Finding a groomer for your pet can take time. You want someone who does a great job, but also cares deeply about your pet and makes sure they are comfortable and not stressed, which isn’t always easy. If you’re like me, they’re not just a pet but part of your family.
I first met Gabrielle (Gabby) at the Firth Post Office in May 2021. She and her boyfriend, now her husband, David, had relocated to Southeast Idaho a few months earlier, and she was starting her mobile dog grooming business. Yes, Mobile!
Working with pets has been Gabby’s passion since she was young, as she has always been interested in their behavior and well-being. Growing up around standard poodles, her parents encouraged her to pursue a career as a groomer. She started working with dogs and chose to pursue this career by attending the Whole Pet Grooming Academy in Portsmouth, New Hampshire — a hands-on trade school.
She worked at Petco for three years, improving her skills and understanding of dog behavior. She also ran a pet-sitting business and had begun offering mobile grooming services while in New Hampshire.
After moving to Idaho, she decided to keep running her mobile grooming business. Like with most relocations, getting to know the area and building a client base is tough. Gabby handed out her business card and dropped off treats at veterinary clinics, pet stores and nail trimming clinics at animal shelters.
She has always had an entrepreneurial mindset; beginning at the age of 9, she made and sold dog treats and has developed and sold numerous items that other groomers can use. The hound’s hook is a safety harness designed to attach a dog to the grooming table securely. She also has a leash safety strap, which provides a secondary attachment in case the harness or the main leash breaks. You can find her items on Etsy.
Gabby has been in business in Bonneville and Bingham counties for five years, serving clients as far north as Rigby and in Pingree. With 125 regular clients, she can groom an average of four dogs per day, depending on their size and needs. She has become quite well-known for her “doodle” skills, understanding how to handle this breed, but she also works with all smaller breeds.
Hostetter has continued to learn and develop her skills. Recently, she completed a 32-week course to become a master groomer behavioral specialist, making her the only MGBS in Idaho. The eight-month program enhances knowledge of canine psychology and behavior as it relates to grooming. It is the only program in the U.S. that teaches groomers how to recognize different behaviors in dogs during grooming and understand their needs. It uses a positive reinforcement approach rather than punishment. Gabby is a “fear free” certified groomer.
David has joined Gabby on this venture. He has been learning how to bathe and handle the dogs, helping to distract a fearful dog and offering her support. He is the muscle for the larger dogs and is just as caring and gentle with your pet as she is.
To learn more about Trainquil Effects or to schedule an appointment, please visit trainquileffects.com.