Beyond the Grooming Table: Why I Started This Blog

If you had told me years ago that I’d be living with four Border Collies and a Terrier, I would have laughed.  Although, I’d lived with multiple dogs before, so sticking to 1 or 2 breeds makes more sense.  But seriously, 4 border collies?  And a terrier?!

Yet here I am — a professional dog groomer whose life is shaped as much by the dogs at home as the ones on the grooming table.

Beyond the Grooming Table exists because there’s a side of dog ownership, care, and growth that fits around my grooming job. It’s the part that happens at home, in real life, when routines break, energy runs high, and learning never stops.  There are no better teachers about dog behaviour than dogs themselves.

Why “Beyond the Grooming Table”

The grooming table teaches you a lot — patience, observation, timing, and trust.but living with dogs teaches you everything else.

Beyond the grooming table is where:

• Behaviour can be observed informally.

• Training and playtime become one

• Structure and meeting dog’s needs, affect daily life

• Surprising lessons are learnt

This blog lives in that space — where professional experience meets everyday reality

Life With Five Dogs

Living with five dogs means nothing is theoretical.

With four Border Collies and a Terrier,  “when I have time,” becomes laughable, everything plays out in real time — every day — whether I’m ready or not.  Learning is happening constantly not just when I am ready to train,

Some days are calm, structured, and rewarding.Other days are loud, chaotic, and stressful.

Both belong here.

What You’ll Find on Beyond the Grooming Table

This blog is about:

• Life with multiple high-energy dogs

• Transferring knowledge from the grooming table to home and vice versa

• Training lessons learned the hard way

• Honest reflections on patience, leadership, and growth

• The realities of living and working with dogs

I will share what I’ve learned — on the table and beyond it.

Who This Blog Is For

If you:

• Love dogs and want to learn more

• Want honest advice, not perfection

• Live with one dog or many

• Work with dogs or simply want to understand them better

You’re in the right place.

Beyond the Grooming Table is for people who want real conversations about dogs, care, and continual learning — without judgement.

Thanks for being here at the beginning. The dogs and I are glad you found us.