Why Groomers Resist Change (And Why HGA Philosophy Matters).

Consent is not a choice.

The uncomfortable truth about an industry clinging to outdated methods.

For example, consent isn't something you choose to do sometimes - it's something you do because there's no other choice.

Yet every day, I encounter groomers who believe that because they occasionally groom a dog on the floor, they sometimes implement freework, or they often decide to use one restraint rather than two, they're already practicing 'holistic grooming'. They're missing the point entirely.

The Resistance I See Daily

It's not just about the 1,499.00 course fee - though my recent polls revealed that affordability plays a key role in why groomers don't want to invest or commit to learning these concepts. It's deeper than that. It's about being asked to examine everything you thought you knew about your profession and admit that maybe - just maybe - what felt like "good enough" actually isn't.

The affordability barrier is real, but it reveals something more troubling: we've created an industry where groomers appear to struggle to financially commit to education that matters most, whilst simultaneously facing increasing risks and liability.

The Aesthetic Trap

We're hardwired for neoteny - our brains crave pretty things. The grooming industry has capitalised on this beautifully, creating an Instagram-worthy culture where success is measured by how flawless that freshly preened pooch has been styled to breed standard.

But here's what I've learned after years of being ridiculed for my approach: consent isn't about being better groomers - it's about being better humans.

While groomers dig their heels in, the statistics tell a stark and worsening story:

• 9,277 hospital admissions for dog bites in 2022-2023 - a staggering 47% increase from a decade earlier (NHS Digital).

• 11 people died from dog bites between January 2022 and 2023

• Over 6,000 dog bites required hospital treatment in 2023

These aren't just numbers!

These represent a system that is failing humans, but most importantly, dogs, because these numbers highlight a culture that often misunderstands even the most obvious dog signals.

Could these numbers represent a dog that was pushed beyond their limits?

Could these numbers reflect a widespread lack of canine understanding that is crying out to be addressed?

I think so...

Reframing the Affordability Question

When groomers tell me they can't afford to pay to learn HGA Philosophy, I understand - for many this is a genuine concern, but for many more it's not necessarily that they can't afford professional development, they just don't see HGA Philosophy as a requirement for personal progression, and that's where they have been misled.

For those who genuinely are struggling, it comes down to budgeting and planning - putting aside money every month to eventually invest in something they know in their heart is going to benefit them.

Because what's the cost of NOT investing in canine-focused skills, such as advanced canine behaviour, communication within a grooming-specific context?

• Insurance claims from bite incidents can reach thousands

• Lost clients when dogs become increasingly stressed

• Physical and emotional toll of wrestling fearful dogs daily

• Reputation damage in an increasingly welfare-conscious market

• The personal cost of ending each day knowing you've contributed to stress rather than relieved it

What if we viewed HGA Philosophy differently?

• This isn't an expense, it's an investment that could be considered professional insurance - reducing the likelihood of dog-related injuries and burnout

• This is not additional training - it's essential competency and natural evolution

• It's not about fixing "what is wrong" - it's about advancing industry standards where it counts

Many of the groomers who can't afford this education actively spend money in more aesthetic-focused events and/or training - in these instances, it's not that they "can't afford it" at all, it's that they don't consider welfare-focused skills, an enhancement to their existing services.

This is a real, crying shame.

Some groomers who say they implement consent principles every now and then, are afraid to go all-in and risk losing their clientele or professional status - they fear judgement, they fear unmet expectations, they fear ridicule.

I get it, it's scary! But in all honesty, both groomers are missing an opportunity to embrace a movement that will, and already is, taking over existing grooming expectations...

What True Consent Looks Like

Consent isn't a technique you can pick up and put down like any other grooming tool in your toolkit. It's not "I'll be gentle with this dog because he is elderly". It's a fundamental shift in how we show up for every single dog, every single day.

When you truly understand why dog's need HGA Philosophy, you can't unknow it. You can't go back to unreasonably restraining all, or some, dogs or forcing procedures because your conscience won't allow it. It becomes morally impossible.

The Path Forward

The groomers who embrace HGA Philosophy aren't just changing their techniques - they're changing who they are. They're becoming professionals that dog's choose rather than endure.

But change is hard when conventional grooming associations and initiatives reward the wrong mindset. When society praise the technical styling skills over effective communication skills. When social media celebrates aesthetically-pleasing trims over calm and relaxing grooming sessions. When we measure success by speed rather than achieving confidence and resilience.

Breaking Through the Affordability Excuse and Embracing HGA Philosophy

My research revealed that affordability is relative to mindset - if you know that existing processes are wrong, you will find the money to invest, but if you lack understanding in why existing processes are wrong, you will find a reason not to commit.

I know that through HGA Philosophy, groomers can expect:

• To charge higher rates and feel good about it - clients who seek you out see your value and are willing to pay premium rates to bring their dog to you

• Client retention - dogs that show progress create customers who never take you for granted

• Reduced stress and injury for both dogs and groomers - a calmer environment leads to a safe environment

• Professional reputation enhances and wider pet care sector collaboration becomes a natural occurrence (vets, behaviourists and trainers all want to work with you)

The question isn't whether you can afford this education - it's whether you can afford to remain in an industry that's increasingly dangerous, stressful and financially unsustainable without it.

If you can still choose to restrain and force a dog into compliance during grooming processes despite knowing the emotional and physical strain it places on them, you haven't truly embraced holistic grooming philosophy at all.

The affordability barrier is real, yes, but with budgeting and determination to do better, it is well within reach.

Investing in professional recognition where it matters - The HGA has built up a strong and steady reputation around the world, as a leading behaviour-led, science-backed grooming educational entity that is supported by some of the world's most inspiring and well-respected pet professionals - is not wasting money on a skill you think you already have, it is investing in a certification that holds credibility in an area that is progressively becoming the new industry baseline.

HGA Philosophy supports professional groomers in their journey towards a more animal-centred ethos and approach, and it's something I hold very close to my heart.