Name: Jessica Davis.
Owner, Pawsitive Kinection Grooming in Penacook (856-1163, pawsitivekinection.com.)
How long have you been a dog trainer/groomer? How did you get started in the field? I’ve been a trainer for 12+ years and a groomer for three years. I was fortunate enough to apprentice under a master groomer. I started training because I had a very difficult dog that was very close to being put down for his behavior. Through training him and working with his quirks, we were able to adjust his behavior and he ended up being a top-notch agility competitor.
What led you to start your own business with Pawsitive Kinection? I love the human/canine relationship and the dynamics that make it work. I have an approach that weighs on my past experiences and also observes what is currently going on. With those two things put together, I can assess the relationship pretty well and help the relationship grow. I use these skills in my grooming. Since we are all trainers at Pawsitive Kinection Grooming, we have the extra level of skills so we don’t make you or your dog uncomfortable. The key is to have both the client and the dog want to come back for another visit.
What are some of the cool things you offer there? What can clients expect? Pawdicures, any color, glitter or no glitter, custom coloring, and fun cuts like mohawks! Hands-on grooming. We work as efficiently as we can, we hand dry and fluff and do everything that we possible can to make your dog comfortable.
How often do you recommend someone get their dog groomed? Depends on the breed. If your dog needs regular maintenance to keep in a breed-specific cut, I suggest every six weeks.
Are there any dog training myths you can debunk? There is not just one way to train a dog! You as an owner need to be an advocate for your dog and need to assess if the training methods you are using are benefiting you or your dog . . . don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for explanations from your trainer. An educated and thoughtful trainer will listen to your concerns and work with you, not tell you that there is only one way to do things.
You do agility training: what is the coolest trick you’ve ever taught a dog? Agility training turned into disc dog training . . . I have a killer high-flying back vault with my rescue dog, Gracie!
Be honest: working with animals is way more fun than working with humans, right? Heck yeah! Cool dogs are the result of cool owners, though.
If you could train any animal in the world, current or historic, what would it be and why? A T-Rex . . . why not? What could you train it to do with those little stumpy front legs?
What was the most difficult/time consuming dog you’ve ever groomed yourself? Livestock Guardian dogs, such as Great Pyrenees, they have a ton of coat and a true LGD spends their time with the sheep, living with the flock, in the barn, with the manure, hay, mud, grain, etc. – hours and hours of work, but very gratifying!
How many dogs do you own? Have they taught you any cool tricks? 14 . . . before you gasp, three are under 5 lbs. (my cats are bigger) and four are geriatric rescues that are living out their last months with us. They haven’t taught me any real tricks, but they gave me the best gift in learning about myself and what my real passions in life are.
What is your hidden talent? I knit, elaborate and custom hats. I have a huge waiting list for hats with custom personalized animal motifs.
What is your guilty pleasure? Music. I love going to see live shows, and have seen countless numbers of bands. And they are always better with a top shelf margarita!
