Behaviourally minded dog and puppy grooming in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, with a focus on training and reducing anxiety for nervous dogs.
Making dog grooming a pleasant, predictable and consistent experience for our canine companions.
Meet our groomer
My name is Emma Sims and I started grooming in 2023. I completed a Professional Styling Course at The Dog Academy in March 2025.
I am passionate about dog grooming, and building trusting relationships with the dogs and owners I work with.
Outside of grooming, Agility is my passion and I enjoy teaching at my own club, EJS Agility. This training background also sets me up well to work with anxious dogs, or dogs new to grooming. I can apply my training knowledge to the grooming sessions, helping the dogs become calm and confident in the grooming salon.
Our grooming salon is based at our Minds Alike Training Centre in Chesham
Unit 8, Little Pressmore Farm, Vale Road, Chesham, HP5 3NS
How are we different?
At Minds Alike Dog Grooming, it’s not just about grooming—we want your dog to enjoy the experience.
We understand that grooming can be a challenging process for many dogs, which is why we go beyond the basics to help your dog build confidence and feel secure. After all, training is explaining—and we believe every interaction is an opportunity to support your dog’s learning and wellbeing.
We’re different from many traditional groomers, and here’s why:
You're Welcome to Stay
In many cases, your presence can provide vital reassurance. While it's often said that dogs behave “better” without their guardian present, what we’ve found is this: your dog feels safe enough with you to express how they truly feel. That’s not a problem—it’s a good starting point.
Some dogs find separation deeply stressful, and unfortunately, this distress can become associated with grooming. By allowing you to stay, we reduce that stress and make the experience more positive.
You'll also have the chance to observe, ask questions, and receive guidance. We can demonstrate techniques and provide exercises to help you support your dog’s progress at home.
Note: In certain situations, some dogs may benefit from working with us one-on-one. Similarly, you may choose not to stay—and that’s perfectly okay. We approach each case individually.
Where There's Anxiety, We Train
At Minds Alike, we believe in using training to create predictability and build trust.
This might involve using “start cues” to establish consent-based practices—giving your dog the option to participate voluntarily. When dogs feel they have choice and control, they become more relaxed and cooperative.
We also prioritise reading and responding to body language, helping to ease anxiety before it escalates.
Our approach is always mindful and present.
We Take a Behaviourally-Minded Approach
Grooming is not just about appearance—it’s about how your dog feels during the process. Our groomer is not only skilled and compassionate but also undergoing training with our in-house behaviourist to deepen their understanding of dog behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
We pay close attention to your dog’s signals. We pause for breaks. We play. We reward. We adapt. If a particular part of the groom is causing stress, we assess whether it’s best to continue or reschedule for a focused training session.
We're Adaptable
Every dog is different, and we tailor our services to meet individual needs.
Hates the dryer? We can do a bath one day and a cut the next after natural drying.
Fearful of clippers? We’ll work on desensitisation, and use scissors in the meantime.
Needs shorter sessions? We offer split grooms to reduce overwhelm or focus only on challenging areas.
We believe flexibility leads to better outcomes. Our goal is always to support your dog—not to force them through a one-size-fits-all routine.
At Minds Alike, grooming is about more than just looks. It’s about creating trust, confidence, and a positive experience—for both you and your dog.
A One-Dog-at-a-Time Salon
We only groom one dog at a time. This ensures a quiet, calm, and focused environment—reducing stress and giving your dog the full attention they deserve.
Grooming Prices
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New puppy? From 10-12 weeks we can start their grooming journey! This is a worthy investment, especially if you have a breed who will need regular grooming.
What is included:
30-45 minute training session.
There is so much to get used to in terms of the grooming environment and the equipment needed, including:
The sights - such as all these strange objects, and being in an enclosed space with a new person (we won’t be strangers for long though!)
The sensations - such as the water from the shower touching them, the feel of the surface, being up high and slightly out of control if in the bath or on the table, the warm air from the dryer, the scissors, clippers or brushes running along their coat, their nail being squeezed while it is clipped and in general being handled and held.
