Westman is mutts about Good Puppies and Good Dogs!

BY ALYSSA FLETCHER PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Grassroots Grooming first opened their doors in 2014 by Alyssa Fletcher. With her love for animals, she knew that she was on the right path. Jumping forward to 2023, Alyssa, along with Kyle McFarland have grown their business to a secondary location that is dedicated to large breed dogs.

Alyssa and Kyle have always been pet people. Alyssa gained her experience in Northern Ontario as she worked at a vet clinic and the SPCA. She started bathing at a grooming salon on her days off and was happy to accept a full grooming apprenticeship when she moved back to Manitoba.

Eventually Alyssa wanted to start her own salon, and Grassroots Grooming was born. The new grooming salon was so busy that Kyle joined Alyssa to keep up with the demand. In his off time from grooming, Kyle sought out training and received his training certificates through Karen Pryor.

With each their own strengths and preferences, Alyssa loved working with small dogs, but Kyle wanted to work with large breeds. As the demand increased, they took the leap, and opened a second location that takes in the larger size dogs. Grasslands Canine Development Centre has the space to let larger dogs run and train.

The specialized daycare is unique in the way that they offer a curriculum. Their goal is work with the dogs so that people find their training reinforced. Curriculum is supported with the Good Puppy and Good Dog training classes to further support dogs and their parents. Recall, crate games, mat work and games are just part of the dog’s days, and they have come to anticipate and love the routine of the curriculum.

Dogs need downtime and are supported with food toys stuffed with canned food during rest. They have a daycare staff to dog ratio of 1:10 which is groundbreaking in the area. Outdoor play is always supervised which facilitates a clean environment, as messes are cleaned up as they happen.

In the evenings, Kyle helps guide families who struggle with reactivity and communication loops with amazing success keeping dogs in homes.

Dogs in their care - get care. Floor time is maximized by keeping ratios small, supported with rest periods and puzzles. Staff are well versed in positive reinforcement training and dog body language. Behavioral assessments and vaccine protocols help keep dogs safe and with regular attendance our clients are regular not transient so we can really bring the dogs forward.

Although grooming is an unregulated trade, their staff is required to participate in standardized testing and certify through Canadian Professional Pet stylists. Senior groomers hold multiple specific breed certifications, giving clients the best services possible. Apprentices and clients seek them for their proven standard of care. All dedicated to their craft, they have all signed an oath about treating dogs humanely and with kindness.

Holding each other to high standards, their team supports each other to be able to help each other with puppies, senior or inexperienced dogs. This builds a positive team environment and has the best interest of the dogs in mind.

When dogs start out at Grassroots, just after they get their first round of vaccination and carry forward with the team, they really get to know the puppies and their family. Some dogs are really introverted and you can tell without the socialization they might have struggled, but with committed parents they can help to bring resiliency to even the most shy dogs.

One dog was being fostered, was incredibly insecure and attended their puppy class. On their suggestion of the small

Grassroots Grooming

1502 Rosser Ave Unit 1

Brandon MB www.grassrootsgrooming.com

204.727-3467 (DOGS) dog daycare while he was still a puppy, his confidence really increased. His foster home became his permanent home and they often reflect on the drastic change he made with the combination of group classes and daycare.

Kyle has many success stories of owners who go from being scared of their own dogs, to being teammates that are able to work on focus, arousal and impulse control. The goal is for dogs to remain happily in their homes.

“Pet ownership is more than just a job to us. If you see a product in our lobby we use that product. We spend our weekends hiking, joring and training because that’s what we want to do,” says Alyssa. “We love our pets and wanted to open a facility that we would be comfortable bringing our own pets to. Enrichment is part of the program and we staff to be able provide a high level of care.”

Grassroots and Grasslands aims to help develop and foster canine-human relationships. Their goal is to build a safe social community of dogs and their parents with an interest in developing dog owner communication, bonds and trust by focusing on pet hygiene, mental stimulation and social playgroups to maximize the canine – human connection.

To learn more about Canine Development, how it may be a fit for your furry family member, or if it’s time to for a grooming to get Spring ready, reach out to the team. Your puppy and dog will be wagging it’s tail with joy!

Grasslands Canine Development Centre

245 17th St N

Brandon MB www.grasslandscdc.com grasslandscdc@gmail.com

204.720-4485

Stiletto Studio is Winnipeg’s first heels dance company. Heels explores our innate sensuality through dance. In Heels, you will learn to be comfortable with natural movement while simultaneously toning and strengthening your body.

We encourage people of any age and body type to come break a sweat in style. We offer 10 week sessions 3 times a year. At the end of the 10 weeks of training, strut your stuff and demonstrate your newly acquired skills in an exciting themed showcase. Suitable for all, many different level classes available gives you the opportunity to tailor moves to your ability by adding different elements to push yourself!

I grew up dancing my whole life in various styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, latin, and musical theatre. I spent my 20’s in Toronto and there I also learned this trending style of dance called Heels.

I was working a head office corporate job at a bank while also dancing in Toronto. Eventually I knew I wanted to move back to Winnipeg, and knowing heels dance hadn’t been introduced yet it was a risk but I really wanted to pursue bringing the style to Winnipeg and pursuing my own business. I am gratefule to say that, it’s now 7 years later and we’re still going strong.

We give you the experience from start to finish! You can come in as an entry level student to dance and leave feeling like a superstar. In our welcoming atmosphere we offer a non competitive approach to dance and have fun while doing it.

So many clients who have never stepped foot in a dance studio let alone wore heels before walk in the door intimidated and insecure. The 10 week session really builds self-esteem and challenges each dancer to become their best, strongest and sexiest version. www.stilettostudio.ca dani@stilettostudio.ca

All of our instructors are welcoming and supportive, we see them grow in confidence each week, but the true magic is once they hit the stage and feel the adrenaline of performing for a live audience. I always say to trust the process, because during the 10 weeks while learning choreography isn’t always easy, but once they get through it they feel empowered, and also make great friends along the way.

I enourage people to visit Stiletto Studio so they have something for themselves. It’s a form of self love to dedicate an hour or a few a week to build up your physical, and emotional strength. Getting to dance off your blues and leaving your problems at home. Most of our clients work full time jobs, or have families to take care of. This is a great escape from the daily grind to really do something for themselves.

Heels dancing really reaches in and pulls out your inner confidence.

We welcome anyone and everyone 18+ willing to dance in heels of course. We offer classes for all levels, whether you’re a novice or experienced dancer we have a class for you.