Taking chances with a nippy Border Collie

[@dakerridge]

Hydees mom here!!! Thank you so much Vanessa!!!! I’m so proud of hydee and thankful for your kindness and patience with her!!!

[@maryeckel9682]

She's a lovely girl!

[@roadhog9584]

She’s such a kind girl just a little scared and smart. She will get better

[@juliewilson3237]

She’s a beautiful dog and although she was scared , I thought she did so good. ❤

[@arekushieru9367]

I had a border collie/English Springer Spaniel and a border collie/German shepherd cross. Just like your dog they were both incredibly intelligent. Whenever Vanessa said something and she wagged her tail you knew she understood what Vanessa was saying! So adorable!

[@nyashaphillips5100]

Yes Vanessa is so patient & her kind words helped her to calm down. She was so amazing

[@EEsmalls]

I think it's great that the former groomer suggested going here instead of being more concerned about making money for themselves

[@kohlinoor]

​@@wmoule I'm oretty sure you can't make thousands of dollars without millions of followers. Adsense is usually pennies a watch, from what I've heard.

[@tammarastephens3728]

The sign of a good Practitioner is knowing their limitations & when to refer out. From doctors dentists hair stylists animal groomers etc.

[@hannahshark8080]

I love when groomers prioritize animal welfare over money. It's literally what we train for: the animals.

[@helentee9863]

​@@wmoule Girl with the Dogs (the groomer in this video) isn't making thousands of dollars, and at least some of the money she makes on yt goes to local animal charities. The groomer who referred this dog to Girl with the Dogs did it for the sake of the animal

[@Taizunx]

@@helentee9863 2+ million subscribers and almost a billion views across all of her videos. Yea sure, she isn't making thousands... 🙃 Please don't be naive. She makes thousands upon thousands upon thousands, and there's nothing wrong with that.

[@ace-of-bats]

Vanessa, the whistling-whimpering distraction noises not only worked on Heidi, they also worked on all four of my cats. 😂 (The cats are hilariously fascinated with your videos!)

[@haggielady]

It worked on the one cat who was sitting on my lap. She was fascinated with where it was coming from. My earplugs. I have very clean earlobes now, a new first from Midnight!

[@jennifermcfadden8713]

@@haggielady how do you get rid of eye boogers our dog gets eye boogers all the time my mom yanks her eye boogers and bindi yelps

[@janetseidlitz5976]

@@jennifermcfadden8713 It is normal for some dogs to have eye boogers. Regular grooming is a must. A gentle shampoo and a fine-toothed comb helps remove the staining and buildup on fur.

[@dmack9431]

@@jennifermcfadden8713 She uses a flea comb.

[@failtolawl]

average childless behavior comment

[@midwestern.berner39]

You can tell Heidi wants to please. She doesnt seem like she wants to go straight to biting. If you watch her body language, you can see Heidi hesitate as shes turning her head like she might try to bite. Heidi clearly likes Vanessa but shes a nervous little bean. Shes also a really smart girl

[@CraftyZanTub]

Boarder collies are one of the smartest breeds of dogs.

[@Blood-PawWerewolf]

@@CraftyZanTub one of? They are THE smartest dog.

[@anthonynotte5901]

You can tell from watching the video specifically if you observe the dog’s body language that she’s obviously nervous, and not aggressive. However, when a dog is nervous, they usually will do things that they won’t normally do like showing aggression. I am just happy that Vanessa took the initiative and put the muzzle on this dog to prevent any issues. People often think that putting a muzzle on a dog is mean and is often considered a punishment when that’s actually not the case. Putting a muzzle on a nervous dog will prevent them from doing harm to anyone and themselves. You have to be aware of what the dog is trying to convey via body language and she did the right thing. Well done.

[@magickelfgirl]

Heidi looks and acts very similar to my own Border mix, and one thing I've learned about her is that those "bites" aren't aggression towards the person, what she's trying to bite is the object that is making her nervous (which unfortunately is in the person's hand, so it looks like she's trying to bite, but she really isn't).

