Pet To Pal Podcast · July 27, 2026 · 55 min

Dog Groomer Roundtable: Fear-Free Grooming, Puppy Mistakes & Grooming Myths

Professional dog grooming is about far more than making dogs look good. In this episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast , Matthew Maltese sits down with Nadia Bongelli , Mari Kusanagi (Top Knot Grooming) , and Karol (Scooby Grooms) for an honest discussion about the realities of the grooming industry. Together, they explore fear-free grooming, puppy introductions, cooperative care, handling difficult dogs, owner expectations, and how groomers, trainers, and veterinarians can work together to improve canine welfare. Whether you're a dog owner, groomer, trainer, veterinary professional, or simply passionate about dogs, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most misunderstood professions in the pet industry. In this episode: Fear-Free grooming explained Puppy first-groom tips Grooming myths and misconceptions Dog behavior during grooming Nail trims and handling challenges Grooming cats vs. dogs Social media's influence on grooming Ethical grooming and animal welfare Building better collaboration between groomers, trainers, and veterinarians