Bentley & Bear Holistic Dog and Cat Grooming

Bentley & Bear Holistic Dog and Cat Grooming I am qualified to Level 2 in Animal Reiki for Dog Groomers. I am qualified to Level 1 DAATA-ICDG International Certification of Dermatological Grooming.

Holistic, Behaviour-Led, Dog, Cat & Small Animal Grooming by Caroline
City & Guilds qualified
Fear-free Certified
Low-stress Handling Silver Certified
DAATA Level 1
First Aid Trained
Fully Insured DBS Checked
Animal Star Awards Finalist 22/23/25 💫 I hold a Silver Certification in Low Stress Handling. Currently studying:
Level 2 DAATA-ICDG
Diploma in Safe Handling with the ISCP
Diploma in Canine Be

haviour with the ISCP
I am also a member of the Holistic Grooming Academy and am studying for a Holistic Grooming Diploma. I am constantly trying to better myself in order to give the dogs in my care a compassionate, safe and kind groom using the latest science backed, evidenced based techniques. I take a holistic approach therefore your dog's emotional wellbeing during their grooming experience is as equally important to me as giving them a great groom.

✨ Meet Enzo ✨This gorgeous golden boy came in for his second groom yesterday. Like many retrievers on my books (you know...
24/08/2025

✨ Meet Enzo ✨

This gorgeous golden boy came in for his second groom yesterday. Like many retrievers on my books (you know who you are), Enzo isn’t keen on the noisy, high velocity blaster dryer — and that’s absolutely fine. Instead, I used my stand dryer, which although it takes longer and I have to do more combing and brushing to de-shed the coat, it allowed me to keep him within his comfort threshold.

I built in decompression breaks — including a potter round my garden and a tasty camel skin chew — to help Enzo feel emotionally secure throughout his appointment.

Every dog has their own tolerance levels and likes and dislikes and I fully respect that. No groom is ever stress free (except maybe for my Stanley who loves it all) but I do keep them as low stress for the dogs as I possibly can. Pausing, breaking things down into little steps, not moving forward until they’re ready and building their confidence gently. For Enzo, that translates into less overwhelm, more trust, and a happy golden boy heading home looking and feeling his best.

His calmness today meant I was also able to add on an emmipet teeth cleaning session which he made easy! 🦷 🪥

Hello 👋🏻 Just to let you know I will be CLOSED for the rest of today to attend a funeral. I reopen tomorrow.Thank you to...
22/08/2025

Hello 👋🏻

Just to let you know I will be CLOSED for the rest of today to attend a funeral. I reopen tomorrow.

Thank you to Murph for coming in super early for his groom this morning. 🩶

Messages will be responded to over the weekend.

Meet Lola 🐾Lola isn’t a fan of grooming… yet! Here she is exploring the brilliant book by founder, the wonderful Stepha...
21/08/2025

Meet Lola 🐾

Lola isn’t a fan of grooming… yet! Here she is exploring the brilliant book by founder, the wonderful Stephanie Zikmann.

She’s already begun her journey with my Bespoke Grooming Foundations package, starting with several hands-off sessions where we played some trust building games. We’ve progressed since then and managed a bath and dry, but scissors and clippers remain a big concern for Lola, and she becomes overwhelmingly uneasy around them and will communicate in no uncertain terms.

Her family have been doing homework to help her feel more confident and comfortable with equipment but progress is slow.

Lola isn’t a young dog, so there’s a lot to unpack — but that’s exactly what I’m here for.

Watch this space for her journey! 💛🐾





📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/

Two of today’s gentle-hearted souls, Shandy & Pam. 💛Both have hearts full of love. Shandy is a deep and tender soul, whi...
21/08/2025

Two of today’s gentle-hearted souls, Shandy & Pam. 💛

Both have hearts full of love. Shandy is a deep and tender soul, while Pam has a calm presence and gentle spirit.

Both reminding me how special it is to share space with animals who trust so openly. 🐾✨

🚨 Last-Minute Cat Grooming Appointment Available 🚨A cat grooming slot has just opened up for either 3:00pm or 3.30pm tod...
21/08/2025

🚨 Last-Minute Cat Grooming Appointment Available 🚨

A cat grooming slot has just opened up for either 3:00pm or 3.30pm today!

If you’re local and your cat could do with a groom, please give me a call on 07980 676897

My availability is limited at the moment due to being fully booked so it’s a great chance to snap up a space.

