Consent-Based Grooming at Woof Houze
Gentle. Respectful. Nervous-system first.
Consent-Based Grooming at Woof Houze
At Woof Houze, grooming is not a one-off service — it is a care plan.
We work on 4–6 week grooming cycles only, because consistency is how dogs learn what to expect, build trust, and feel safe being handled. Sporadic grooming creates uncertainty. Predictable care creates regulation.
Our grooming space is designed for dogs who have been labeled “difficult,” “anxious,” or “fearful” including dogs who have previously required sedation, medication, or could not be safely handled in traditional grooming environments.
Here, we do things differently.
We are a consent-based grooming facility, which means:
Dogs are given choice
We move at the dog’s pace
We prioritize emotional safety over speed
We take the time your dog needs — without pressure or force
By maintaining regular 4–6 week care plans, dogs develop familiarity with the environment, the handling process, and their care provider. That familiarity becomes predictability and predictability is what allows fear to soften and trust to grow.
Most importantly, our goal is simple:
We help dogs feel safe.
If you’re looking for a quick drop-in groom, we may not be the right fit.
If you’re looking for a place where your dog is seen, respected, and supported you’re in the right place.
Hello Visits with Woof Houze
Some dogs need more than a first appointment they need a first experience.
Our Hello Visits™ are short, structured introductions designed to help dogs get acquainted with our grooming space, meet out team, and explore the environment without pressure or expectation.
These visits are especially helpful for dogs with big feelings, past grooming trauma, or anxiety around handling and new places.
What a Hello Visit includes:
A calm introduction to the grooming space
Meeting without tools or procedures
Time for sniffing, observing, and settling
Gentle handling only if the dog chooses
No bathing, grooming, or restraint
We take pride in our No Touch, No Talk, Sniff First Model.
Schedule:
Tuesdays
8:00–10:00 AM
30 minutes per visit
Investment: $40.00
(Hello Visit fees are applied as a 50% credit toward your dog’s first grooming appointment when you move forward with a 4–6 week care plan.)
Hello Visits are not required for every dog, but they are strongly recommended for dogs who have struggled with grooming in the past or need additional time to feel safe.
Dogs who have required sedation, medication, or have been unable to be handled in previous grooming environments must complete a Hello Visit prior to scheduling grooming services.
Medication Policy
For the safety and wellbeing of every dog in our care, we do not provide grooming services for dogs who are medicated for grooming or handling (including sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, or calming agents given specifically for appointments).
Because our approach is consent-based and trauma-informed, it’s essential that dogs are fully present and able to communicate comfort, stress, and boundaries through their body language. Medication interferes with this communication and can compromise both safety and trust.
If your dog currently requires medication to tolerate grooming, we recommend working with your veterinary team and a behavior professional before pursuing grooming services with us.
Why doesn’t Woof Houze accept medicated dogs?
Our grooming work relies on observing and responding to a dog’s natural communication. When a dog is medicated for grooming or handling, it can mask stress signals and remove the dog’s ability to give clear consent. For this reason, we require dogs to arrive unmedicated so we can support them safely, respectfully, and at their own pace.
Meet Gabby — Canine Coach & Grooming Stylist
Gabby has been part of the Woof Houze family for years, serving as one of our dedicated Canine Coaches and supporting countless dogs through their emotional and behavioral journeys in the Academy.
After apprenticing under our Head Stylist, Lindsay, Gabby has expanded her craft to include Bath & Brush services, bringing her signature calm, patient presence to the grooming table. She approaches every dog with empathy, intention, and respect never force, never rush.
Known for her gentle touch and deep understanding of canine body language, Gabby specializes in consent-based grooming, helping dogs feel safe, comfortable, and seen throughout their care.
She’s now accepting new clients for:
• Bath & Brush
• Nail Trims & Filing
• De-Shed Services
• Harmony Baths™ (a co-bathing experience for guardians who want to learn cooperative care at home)
At Woof Houze, Gabby continues to groom with heart and harmony, ensuring each dog’s experience reflects the trust, connection, and compassion that define our work.
Please Read
🐾 Important
We do not offer full haircuts at this time.
Our focus is building safety, trust, and confidence around handling + touch.
This service is ideal for:
• Dogs with big feelings
• Dogs who’ve had stressful grooming experiences
• Puppies learning handling skills
• Guardians wanting gentle care + communication
• Dogs in BraveFace™ conditioning
If your dog needs a haircut, we’re happy to book you with lead stylist Lindsay. Her schedule is very limited with only Thursday available for new clients, please email bark@woofhouze.com for availability.
When booking a 50% deposit will be required to confirm. This request will be sent via email with a link to our Let’s Get Acquainted form. This is required for service.
Consent-Based Bath & Brush
Pricing begins at $55.00 and is based off of weight and coat health.
(Final price determined with groomer)
Your dog deserves to feel safe while being cared for.
Our Bath + Brush service is built for dogs with big feelings those who need time, choice, and emotional safety to experience handling without fear.
This session includes:
✔ Gentle cleansing + brush-out
✔ Handling at your dog’s pace
✔ Quiet rest breaks when needed
✔ Nervous-system aware touch
✔ Optional BraveFace™ support
✔ Two-way communication throughout
Why no fixed price?
Because no two dogs are the same.
Their size, coat condition, and emotional comfort determine the level of time + support they need.
Your groomer will provide the final price after your dog’s introduction + comfort assessment.
• De-shed / Coat Recovery — Book under that service
🐾 We do not offer full haircuts at this time.
Our focus is on building handling confidence and emotional safety first.
When booking a 50% deposit will be required to confirm. This request will be sent via email with a link to our Let’s Get Acquainted form. This is required for service.
📩 To inquire or book:
→ Request Appointment