Calm Care Services At The Woof Wash

Because Not Every Dog Loves Grooming, And That's Okay

At The Woof Wash, we believe grooming should never be rushed, forced, or traumatic—especially for dogs who are anxious, reactive, senior, or just learning the ropes. That’s why we offer Calm Care: a flexible, dog-centered grooming approach designed to meet your pup where they are—emotionally and physically.

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Whether your dog has a history of grooming trauma, is new to the process, or just needs a little extra patience, Calm Care helps create a low-stress, positive experience every time.

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What Is Calm Care?

Calm Care is our specialized grooming approach for dogs who need more time, more patience, and a softer experience. It’s not a one-size-fits-all program—it’s a flexible, compassionate way of working with dogs who may struggle with certain parts of the grooming process, whether that’s the whole session or just one specific area like nail trims or drying.

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Some dogs need support from start to finish. Others are comfortable with most of the process but have sensitivities in one area. Some respond beautifully to treats and lick mats; others aren’t food-motivated and do better with quiet breaks or slow handling. Calm Care is about meeting your dog exactly where they are and adapting our grooming process to make it safer, smoother, and less stressful for everyone involved.

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Depending on your dog, Calm Care may involve:

• Extended appointment time to reduce pressure

• A quieter, low-stimulation environment (fewer dogs, less noise, white noise or calming music)

• Decompression walks outside before and throughout the appointment

• Positive tools like lick mats and high-value treats

• Enrichment toys like Kong Wobblers and treat puzzles 

• Second handlers for safe and gentle support and reassurance 

• Use of hypoallergenic or fragrance-free products

• Muzzles or other safety equipment—used only when necessary and always with care and communication

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Calm Care isn’t an “add-on”—it’s a philosophy. It’s how we groom dogs who need extra support, and how we build lasting trust with dogs who haven’t always had the best grooming experiences in the past. 

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Every dog is different. Our job is to listen, adjust, and build a plan that works for them—and for you.

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Who It's For ​

• Anxious or fearful dogs

• First-timers learning to tolerate grooming

• Rescue dogs with unknown grooming history

• Senior dogs with limited mobility or cognitive issues

• Dogs with reactivity, aggression, or trauma

• Any dog who’s had a tough grooming experience in the past​​

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If you're unsure whether your dog qualifies, just ask. We’re happy to guide you.

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Meet & Greet First

Before scheduling your dog’s first full grooming session with Calm Care, we strongly recommend a complimentary meet-and-greet. This short visit gives your dog a chance to:

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• Meet our groomers

• Sniff around and get familiar with the space

• Enjoy treats and gentle praise

• Leave with a positive experience, and no pressure

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We’ve found this step helps reduce anxiety and sets the tone for future visits. It also gives us a chance to connect with you and learn more about your dog’s behavior, history, and needs.

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What's Included​​

All Calm Canine Care appointments include:​

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• Extended grooming time to allow for breaks and slower pacing

• Gentle, calming handling techniques grounded in safety and compassion

• Soothing environment with low noise, soft lighting, and relaxing music

• Personal support from our owner, who is often in the room petting and reassuring your dog throughout the session

• Detailed behavior feedback after the groom, so you know what worked well and how your dog responded

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First Groom = Assessment

Your dog’s first Calm Care groom is not just a service—it’s an assessment. We’ll use this session to:

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• Gently test tolerance for each part of the grooming process

• Observe reactions to sound, touch, and tools

• Take breaks when needed

• Adjust our pacing and approach

• Document what works best so we can build a long-term plan

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We’ll follow up with you to share our observations and suggest a Calm Care ongoing strategy tailored to your dog.

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Calm Care Sessions = Ongoing Communication

Every Calm Care grooming session is guided by your dog’s comfort—and built on open, ongoing communication with you. We know how stressful it can be to leave a sensitive dog in someone else’s hands, which is why we keep you updated every step of the way.

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During each appointment, we offer text or phone updates to let you know how your dog is doing, what’s going well, and where we’re making adjustments. At pickup, we’ll provide a detailed, in-person behavior summary so you always feel informed and empowered in your dog’s care.

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Whether it’s your dog’s first Calm Care session or their tenth, we treat each visit as a chance to learn, build trust, and improve your dog’s experience over time.

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Pricing

Because every dog is different, Calm Canine Care pricing is based on your dog’s individual needs, behavior, and the level of support required during the grooming process. Some dogs may only need a little extra time and reassurance, while others may require extended sessions, a second handler, or specialized handling techniques.

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The additional cost for Calm Care typically ranges from $25 to $125, with most assessment grooms priced at $50. We’ll use your dog’s first grooming session to assess what adjustments are needed and discuss any pricing considerations with you directly. Our goal is always to be fair, transparent, and consistent.

Once we understand your dog’s needs, we do our best to keep pricing predictable going forward so you always know what to expect. As your dog becomes more comfortable, we’ll gently reduce the extra time, adjustments, and fee—because progress should be rewarded, and grooming should get easier every time.

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Ready To Get Started?

Schedule a complimentary Calm Care meet & greet or contact us with questions. We’re here to support you and your pup every step of the way.