The smells - such as shampoo, us, and other dogs.
The sounds - such as the hose in the bath, the clippers, the snipping of scissors, the dryer
The tastes - Well, hopefully plenty of treats!
Each session introduces your puppy to a new element of the grooming experience, as well as continue to build on what was covered the week before.
Packages are tailored to the individual, but the idea being that by the time your puppy is six months old they have had a calm and gentle introduction and some coat maintenance taking place along the way.
Click here to see more details about this service.
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Has your dog had a bad start in their grooming journey?
May be they are showing signs of anxiety, refusing to go near the door, or are desperate to leave.
Or may be they have been difficult and even aggressive when grooming some body areas?
What is included:
30-45 minute session
There is so much to get used to in terms of the grooming environment and the equipment needed, including:
The sights - such as all these strange objects, and being in an enclosed space with a new person (we won’t be strangers for long though!)
The sensations - such as the water from the shower touching them, the feel of the surface, being up high and slightly out of control if in the bath or on the table, the warm air from the dryer, the scissors, clippers or brushes running along their coat, their nail being squeezed while it is clipped and in general being handled and held.
The smells - such as shampoo, us, and other dogs.
The sounds - such as the hose in the bath, the clippers, the snipping of scissors, the dryer
The tastes - Well, hopefully plenty of treats!
Each session reintroduces your dog a new element of the grooming experience, as well as continue to build on what was covered the week before.
Packages are tailored to the individual, as we are sure that there will be one area or another that needs more focused attention.
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To be fair to you, and our groomer, we charge an hourly rate. How long it takes to groom any particular dog varies, not only depending on breed, size and coat type, but also temperament. Some dogs will require more breaks or training throughout. For some dogs we will split the groom into more management steps.
Our hourly rate is £35+VAT.
‘Introduction to Grooming’ Sessions
We offer various packages to help puppies and anxious dogs to feel comfortable in a grooming environment
Introducing Your Dog to the Grooming Experience
There’s a lot for puppies—and anxious dogs—to get used to in a grooming environment. From new sights and sounds to unfamiliar sensations, each element can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we take a slow, supportive approach to introduce each part of the grooming process at your dog’s pace.
The Sights
Strange tools, a new space, and meeting someone unfamiliar (don’t worry—we won’t be strangers for long!).
The Smells
Shampoos, other dogs, and new humans—grooming has a unique scent profile that takes getting used to.
The Sounds
The rush of the bath hose, buzzing clippers, the snip of scissors, or the hum of the dryer—these can all be startling without gentle exposure.
The Sensations
Water from the shower, the feel of being up high on the table or in the bath, warm air from the dryer, grooming tools on their coat, nails being clipped, and gentle handling throughout.
The Tastes
Hopefully, lots of tasty treats to create positive associations!
How our ‘Training Grooms’ help
Each session gradually introduces a new element of grooming while reinforcing what your dog has already learned. We build on progress week by week—helping your dog feel more comfortable, confident, and in control.
Our puppy packages aim to gently expose young dogs to grooming in a calm, positive way. By the time they reach six months of age, they’ll have had a series of low-stress introductions and some light coat maintenance.
For anxious or fearful dogs, we begin with our Training Grooms—slow, supportive sessions designed to reduce stress and build trust. Over time, we aim to transition them to standard grooming appointments when they’re ready.
Puppy Sessions
New Puppy? Let’s Start Their Grooming Journey Right!
Got a new pup in the family? From as early as 10–12 weeks old, we can begin gentle, positive grooming introductions.
Our puppy grooming sessions focus on building trust, confidence, and calm through short, tailored experiences that grow with your puppy.
30-45-minute sessions
£25 (+ VAT)
Anxious Dog Sessions
Has your dog had a tough start to their grooming journey? We’re Here to Help.
Maybe they show signs of anxiety—hesitating at the door, trying to escape, or appearing distressed.
Or perhaps they’ve become reactive or even aggressive when certain areas are groomed.
You're not alone—and it’s not too late to turn things around.
30-45 -minute sessions
£35 ( +VAT)
