Grooming for Anxious, Senior & Difficult Dogs
Some dogs need more than a standard groom — a dog other groomers have turned away, a senior dog with sore joints, or a pup who just gets overwhelmed. Ellen Flores Karikari has 35+ years of hands-on experience and is first-aid trained, and welcomes these dogs with advance notice so she can prepare and give them the time they need.
Our Approach
- Advance phone notice before the appointment, so we know what to expect and can prepare
- Minimal cage/kennel time — one-on-one attention instead of an assembly line
- A quick consultation before any clippers come out
- First-aid trained, including for seizures and heart attacks
- Work at your dog's pace — no rushing a nervous or difficult dog
This review is specifically for groomer Donna - She is simply is the best dog groomer, period... The grooming itself has always been superb, which speaks a lot given that he is a double-coated German Shepherd and Terrier mix, with two different texture fur and three different colored hairs. His nails are dark and other groomers have made accidents which leads to bleeding, but never had that concern with Donna.
Took both my boxer babies to Donna. They came home looking amazing. She was so gentle and patient with my boy who was hesitant and moody... Shop was clean and the rest of the staff was also very nice and Informative.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really groom aggressive dogs?
Yes — with advance phone notice so our staff can prepare and give your dog the extra time and patience they need.
What should I tell you before booking?
Let us know about any aggression, anxiety, past grooming issues, or physical limitations (common with senior dogs) when you call. The more we know ahead of time, the better we can prepare.
Is my senior dog too old to be groomed?
Most senior dogs do fine with a patient, gentle approach and minimal cage time. Call us to talk through your dog's specific needs.
Can this be done as a mobile visit instead?
Yes — some anxious dogs do better at home. "Pampered Puppies At Your Door" is available for anxious, senior, and difficult dogs too.
Also see our Dog Grooming and Mobile Grooming pages.