Happy Handling - Holistic Grooming Workshop

We’re delighted to welcome Victoria Shepherd, founder of Happy Henry’s!, to Healthy Pet Store for an engaging and thought-provoking workshop exploring welfare-led approaches to grooming and handling. The Happy Handling Workshop is designed to help attendees better understand why many dogs struggle with grooming procedures and how games, choice and trust-based handling can transform the experience for both dogs and humans, whilst still providing a financially stable business model. This interactive workshop allows time for discussion and questions throughout, making it ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of cooperative care and canine wellbeing.
What the workshop covers
- Understanding the challenge
- Tools & systems that change the picture
- Real-life application

Topics include:
- Stress, fear and trigger stacking in dogs
- Why handling sensitivity develops
- Recognising signs of discomfort and overwhelm
- Safer handling
- Improved emotional wellbeing
- Sustainable grooming careers
- Better long-term outcomes for dogs

Who is this workshop for?
- Groomers
- Trainers and behaviour professionals
- Veterinary professionals
- Guardians of handling-sensitive dogs
- Anyone interested in an animal-centric grooming business model

About Victoria Shepherd
Victoria Shepherd is the founder of Happy Henry’s!, a boutique grooming and training business focused on compassionate, welfare-first care.
She is a professional groomer, holistic grooming behaviour specialist, trainer and Level 6 Canine Behaviour student. Victoria is also the creator of the Happy Handling System and Foundation Games for Happy Handling, helping professionals and caregivers build trust, confidence and cooperation through ethical, dog-centred handling approaches.

About the Healthy Pet Store
Healthy Pet Store is a welcoming space for pet caregivers of dogs, cats and other meat-eating animals. We offer a range of quality food, natural treats, enrichment toys and animal-friendly training gear, alongside knowledgeable, friendly support from our in-store team. Our mission is to create an engaging and welcoming shopping experience for caregivers of cats, dogs and other meat-eating animals, and with our events, to foster a place where learning and community come together.