— Bentley & Bear 🐾

Pic of handsome Luke for attention!

Why I Leave “Boots” on Lion Clips 🐾You might have noticed that when I do a lion clip on cats, I don’t shave the fur righ...
20/08/2025

Why I Leave “Boots” on Lion Clips 🐾

You might have noticed that when I do a lion clip on cats, I don’t shave the fur right down to leave just little “shoes.” Instead, I leave neat “boots” on the legs.

Here’s why ⬇️

Cats have special whiskers not only on their face, but also on the back of their front legs. These are called carpal whiskers, and they’re incredibly sensitive. They help cats judge distances, hunt, and navigate their world with precision.

If I were to clip all the way down the legs, those whiskers would either be shaved off or left sticking out with no protection — which can feel exposed, irritating, and even affect a cat’s confidence.

So while things like the length of the mane or the tail fur can vary depending on needs (knots/mats needing to be shaved off, or mane getting stuck in a cat’s mouth), the boots are non-negotiable. They stay on every time, because that’s what keeps cats most comfortable.

Here’s Oreo modelling his carpal whiskers beautifully, and Luna showing off her best Puss in Boots impression. 🖤🤍🐾

Bobby’s Glow-Up ✨🐾I’ve known Bobby since he was a tiny pup, and right from the start one of the things I taught him was ...
19/08/2025

Bobby’s Glow-Up ✨🐾

I’ve known Bobby since he was a tiny pup, and right from the start one of the things I taught him was a simple chin rest. It’s his way of saying “I’m ready” — and it also means he can move away if he ever feels he’s had enough.

That little bit of training has grown with him, and now he’s an absolute star on the grooming table. I feel like we are a partnership and understand each other.

Bobby’s mum prefers a softer look rather than the traditional Schnauzer trim, so we keep his style relaxed and tidy — just right for him.

Today, Bobby also had a new experience: teeth cleaning with the Emmipet ultrasonic brush 🪥✨ He calmly rested his chin like a pro and left with not just a fresh coat, but a sparkling smile too.

Good boy, Bobby 💛

What happens to all that cat hair? 🐾✂️Every groom means me removing what doesn’t serve the cat anymore — mats, knots, an...
18/08/2025

What happens to all that cat hair? 🐾✂️

Every groom means me removing what doesn’t serve the cat anymore — mats, knots, and loose undercoat that’s ready to shed.

I save what comes away to save it from landfill and most of the time it goes to a company working on something rather wonderful: a vaccine to help people who are allergic to cats.

But last week was a little different. Instead of heading off to the lab, the hair I collected went to a fellow cat groomer who is gathering it for a more creative cause… it’s going to be crafted into a garment that will be worn at London Fashion Week. Whereas most people I know (including myself) spend time trying to pick the cat hair from our clothes! 😹

This just proves that the catwalk really does start with a cat! 🐈‍⬛

18/08/2025

Your energy matters. 🙌

Make sure it’s the kind that helps another dog girl grow. 🐾

🐾 Why I Never Scruff Cats — and Why You Shouldn’t Either 🐾I have always been a scruff-free cat handler, but recently I’v...
16/08/2025

🐾 Why I Never Scruff Cats — and Why You Shouldn’t Either 🐾

I have always been a scruff-free cat handler, but recently I’ve heard stories of organisations — who should know better — suggesting owners scruff their cats to get them into carriers.

Scruffing might look like “control,” but for adult cats it causes stress, fear and even pain. While mother cats carry tiny kittens this way, it does not translate to handling grown cats.

That’s why I never scruff — and why I believe no one should. Instead, I use calm handling skills and alternatives that help cats feel respected and safe. A calmer cat means a kinder, more positive grooming experience.

A few years ago I made a pledge to International Cat Care, a charity working towards a world where all cats are treated with care, kindness and compassion. That pledge still sits at the heart of everything I do when I work with cats at Bentley & Bear. 🩷🐾

There are better, kinder options than scruffing a tricky cat to get it into a carrier — and using them is always my priority. Happy to offer advice on those options, just ask.

If you’re near to Steppingley please keep an eye out for this beauty. Much missed.
15/08/2025

If you’re near to Steppingley please keep an eye out for this beauty. Much missed.

Address

The Bell, Church End
Dunstable
LU62EP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447980676897

Website

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