Headstart Hounds
Your #1 resource for training your dog for grooming
Has your groomer told you that your dog is difficult for grooming? Maybe your dog shakes like a phone on vibrate when the grooming van pulls up. Have you said the phrase “he/she doesn’t like being brushed”? Then this page is for you! I’m here to help dog owners just like you train their dogs for the grooming process. Stress-free grooming is something that is currently not very common and I’m looking to help solve the problem!
Hi! I’m Terri Yezzi! I’m a dog groomer, dog trainer and a canine lifestyle coach. With 20+ years of experience in the dog world, my passion is helping dogs living the best life possible. Dogs should be more than just something that gets fed, given water and a bed to sleep on. They need mental and physical stimulation, structure, training, a job (or something to do). They also need to feel like part of a pack, aka you, your family, your other pets etc.
I have combined my grooming and training skills to help dogs learn to tolerate grooming. And I’ve put together a ton of recourses to help their owners, like you, properly teach them how. Grooming is an essential part of a dog’s life, and unfortunately a necessary evil in their eyes. Even dogs with short coats should have at the very least, their nails done every 4-8 weeks to prevent injury to the foot, leg, hip etc. Many people don’t realize how important just that small simple thing is, to consistently have done.
Why is grooming so important?
Many dog owners feel that consistent grooming is not a necessary part of their dog’s life, but in reality, it is. Even dogs with short coats can benefit from being groomed consistently. Here is a quick true story from my personal life…
I groom this client dog every 4 weeks, at the time my apprentice had still been working with me and learning. She turned to me and said “Terri, she has really big lumps on her neck”. After a quick discussion we realized that those lumps were not there 4 weeks prior. With my Veterinary Science schooling I knew to immediately check other lymph node areas. She in fact had 6 swollen lymph nodes. We finished her groom and told her owner to make an appointment at the vet. It turns out she had a very aggressive form of cancer. She was treated immediately, and she lived an extra 9 months than what the vet had originally given them, all because we caught it early. If she hadn’t been groomed so consistently nobody would have noticed until it was too late.
That is not the first-time things like that have happened. I’ve groomed multiple dogs with medical issues I sent them to the vet to have looked at. The owners had no clue that something was amiss. I’ve heard this from multiple groomers as well. Groomers see their clients’ dogs much more consistently than the vet does and a good groomer will be able to pick up on such changes to the dog. When a dog is only groomed once a year, it is less likely for anyone to pick up on subtle issues they might be having.
Proper Grooming:
Proper grooming is also important for dogs like Doodles, Poodle mixes, Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzu, Husky’s, German Shepherd, Goldens, Samoyed’s etc. Their coat needs a certain kind of care. The long-coated breeds need bath, brush and haircut to prevent matting which can become extremely painful for the dog. Double coated breeds need proper bath and brush to help their skin breathe as well as keep them properly insulated from the elements ie: warm in winter, cool in summer. If the coat gets impacted (hair caught in the coat) the skin can’t breathe, and the dog’s body has a difficult time regulating body temperature.
Why Clipping and Grinding your dogs nails is so important!
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed isn’t just about looks — it’s an essential part of their overall health and comfort. When a dog’s nails grow too long, they can change the way your dog walks, putting unnecessary pressure on the joints and spine. Over time, this can lead to pain, posture problems, and even arthritis. Regular nail care keeps your dog’s feet healthy and ensures they can move comfortably and confidently.
Long nails can also cause more immediate problems. They’re prone to splitting, snagging, or breaking, which can be painful and lead to infections. Dogs with overgrown nails are also at risk of slipping on smooth floors or having trouble gaining traction. This increases the chance of injury — especially in older or less coordinated dogs. By keeping nails short and smooth, you’re preventing these small but significant risks before they ever start.
The Difference of Grinding:
Grinding, in addition to clipping, plays an important role in comfort and safety. While clipping removes the bulk of the nail, grinding helps smooth out sharp edges and allows for a closer, more precise finish. This not only makes the nails less likely to catch on carpets or scratch skin, but also helps dogs who may be sensitive to long nails touching the ground. For many pups, grinding can make walking and playing much more comfortable.
Beyond the physical benefits, regular nail care can build trust and calm between you and your dog. With gentle handling and positive experiences, nail care sessions can become opportunities to strengthen your bond. Instead of dreading nail trims, your dog can learn to relax and feel safe — a big step toward overall grooming confidence and emotional well-being.