[@Teenage_Mutant_Ginga_Ninja]

That herding instinct really catches on when they're nervous. It can overcome training pretty easily if it's a situation they've never been in before. Border collies are some of the greatest dogs, always wanting to please. Unfortunately, even with how smart they are, they have trouble keeping more than one thing on their mind at once. Those nips may not be full-on bites, but they could surely hurt like one if the dog is too stressed or excited. ALWAYS go off of a dogs body language, not their actions. Keep in mind that no matter how smart they are, they don't understand everything. Common sense can be hard to find in a border collie if they haven't been trained in every situation. My Lily is a genius. Everyone who has seen her thinks she's the most trained dog they've ever seen. Sometimes, that means I gotta keep an eye on her even more. She has no common sense. She came out to tell on the cats for doing things they weren't supposed to once. She came out and sat at my feet cause I was busy talking. She ended up sitting in the fire I was standing next to...... (she wasn't hurt at all, but couldn't understand why I was freaking out at her trying to get her to move. Which made her not move as fast as she normally would have when telling her to.) Border collies have so much empathy and are so intelligent. If you can train them and keep up with their energy, they're the perfect dog. The nipping can be a problem though, so socialize with other animals and especially children at a young age.

[@Winnie-Kay]

Kudos to the former groomer for recognizing, and suggesting, Heidi's needs for a more quiet environment.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I'm not a border collie, and I also don't like the noise of a blow dryer. Though I don't usually bite.

[@chiberjuberdourado2487]

@@MonkeyJedi99 Usually! 😂

[@TheRealEvvonne]

She definitely likes to be talked to and kept in the loop step by step ❤

[@maryeckel9682]

I'm like that at the salon, too

[@Wally943]

The fact that you talk to your four legged clients constantly is the reason you have so much success with nervous animals. Your calm voice helps them calm down.

[@pestpaladin]

You call them "Crazy Eyes"... At our house we call it "The Stank Eye"

[@michellekrummey]

Shoot her calm voice helps my anxious ass calm down lol

[@jflyiii1682]

@@michellekrummey seriously- me too!

[@sipi2009]

​@@michellekrummey Lmao me too!

[@Hans-MVauEs]

Like the Lady with the bees😊

[@michaels4n]

I LOVE seeing an anxious dog get through the grooming process without hostile behavior. You really know how to recognize and work around their body language!

[@barbarashields5552]

Precisely

[@Smokey35400]

Dogs are so expressive. I wish they understood when people arent trying to hurt them😩. Poor thing was so cute

[@jennifblair]

I think they understand when people aren't trying to hurt them. I think it's unintentionally hurting them that they worry about. Dogs that bite due to only anxiety seem to be very remorseful afterwards.

[@Kyosumari]

Okay, but apply this logic to humans and any fear based response. Fear and emotion is the opposite of logic - I think Heidi could tell that Vanessa is a good person and isn't there to hurt her, but that doesn't stop the nerves. Same way just because I know Im safe doesn't stop my PTSD or self preservation instincts.

[@purgxzur1]

@@Kyosumari this. if i was in the position of the dog even knowing what was going on i think I'd be much more aggressive because i get so easily overstimulated (thanks to autism) and i hate being wet

[@pamelacass9642]

Humans can't tell sometimes if another human has intentions of hurting them; asking a lot of animals to have a similar understanding.

[@wheezie923]

She did great❤

[@scottrobb651]

Heidi: I will tolerate the dryer for now but i am borrowing an kitty timer

[@that.neurodivergent]

So true 😂

[@Shy_Shy968]

😂😂😂

[@LumaFuwari]

Poor girl WANTS to take a little nibble multiple times but held back and somehow that was the cutest darn thing to me

[@TheBaumcm]

Yeah almost saying “if I wasn’t such a lady, I would choose violence”

[@kittysoft_pawwws5127]

@@TheBaumcm 😂

[@sipi2009]

Ikr, you can tell she's constantly on high alert, poor thing! I can relate, but she was being a very good girl indeed and resisting her insticts, and the little hapoy wag everytime she got through a hard part was just too cute, and super relatable lol.

[@Smokey35400]

You know a doggo is nervous when they dont take treats lol

[@ironhead2008]

Happens with ours when the weather gets bad. WILL NOT take the CBD treats unless its slathered in peanut butter- even then it's a 50/50 shot.

[@ferretyluv]

Or a husky.

