Changing the way dogs experience grooming.
Holistic education centred on dogs’ emotions, safety and consent.
A Warm Welcome from Stephanie
I’m Stephanie Zikmann, holistic dog groomer, author and educator.
This is your cosy corner of the internet to learn about gentle, evidence-led dog care.
Whether you’re a guardian, a pet professional, or simply curious, you’ll find free resources here to help you understand your dog better, reduce stress around grooming, and bring more calm, kindness and confidence into everyday care.
Explore My Books
You’ll also find planners, guides and fun educational reads for children.
Everything here is designed to help you and your dog feel more connected, confident and understood.
Grooming Courses
The Holistic Grooming Academy offers accredited courses, webinars and CPD for guardians and pet professionals who want to elevate their understanding of grooming, behaviour and wellbeing.
Join a kind-hearted community raising the standards of dog care through compassion, knowledge and positive-only methods.
loved the course
“I recently did the “Low Stress Grooming for Dog Care Professionals Lecture” And I loved it!
Stephanie is very kind person who knows what dogs actually need and how we should approach them. She has lots of knowledge for a holistic way towards animals and I highly recommend to everyone her courses, books and lectures.
They are all worth having, and I very strongly believe that our paw customers will be thanking us for the knowledge we will gain through the information from the Holistic Grooming Academy.
Thank you Stephanie, once again!”
KATRIN IVANOVA
Why Choose Compassionate Care?
It prioritises consent, emotional safety and individual needs, thereby reducing stress, improving trust, and supporting long-term wellbeing.
This approach empowers both guardians and professionals to work with the dog, not against them, leading to happier, healthier outcomes in grooming and daily care.
Builds Trust & Confidence
Compassionate care helps dogs feel safe, understood and respected creating a foundation of joint trust.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
By using gentle, consent-based methods, we lower fear and tension, helping even sensitive dogs stay calm and relaxed.
Supports Wellbeing
Holistic care considers the whole dog; body, mind and emotions, promoting healthier movement, behaviour and comfort.
Create Stronger Connections
When care is kind and collaborative, your relationship grows deeper, more connected and more enjoyable for you both.
passion, understanding and empathy
“Stephanie is absolutely incredible, she has presented training to our community the Pet Professional Network several times.
Her training has always been so insightful and so important to our community.
I’m proud to recommend Stephanie and love all the work she does. She’s a huge advocate for our four legged friends and helps educate so many people with passion, understanding and empathy.”
HELEN MOTTERAM
Discover The Latest in Kind Dog Care
Discover articles on behaviour science, low-stress handling, holistic grooming, and everyday wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking for practical tips or deeper understanding, you’ll find something here to support you and your dog.
Beyond the Lick: What Your Dog Is Really Trying to Tell You
How Conventional Grooming Contributes to Pain and Stress in Dogs: A Deep Dive and Roadmap to Recovery
Stop De-matting Dogs – Choosing Welfare Over Vanity
Why Does My Dog Stink? The Science (and Solutions) Behind Canine Odour
5 Simple Exercises to Keep Your Body Strong During Dog Grooming Appointments
How To Set Up Your Home For Low-Stress Grooming Success
How to Use my Pre-Grooming Session Questionnaire: Ensuring a Positive Start for Every Dog
How To Serve Dogs While Still Protecting Ourselves From Unrealistic Expectations
Dogs Are Like Onions: Understanding the Layers of Canine Wellbeing
Redefining Excellence: The Welfare Debate Within Grooming Competitions
Why I Would NEVER Use Drying Cabinets: The Science Behind Safer Dog Drying Methods
Why Neck Restraints in Dog Grooming Are Dangerous: The Science Behind Safer Alternatives
A New 2025 Study Proves The Significance of Trauma – What This Means For Groomers
3 Dangerous Grooming Myths That Are Harming Dogs: What Science Really Says
How to Create a Low-Stress Grooming Environment for Anxious Dogs: 5 Science-Based Tips
Beyond the Lick: What Your Dog Is Really Trying to Tell You
How Conventional Grooming Contributes to Pain and Stress in Dogs: A Deep Dive and Roadmap to Recovery
Stop De-matting Dogs – Choosing Welfare Over Vanity
Why Does My Dog Stink? The Science (and Solutions) Behind Canine Odour
5 Simple Exercises to Keep Your Body Strong During Dog Grooming Appointments
How To Set Up Your Home For Low-Stress Grooming Success
How to Use my Pre-Grooming Session Questionnaire: Ensuring a Positive Start for Every Dog
How To Serve Dogs While Still Protecting Ourselves From Unrealistic Expectations
Why I Would NEVER Use Drying Cabinets: The Science Behind Safer Dog Drying Methods
Why Neck Restraints in Dog Grooming Are Dangerous: The Science Behind Safer Alternatives
A New 2025 Study Proves The Significance of Trauma – What This Means For Groomers
3 Dangerous Grooming Myths That Are Harming Dogs: What Science Really Says
How to Create a Low-Stress Grooming Environment for Anxious Dogs: 5 Science-Based Tips
Beyond the Lick: What Your Dog Is Really Trying to Tell You
How Conventional Grooming Contributes to Pain and Stress in Dogs: A Deep Dive and Roadmap to Recovery
Dogs Are Like Onions: Understanding the Layers of Canine Wellbeing
Redefining Excellence: The Welfare Debate Within Grooming Competitions
Why I Would NEVER Use Drying Cabinets: The Science Behind Safer Dog Drying Methods
Why Neck Restraints in Dog Grooming Are Dangerous: The Science Behind Safer Alternatives
A New 2025 Study Proves The Significance of Trauma – What This Means For Groomers
3 Dangerous Grooming Myths That Are Harming Dogs: What Science Really Says
How to Create a Low-Stress Grooming Environment for Anxious Dogs: 5 Science-Based Tips
5 Simple Exercises to Keep Your Body Strong During Dog Grooming Appointments
How to Use my Pre-Grooming Session Questionnaire: Ensuring a Positive Start for Every Dog
How To Serve Dogs While Still Protecting Ourselves From Unrealistic Expectations
How to Create a Low-Stress Grooming Environment for Anxious Dogs: 5 Science-Based Tips
Care better for your dog every week
Get short, practical advice to make grooming and wellbeing feel easier.
Including gentle guidance, free resources and early access to new books and courses straight to your inbox.
Ready to start your journey to compassionate care?
However you choose to learn, through my books, the Academy, or free resources,
I’m here to support you and your dog every step of the way.