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We’re delighted to welcome Victoria Shepherd, founder of Happy Henry’s!, to Healthy Pet Store for an engaging and thought-provoking workshop exploring welfare-led approaches to grooming and handling. The Happy Handling Workshop is designed to help attendees better understand why many dogs struggle with grooming procedures and how games, choice and trust-based handling can transform the experience for both dogs and humans, whilst still providing a financially stable business model. This interactive workshop allows time for discussion and questions throughout, making it ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of cooperative care and canine wellbeing.
What the workshop covers
Understanding the challenge
Discover why grooming can feel overwhelming for many dogs, from noise and touch sensitivity to unfamiliar equipment and environments. Victoria will also explore the challenges faced by grooming professionals, including time pressures, safety concerns and emotional strain.
Topics include:
- Stress, fear and trigger stacking in dogs
- Why handling sensitivity develops
- Recognising signs of discomfort and overwhelm
Tools & systems that change the picture
Learn how games and structured interactions can help shift dogs from a state of worry to one of curiosity and confidence. Victoria will introduce the Happy Handling System, a structured, incremental and consent-led approach designed to improve welfare and reduce resistance during grooming and handling.
Real-life application
The workshop includes a detailed case study following Pip, a miniature poodle, demonstrating how micro-shaping, counter-conditioning and consent-based handling can create lasting positive change.
You’ll also explore how this approach supports:
- Safer handling
- Improved emotional wellbeing
- Sustainable grooming careers
- Better long-term outcomes for dogs
Who is this workshop for?
- Groomers
- Trainers and behaviour professionals
- Veterinary professionals
- Guardians of handling-sensitive dogs
- Anyone interested in an animal-centric grooming business model
About Victoria Shepherd
Victoria Shepherd is the founder of Happy Henry’s!, a boutique grooming and training business focused on compassionate, welfare-first care.
She is a professional groomer, holistic grooming behaviour specialist, trainer and Level 6 Canine Behaviour student. Victoria is also the creator of the Happy Handling System and Foundation Games for Happy Handling, helping professionals and caregivers build trust, confidence and cooperation through ethical, dog-centred handling approaches.