[@damejanea.macdonald2371]

Hydee is the most relatable dog I ever did see. Is scared by new experiences, doesn't like loud noises, and likes being talked to in a gentle voice. Same, girl.

[@sipi2009]

Lmao I know right?

[@th0rne_999]

She's so happy when you praise her after she's quiet! And the head tilts at the end. So cute.

[@sipi2009]

Ikrrr, my heart. 🥹❤️

[@SharonRaeRyan]

How many "good"s does a good girl get when a good girl does not bite?

[@mindsQuill]

​@@MsTeree precious comment right there!😂

[@trixie9777]

😂😂😂 cute!

[@jordanhasch2544]

I love that side eye she gave you when you turned the water on. "Girl...what is THAT?"

[@melnichol25]

She reminds me of my border collie - lab mix. We adopted her at age 2 and she was very anti loud noise, but after a couple months of people using hairdryers and other loud noises around her she had no problems. Turning 13 next month! She still whines like a little baby in the bath though...

[@BlueBoy0]

My cat is the same. When I adopted her four years ago she was so terrified of thunder she'd hide under the bed. Now she just puts a paw over her eyes and goes back to sleep.

[@victoriakraft6055]

I also have two border collie, lab mixes. Very intelligent and vocal friends 🎈

[@reneequalls5878]

Aw I’m so dang proud of her! I was super emotionally invested in this groom lol. You can see how hard it was for her and she did so good!

[@mindsQuill]

Same! I was happy crying at the end of the groom! Lovely to have witnessed something so precious 😊

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

You spotted that small lift of the lip so quickly, I had to rewind to notice her showing you her teeth! Your experience and power of observation always amaze me!

[@RestFromTheStreets]

Same here! It was such a minute movement, and yet Vanessa noted it as soon as it happened. Seriously impressive!

[@04straw]

Apparently, the border collie half took charge today, instead of the golden retriever half. Poor girl was so scared. And she has VERY expressive eyes. ❤️🐾 I love your approach with the dogs. I've seen so many of your videos where you've said, "The owners have told me so and so", and then they proceed to make liars of their humans. 😄

[@BooFlo62]

I think it's great Vanessa has an open dialogue with the owners- the whole reason these dogs make liars of their humans is Vanessa was warned of typical behaviour, and anticipates and adapts based on that info

[@mmcsquared001]

One of the few times lying is ok! 😊

[@franciscook5819]

What a lovely intelligent, if nervous, dog. I was so impressed that Vanessa did so well in calming her - even getting tails wags when grooming the dog's feet.

[@trex3003]

This dog's eye contact with you is amazing. She was so open to being reassured by you, and looked at you constantly as if saying, You really aren't going to hurt me? Ok, then.

[@iggysmice3087]

The way she kept swinging her head like she was planning to bite but decided not to at the last moment, such a good girl even if she's afraid! I wonder if she started to show more positive signs towards the end of the groom because she knew the bath and dry were over so it was ending soon.

[@c.a.parker5036]

Thanks for explaining the signs of anxiety. It helps me read my own dog's body language better. ❤

[@GotAnUmbrella]

If you need help reading dog body language read "Doggie Language" by Lili Chin. Her posters are used by countless vets, dog trainers, etc. and she's really well respected. SHe also just put out/is putting out a cat version of her book.

[@ToastontheEastCoast]

The teeth and wide eyes when working on those front feet, she was definitely saying her boundaries were being pushed. She did exceptionally well with the patience and understanding Vanessa has for her clients. Beautiful girl.

[@JennyandtheCats]

How beautiful!

[@PR-pe9oc]

I’m very glad that u don’t speak ill of other groomers. U have a special gift, and I could tell Heidi trusted u. Not all personalities work together. Nothing against the other groomer. I’m just glad u were able to connect, with Heidi, and help relax her so she could enjoy being pampered. ☺️

[@Triple_Y_turn]

Actually, I think the other groomer made an excellent choice by recommending hernowners take her somewhere else, specifically to a more quiet environment. Part of being a professional is sayying if you can't provide the best service possible for the wellbeing of the animal

[@ettinakitten5047]

I feel like the biggest problem for the other groomer was probably a work environment where multiple dogs are being groomed within earshot of each other. No matter how good a groomer you are, that's going to stress out sensitive dogs more than a solo groomer environment.

