets that are already stressed by grooming, and need to grow to like the process again.
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Most importantly, she will never push your pet beyond their stress limits just to achieve a particular look. If your pet becomes too anxious during grooming, Kristy will communicate this with you, and come up with a plan that will have your pet feeling happy about their grooming, and looking their best.
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Find out more at www.fearfreepets.com or talk to Kristy about her training methods when you book your appointment!
