Please note javascript is required for full website functionality.

Groomabilities

Groomabilities Classes & Private Training for the Wairarapa

Our Groomabilities programmes are All About teaching dogs to love grooming
 "Hey! Did you know? Grooming can be FUN! ”

Who Groomabilities is for:

Puppies who haven’t yet been groomed

Let’s teach your puppy to love being groomed right from the start—it’s a lot easier than fixing the problem later, and will make for a lifetime of easy groom visits or home grooming.

Dogs who are uncomfortable being groomed

If your dog is a little wary of the bathtub, or squirmy and impatient when you try to brush his fur, a little Groomabilities training will transform him into a happy, cooperative pooch.

Dogs who all-out hate or fear being groomed

For dogs who have had a bad grooming experience and/or who are convinced grooming means the end of the world, we recommend our Private Groomabilities training programme.

Dedicated dog parents who want to groom their dogs at home

Just want to give your dog a bath without getting soaked? Trim your dog’s nails without having to coax her out from underneath the bed? Groomabilities is just the thing!


Little Groomies

A gentle introduction to grooming that sets your puppy up for life.

Your puppy's first grooming experiences can shape how they feel about being groomed for years to come.

Ideal for puppies 3–6 months:

  • Build confidence with handling and grooming equipment
  • Learn to enjoy brushing, bathing, and drying
  • Create positive associations with all aspects of the grooming process
  • Develop calmness and confidence in the grooming environment
  • Help prevent fear and stress around future grooming appointments
  • Give your puppy the best possible foundation for a lifetime of grooming

Package details:

Little Groomies is a five-session puppy grooming package, with each session building confidence step by step. Suitable for puppies aged 3–6 months, these are one-to-one appointments in my calm, home-based grooming salon.

The sessions are tailored to your puppy's individual progress, with the focus on building lifelong confidence rather than rushing towards a full groom. The first four sessions are 30-minute appointments, and the final session brings together all the previous learning with a gentle bath and tidy.

$245

Ready to set your puppy up for a lifetime of happy grooming?


Puppy Groomabilities Group Training Class

For all puppies

Working on site in our grooming salon, this small group class (3 puppies only!) provides hands-on support and guidance through real-life exercises designed to teach puppies to enjoy grooming right out of the gate. We’ll get your pup comfortable with grooming equipment like brushes, nail trimmers, the bathtub, and the blow dryer. We’ll teach her how to work with us during a groom by volunteering her paws and resting her chin in our hands. We show her that being touched all over can feel great. We’ll even work up to an actual bath and nail trim.

Class details:

Puppy Groomabilities group training class runs for 5 weeks, including an orientation session without your puppy to help set you up for training success.

$280

Class is held at All About the Hound HQ in Masterton on Saturdays.

Only 3 puppies per class, so grab your spot right away!

Ready for a lifetime of easy grooming?

"Psst... grooming doesn't have to be stressful. Let's make it easier!"

Groomabilities Group Training Class

For dogs with mild to moderate fear of grooming

Working on site in our grooming salon, this small group class (3 dogs only!) provides hands-on support and guidance through real-life exercises designed to take the scary out of grooming. We’ll get your dog comfortable with grooming equipment like brushes, nail trimmers, the bathtub, and the blow dryer. We’ll teach her how to work with us during a groom by volunteering her paws and resting her chin in our hands. We show her that being touched all over can feel great. We’ll even work up to an actual bath and some nail trimming.

Class details:

Groomabilities group training class runs for 5 weeks, including an orientation session without your dog to help set you up for training success.

$280

Class is held at All About the Hound HQ in Masterton on Saturdays.

Only 3 dogs per class, so grab your spot right away!

Ready for easy grooming?


Groomabilities Private Training

For dogs with mild to severe fear of grooming

If your dog is severely uncomfortable being groomed, or you just don’t have time for group class, drop your dog off for personalised private Groomabilities training with our certified dog trainer and groomer, April Williams. April will design and guide your dog through a customised training plan to overcome her grooming fears.

Private training details:

Groomabilities private training begins with an Initial Consult to assess your dog’s training needs, after which April will provide a customised training programme recommendation.

Price on Application

Private training is held onsite at All About the Hound HQ in Masterton.

Ready for grooming relief for you and your dog?


Groom With Me

Learn to groom your own dog with confidence

Our DIY home grooming workshop is All About confidence, comfort, and practical skills. Whether you want to save on regular grooming costs, have a dog who finds salon visits stressful, or simply want to learn how to care for your dog's coat at home, this private workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started.

What you'll learn:

  • Choosing the right grooming equipment
  • Safe clipping and scissoring basics
  • Bathing and drying techniques
  • Brushing to prevent matting
  • Low-stress handling and positive grooming habits

Workshop details:

Groom With Me is a private one-to-one 3-hour workshop with your dog. It includes a comprehensive DIY Grooming Booklet to take home, plus ongoing support if you need help afterwards.

Price: $450

Ready to groom with confidence?

Book your Groom With Me workshop today.


Meet your instructor & trainer, April Williams

You are awesome!

It’s so great that you’re here. So many dog parents force their dogs through stressful and frightening grooming experiences year after year, not knowing what else to do. I’m so glad you found All About the Hound and are considering our Groomabilities programme to help your dog overcome her grooming fears. You’re both going to feel so much better next time bath time rolls around or a grooming appointment pops up on the schedule. You just won’t believe the difference this is going to make!

Learn more about April and her professional credentials.

A message from our mascot, Wallie


Groomabilities Is The Word

A poem by Wallie

Have you heard?
Groomabilities is the word!

If your dog hates her groom,
Don’t worry; she’ll soon be over the moon.

We know you’re going to love it, too
Just choose the program that best suits you.

No more splashing at bath time
No more hearing your dog whine

Now when it’s time to go the salon
your dog will pull to get there, full-on.

Is it magic? Could it be true?
It’s simply amazing what training can do!

Don't just take our word for it!