[@PR-pe9oc]

@@ettinakitten5047 very very true.

[@whyareyoureadingmynickname8158]

Take a shot every time she says "Good girl!" in this video and you'd be dead in minutes. Jokes aside, it's always good to see groomers actually accommodating dogs and their needs.

[@michelebanks4534]

Following your suggestion!🤪🥴😜😉🙃

[@davidmiranda4745]

I'm so gonna do this! What a wholesome way to do something not-so-wholesome 😍

[@monique2324]

Your Girl With The Dogs Fluff Off shampoo and conditioner is life!! I gave my Great Dane a bath today and whew chile! After a good dry and equi-groomer! My baby don’t know how to act! 😂 Just handsome and prancing around! 🙏🏽💜 Thank you!

[@jicky-mazuki]

Nervous floof🥰 Who doesn’t want constant reaffirmation like Heidi😅🫶🏻

[@amyraszipovits810]

I love how other groomers are seeing what you are able to accomplish and are referring clients to you.

[@BrooklynHudson]

Doesn't matter what you mix them with, you can't take that high-strung Border Collie out of the dog. She did great!

[@probablyrajir638]

Kudos to her past (or current) groomer for both recommending Heidi see Vanessa and (seemingly) requesting a video of said groom. Sounds like someone who's going to get far.

[@susiejett8289]

had border collies since I was a baby. Never had a problem because the lady who did her was like you. They are the most different dog there is. They are thinkers. They try to understand what is going on. You let her know and she understood. You did the most important thing you talked to her and gave her love as reward and the treat. You could do our dogs anytime. love you,a new fan!

[@ettinakitten5047]

Have you seen the videos of Chaser the border collie? Her owner is a retired psych professor who does intelligence tests on her. One test she was the first nonhuman animal to solve - if you see two familiar objects and an unfamiliar objects, and the human asks "give me (unfamiliar thing)", can you figure out that the unfamiliar name must refer to the unfamiliar object?

[@teachersusan3730]

I‘ve had border collies for years - the are special. They need calm and quiet environment. Great dogs

[@Sushigabby]

i love watching videos ab them its so interesting! so sad the dog passed@@ettinakitten5047

[@Iflie]

She may have done great as a herder, work would have made her far less anxious and she's so reactive to vocal sounds and praise in a sheepherder life she'd pay such good attention.

[@sickbale]

The little lick of approval to the equigroomer >>>>>>>>>>

[@ladyjustice1474]

Heidi did very well during her session. She's such a sweet fluffy pup. I suspect Heidi loves cuddles with her owner.

[@lauriivey7801]

Such a smart baby ... she figured out very quickly that you wouldn't hurt her and was more calm about the whole process

[@birdandcatlover5597]

i love how calmly and easily you handle a nervous/anxious/upset dog. i think the pitch of your voice is pleasing to many of them, tbh

[@denverdubois5835]

I knew you won her over completely when you said, "good girl" and she wagged her tail! You are so very good at your job, Vanessa!

[@AshRose77]

Her eyes and personality she looks just like my baby 😍 Border collies are so smart you could tell she just didn’t know what was going on but the more you spoke to her the more she learned. I bet she doesn’t need a muzzle at all next time. Good girl Heidi 😍

[@sharlyt3557]

Heidi is beautiful! And I love how Vanessa is meticulously observant to the slightest body language and gauges her own activity and approach as such. Great job 👍

[@KnottyThrifts]

The groomer whom I worked for always left one or two slots at the end of every day for dogs like Hydee! We would mark in their charts that they're a single dog groom, meaning they're the only dog in the building. They can be work with, but you HAVE to work with the animals. This is why I love your channel! You do all the things that a great groomer should. You always work with your animals and do whatever it takes to make sure that they leave at least with a healthy appearance. Hydee also seems like a dog who could easily with the proper work get used to the grooming process and not be as anxious. Although being a collie shell always be high strung 🥰🥰🥰 I have a Boxer/Ausie Shep mix so high-strung anxiety is my daily routine,

[@lindsaya7733]

She really was a Good Girl! She was so obviously nervous but the respect and knowledge you have about dogs allowed her to get through it. Those happy tail wags after her feet were done. She seemed proud of herself!

