Dog Grooming in Acushnet

Regular grooming is essential to a dog’s health and overall well-being. At MJ’s Pet Training Academy, our grooming process blends elements of show-quality grooming with positive, behavior-focused techniques to create a unique experience that leaves dogs looking and feeling their best.

Owner Melissa Viera is a certified poodle groomer who has contributed to the grooming industry for over a decade. Through teaching, speaking, and writing, including her Behavior Breakdown column for Groomer to Groomer, she has helped shape a more thoughtful, positive approach to grooming.

Your dog’s grooming team shares this same level of dedication. Our groomers are knowledgeable in breed styling, safety, canine structure and anatomy, and product selection. Just as important, they are trained to recognize and respond to each dog’s behavior, creating a process that is both skilled and supportive.

Every grooming appointment begins with our signature coat preparation, carefully tailored to your dog’s individual coat type. All packages include nail and ear care, along with a bath and fluff dry. From there, you can choose trimming and styling services, or work with your groomer to find the best plan for your dog.

Requirements

• A valid rabies certificate must be kept on file and updated as needed.

• Dogs must be current on all age-appropriate vaccinations and in good health. Dogs showing signs of illness cannot be groomed.

• Dogs must pass behavior requirements. Dogs showing signs of aggression will not be able to be groomed in our regular salon, but owners may request a behavior consultation.

Groomers

Book with Krystal

Krystal Pacheco joined the MJ’s team in 2018 and has since become a familiar and trusted presence for many of the dogs our care. Known for her calm, kind approach, Krystal helps pets feel at ease throughout the grooming process.

She enjoys working with a wide range of coat types, from spaniels to collies, and has a particular appreciation for thick, shedding coats. Her work reflects both skill and patience, allowing her to handle each pet with care while achieving beautifully finished results.

Although Krystal grew up with cats, she has always been a lifelong animal lover. She found her path into the dog world in 2012 after adopting her dog, Chief. By 2015, she began working professionally with dogs, caring for them in a boarding setting and assisting with bathing services.

Since joining MJ’s Pet Training Academy, Krystal has continued to develop her grooming skills and deepen her knowledge, bringing both experience and genuine care to every appointment.

Book with Melissa

Melissa Viera is the owner of MJ’s Pet Training Academy and a certified poodle groomer with lifelong experience in the grooming and dog training industry. She grew up in a show grooming environment, developing a strong eye for detail, structure, and presentation that continues to influence her work.

Melissa is known for combining high-level grooming with a behavior-focused approach, helping dogs feel calm, cooperative, and confident throughout the grooming process. Her work blends the precision of show grooming with practical, real-life care, resulting in dogs that look their best while staying comfortable and well-prepared for future visits.

In addition to her hands-on work, Melissa contributes to the grooming industry through teaching, speaking, and writing, including her Behavior Breakdown column for Groomer to Groomer. She leads her team with a focus on consistency, skill, and thoughtful care for every dog. With limited availability, Melissa specializes in poodles, doodles, behavioral grooming, and detailed hand-scissored work. Please note: Pricing for appointments with Melissa typically starts $10–$15 higher.

Book with Ben (Online booking for Ben will be available soon)

Ben began studying grooming before starting his professional career at MJ’s Pet Training Academy, bringing a strong foundation and attention to detail into his work from the start. He has a particular interest in coat preparation and how proper technique directly influences the finished result.

Ben continues to study breed styles, with a special interest in poodles and creative grooming. He is passionate about education, both in refining his own skills and in working directly with clients to help them better understand their dog’s coat and care.

Ben currently has limited weekend availability.

Other Groomers and Team members

You may also see Cheryl and other dedicated team members in the salon, supporting dogs throughout the grooming process.