Trainers, Dog Walkers, Vets, and Groomers Don’t Have Special Powers
Being “Fear Free” Doesn’t Mean We Have Magic Powers
People sometimes assume that if you’re a professional trainer or a Fear Free–certified vet or groomer, you can handle any dog, accomplish any procedure, and the dog won’t be scared. But Fear Free certification isn’t a superpower—it’s a commitment to minimizing stress, fear, and anxiety for the animal.
For example, a Fear Free groomer might book extra sessions to complete a full groom. One visit might be only a bath, or maybe just the front nails get trimmed. The goal is progress without overwhelming the dog.
My Walk with Shenzi
I’ve been walking a dog named Shenzi who has a bite history. That means I’m careful—no matter how understandable her past reactions might have been, she has shown that she’s willing to use her teeth if pushed.
Her owner has done great work teaching cooperative care, like calmly putting on a harness even though Shenzi doesn’t enjoy body handling. During our first meeting, Shenzi warmed up to me quickly overall, but I wasn’t confident I could put her harness on without the owner present.
Pictured: A human puts a pink harness on a brown dog.
So the owner left the harness on for our first few walks. That let me focus on building trust and practicing the easier step of taking it off. Over the next few visits, I noticed Shenzi relaxing more, seeking out petting instead of just treats, and showing signs that she was truly comfortable.
It finally happened – on our fourth or fifth walk—I tried putting the harness on myself. I took the time to built up trust, and she accepted that body handling without stress.
Respect First, Speed Second
Being a trainer and Fear Free certified didn’t mean I could simply “get it done.” It meant I had guidelines to respect Shenzi’s boundaries—I watched for things like a stiff body or whale eyes—and I paused when needed. I may feel like it takes more time. But rushing can create real risk. If I’d pushed too soon, I might have been bitten.
Dogs who feel safe and know they can say “no” without using their teeth are less likely to bite in the long run. Respecting that boundary isn’t just kind—it’s smart.