[@TheDarwinProject1]

A dog normally wearing a muzzle for all of a grom, but only needing it for many 10%""is a huge improvement Heidi's quality of life,

[@dhamelin30]

Fun drinking game, take a shot every time Vanessa says "good girl!" 😂 Jokes aside, another phenomenal job by Canada's best groomer ❤

[@happi0420]

Sounds like alcohol poisoning 😅😂

[@elizabethmartin3389]

I love that side eye she (Heidi, not Vanessa 🐶 gives) …if you notice, it lessens as the groom goes on!!!

[@himexicat]

That’s why I love your work, your kindess, patient and respect with the animals is admirable! 🎉

[@citizenearth71]

Heidi is the perfect name for a mischievous bordercollie tearing across rolling green hills!❤️🐶

[@dakerridge]

We spell it hydee!! Which i think is even more fitting for some reason lol

[@citizenearth71]

​@@dakerridgeHydeeeeeeee! - Makes sense!😂

[@michelemcdermott75]

I can understand a groomer muzzling her. She did great for most of it and you are simply amazing!!

[@NoxBVansyn]

My doodle has been anxious since he was a puppy. It's relieving to see a groomer like you, taking things slow and being so kind and patient with an anxious dog. Heidi is adorable.

[@cathy_p637]

She responded so well to your kind tone and gentle head rubs. She IS a good girl !

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

Watching your videos really highlights the fact that each and every dog has their own personality! Heidi is so lovely and it's a shame she's nervous, but that's her personality!

[@youarebymyside]

The happy tail wag is so cute! I think you did a great job, especially for a dog that is usually muzzled. She's a cutie.

[@thetruth2485]

My heart just melts at the little tail wags she gives throughout the grooming after you call her good girl 😭

[@surtu9221]

The happy hoodie seemed to have helped keep the noise down.

[@gwenstephan67]

I love these videos because they are such a good showcase of all the signs of an anxious dog. So many people don't recognize anxiety in dogs and think dogs bite "out of nowhere"

[@edwinespinoza2059]

Groomer is very kind and soothing and Heidi is a treasure just nervous.

[@Fyralynn]

That little wag when you finished that second hind paw... MY HEART.

[@DarlinDarable]

I love how kind and patient you are with these sweet, nervous pups

[@1951kvk]

I was routing for Heidi and boy you did it again. She hardly took her eyes off of you. Excellent job for both of you.

[@joannafullerton4869]

Border collies are naturally very bitey because that is how they were breed to herd cattle. I had two growing up and they loved to chase you and nip at your heels.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

She's certainly a good girl 😊. And you were amazing with her.

[@aeonkrow9923]

What a sweet, sensitive dog! I'm so thrilled with how you approach every groom, especially with pups like this. Amazing channel and wonderful groomer! Heidi reminds me so much of the dog I grew up with who was also a border collie mix and a bit nervous like her, so this was incredibly heart-warming to see.

[@carolineindacityphx]

Let me outta here! Lol. She did so good under your expert hands. But she was so happy to see the door at the end. I am positive that if you keep grooming her, she will be groomed like a pro. ❤️

[@linnylinlinlin]

Please… the constant affirmations are so sweet and helpful 😭

[@jediping]

The crazy eyes on this girl were intense! Glad she was able to get through it with such good behavior!

[@Elfin1993]

WOW. You were amazing with Heidi. This was an incredible 180

[@kathybrandt6060]

It’s wonderful to watch how you work with these obviously nervous dogs and get them to the point of being actually comfortable.

[@rebelkatx17]

This is SUCH a good dog. Collies can be really quick with and even skip warning signs. But she gave so many good warnings, from the eyes and whines to the appeasement licks. Also the fact she took food from her hand shows how much she trusted Vanessa. ❤

[@monicapdx]

What a great job with her! So much less nervous towards the end, even with doing her feet. Only having to use a muzzle for that is a huge improvement. You could really see the change in her body movements too.

[@BiterAvid]

Pretty little Border Collie. She was giving you The Look at certains times. And it said, please come closer so that I can free you of your nose. You are the maextra.

[@B.H.56]

need a "good girl/good boy" counter in an upper corner. Who would hold the record?

[@tedwitham304]

I love the fact that you allow the dogs the freedom to express themselves and give them trust rather then straight to the muzzle.Great way to inspire confidence in the dogs , Owners ,and other groomers as well as potential Groomers. Please keep your super videos coming.

