Everybody's Happy At Pawsitive Groomers

Vicki Bunfill has been grooming dogs since 1987. So, how many has she groomed in her nearly 25-year career? 

"Probably 101,500 or so," estimates Bunfill, a veteran groomer at in downtown Davis. 

Starting as a "dollar a dog" bather, she has seen it all when it comes to transforming shaggy, unhappy dogs into preening canine runway models.

"The basic ingredient to our success is building relationships one dog at a time," says Pawsitive Groomers owner Jessica Castorena.

Castorena, a 2001 graduate of King High, says she knew nothing about animals when she started at Fo' Paws Grooming ten years ago, having been encouraged by a teacher who'd seen a classified ad for a part-time groomer in the Enterprise.

After the untimely passing of Fo' Paws owner Charlene Benjamin last year, Castorena and several groomers decided to go independent and open Pawsitive Groomers. Many longtime regular customers followed.

"I basically learned about the many variations there are to canine behavior -- good, bad and always interesting -- by doing,” said Castorena. “The key, which I encourage all of my groomers here to practice, is being calm and in charge no matter what the dog may be up to.”

Indeed, during a recent interview by Davis Patch, several small dogs that initially appeared a bit fearful soon calmed down in the arms of Pawsitive Groomers staff.

"Yeah, they respond to positive vibes alright. It's amazing, sometimes it’s just like turning off a switch and they calm right down," says Bunfill.

Castorena has a bit of advice for owners whose companion animals clearly communicate fear at the prospect of getting a trim. She says many animals are just “fear biters” who lash out when they feel insecure.

If that’s the case with your animal, Castorena suggests bringing the dog to Pawsitive Groomers for a "meet and greet," which is really just a quick visit outside the shop. One of the groomers will meet you and your pet outside with a dog biscuit to say hello and become familiar.  

After this is done a couple of times, the dog usually starts to experience friendly associations with Pawsitive Groomers. Once the animal begins to feel secure and calm, staff will bring the animal inside and tend to the business at hand: Grooming.

That includes bath, fluff drying, brushing, comprehensive furcut, hand scissor trimming, nail cut and ear cleaning.

Prices vary per coat condition, breed and size. Call for an estimate and check them out on Facebook.

(530) 756 4400

904 4th Street

Davis, CA 95616

(Inside Davis Ace Hardware Rock Yard)

Hours - 8am - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday; 9am - 6pm, Saturday

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