[@neb__]

As someone who has had a similarly anxious border collie x, thank you for taking the time and being so kind. It really does pay off. What a good girl. 🤩😍

[@elvisneedsboatsbennett2455]

My husband wanted another American bulldog after we had to put our sweet boy to sleep after he lost all bodily control. He surprised me with a puppy he found and turns out he is a border collie,bully mix. But he is a full border collie trapped in a bully body. He tries to herd everything, so i taught him to herd our chickens. He doesn't fully bite, but he does pinch you. I am still working on that behavior. I also told my husband he is never allowed to bring home a dog on his own anymore, since he works full-time and I am at home with him all day every day.

[@bubblegumbunny]

The way her ears twitched when you whistled!!

[@michaelgraff6978]

Have you considered mounting the air blower outside and piping the hose through a wall? It would really reduce the noise.

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

We have a Border Collie Labrador mix. Dad is a pure Border Collie, and mum is half Border Collie and half Labrador. He is beautiful but very nervous, just like Heidi.

[@suzetteemberton4368]

We have a dog who is half German Shepherd and half border collie. She definitely has her nervous moments, though she’s definitely mellowed with age.

[@leifvejby8023]

That was a very good girl - she obviously didn't like it, but still didn't maul you!

[@Jim-tj5lq]

You really are fantastic on how you handle your doggies. You are a pleasure to watch.

[@CMBiggin]

My 9 month old puppy was very interested when you were whistling and whining. 😂

[@PsychoKittee1]

Yay Heidi!!! She's such a good girl. It's great that you can offer a low stress, quiet experience for your clients.

[@sharoncoller2495]

She is beautiful

[@Keith80027]

You are so good with dogs! Just by talking you kept her calm!

[@jill4806]

My granddog is a BC. She is very, very nervous and skittish. She is my angel 😇 and all I can do is brush her and use the brush away shampoo. I am also on a very limited and fixed income. I lost my sweet sweet wonderful black lab 2 weeks ago. I did pay for the vet to come to the house to help him over the rainbow bridge. Money I most definitely did not have but it was worth it to keep him comfy at home

[@evilirish74135]

It never ceases to amaze me how utterly patient you are with the worst case grooming scenarios 😊

[@mauzawa]

I really appreciate how she always give dogs a chance before muzzling them

[@victoriakraft6055]

You’re an inspiration. I have two Border Collie mixes and they are very intense and need constant verbal reassurances when being groomed. I’m usually completely exhausted after 🌈🙏🎈

[@mocha_gamer2010]

Mine too! my kitten was sleeping, but then heard my computer, mind you multiple videos played before he woke up, and when your videos cut on, my cat had a sudden interest.

[@JR-yy1iv]

❤ So lovely to watch you with this truly *good* girl. You were SO patient, gentle, and kind. She'll eventually overcome her fear, I believe, and may arrive at the point she ENJOYS being groomed with all the treats and TLC you give! 😊

[@user-wo5bp2oi5c]

Too cute and she knows it.

[@peggymiller9064]

You certainly have a way with all dogs, even nervous ones!!❤❤❤

[@stuff1784]

I would be TERRIFIED of grooming all these animals with their behaviors!! I’m amazed how you are so fearless!

[@nica88]

This channel allows me to keep at least some kind of faith in humans. Thank you for that. ❤

[@greeneyes2256]

Our GSD girl looks up worried every time Heidi whines. I love dogs.

[@jaymieeason990]

What a good girl.... my dog doesnt like loud noises either so she was very good. You can see she was proud of herself😊

[@skyefirenails]

With a little more work, I think she can learn that you're not going to hurt her and she doesn't need to bare her teeth for anything.

[@cydkriletich6538]

Vanessa, you have definitely met your calling! You are wonderful with dogs like Heidi who are not comfortable with being groomed. I applaud you for your lovely spirit and a job well done! And Heidi❤ was, indeed, a Good Girl!

[@Tazzie1312]

She did amazing! Lots of warning, too

[@nancyrubano-nord5265]

Vanessa, you are so kind to the animals. Thank you for sharing info about grooming. As old as I am, I am learning new things all the time to use on my dog.