Stepping into the sensory jamboree that is a grooming salon can feel like a nightmare for some dogs. From the chill doodles who see it as their special spa day to the drama queens acting like grooming is a Shakespearean tragedy, every dog is a unique snowflake.
Understanding why your dog hates grooming can help you solve the puzzle and transform those dreaded sessions into tail-wagging experiences for them.
They’re afraid of the dryer
If you’ve ever watched a dog self-groom, you know that they’re like yoga masters, twisting and turning to lick, nibble, or brush themselves clean. Some dogs are so proficient at it that they don’t need to visit the groomer—but for many other pups, that’s a task that is best left to the professionals.
Luckily, there are ways to help your dog become less afraid of the grooming process. First, make sure to choose a groomer that is experienced with working with dogs that are anxious. Then, work on desensitizing your dog to the sounds of the clippers and dryer at home before you take them to the salon.
The most common reason why a dog hates being groomed is because they’re afraid of the sound of the dryer. The buzzing noise of the clippers and the roar of the dryer can be very scary for a dog, especially one with sensitive ears.
It’s important to start brushing your dog at home in a comfortable environment and with high-value treats on hand, so they get used to the sensation. Then, you can move on to using the dryer, starting with low heat. If your dog is still a little nervous, try distracting them with their favorite toy and giving them lots of calm praise.
In some cases, you may need to give your dog an anxiety medication before getting them groomed if their fears are so severe that they’re unable to be calmed by other means. If this is the case, ask your veterinarian about dosing instructions and a recommendation for how much to give your dog before their grooming appointment.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that while your dog might be afraid of the sound of the dryer, they won’t actually be hurt by it. Be patient and don’t show frustration or anger, because that will only exacerbate their anxiety. In addition, try praising them during the brushing session and letting them take breaks as needed. With patience and consistency, your dog will soon learn to enjoy being brushed! For more tips on how to desensitize your dog to the sound of the hair dryer, click here.
They’re stressed out by other barking dogs
If a dog goes to the groomer and is constantly hearing other dogs bark at the same time it’s going to be a stressful experience. Not only is this very annoying for the owner but it’s also scary and confusing for the dog.
Many dogs are very sensitive and in tune with the emotions of others which is why it’s important that owners don’t act anxious while dropping off their pets at the groomers. If they are gripping tightly onto their leash and looking scared or nervous then the pet will feel that energy as well.
A good way to help a dog that doesn’t like being brushed is to distract them with treats and praise. If they can focus their attention on something that they love it’s much easier to stay calm and comfortable during a brushing. One of my favorite ways to do this is to use the Chase n Chomp Sticky Bone. Fill it with their favorite food and place it somewhere that they can’t reach (like on the floor in a bathroom or on a kitchen counter). They will be so focused on getting out every little morsel of that treat that they won’t even notice that they are being brushed.
Another way to help keep your dog calm and happy while being brushed is to talk to them. Dogs understand far more than we give them credit for and can be soothed with gentle stroking and words of encouragement. This helps them stay focused on the positive and ignore any negative experiences from their past.
Using this method over the course of several training sessions is the best way to train a dog to be calm while being brushed. Once the dog has learned to tolerate being brushed and has begun to enjoy it then you can begin to slowly introduce other tools like electric clippers and scissors to their grooming session. This is best done while they are young so that they are used to them throughout their lifetime.
If a dog continues to exhibit anxiety during the grooming process and doesn’t respond to any of these strategies then it may be time to speak with your veterinarian about medication options. There are a number of safe and effective medications available that can take the edge off for your pet which will make it easier for them to cope with their grooming experience.
They’re afraid of the kennel
Some dogs simply hate the whole grooming experience. They get nervous, start shaking and can become dramatic, acting out the plot of a canine soap opera. They might hide, whine or thrash around like a madman. Worse yet, they might go into four-legged bouncer mode and refuse to let anyone touch them. This is a very common problem for dogs who aren’t used to being handled by people.
If you’ve tried everything to calm your dog down during grooming, including using treats and calming sprays, and they still hate it, your veterinarian may recommend a sedative. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.
Another option is to train your dog to accept being groomed at home, as well. To do this, make sure your dog is comfortable with you handling their paws and ears, as well as their body. This process will take time, but it’s best to start young. For pet owners in the area, there are several options offering top-notch dog grooming solutions in Davie ensuring your dog receives the highest quality care.
Grooming at home can be just as scary for some dogs as it is at the groomer, but you can help your pup adjust to this sensory jamboree by introducing them to the experience gently. If you’re starting with a puppy, give them lots of attention and treat-based positive reinforcement for touching their feet, ears, head, neck, etc. It’s also important to socialize puppies with groomers and other humans from a very young age.
When your dog is a bit older, try to bring them to the groomer during non-busy hours so they can relax and get used to the place and people. Also, consider asking your groomer to blow dry your dog straight through so they don’t spend much time in the kennel. If they’re really anxious, talk to your vet about a sedative that can be given to them under your veterinarian’s supervision before the appointment. This is the last resort, but it can be very helpful. You can even hide the medication inside a treat to make it more appealing to your pup. You can find a list of safe and recommended products here. You can also ask your vet about a crate that is designed to be easy for groomers to open.
They have separation anxiety
Grooming is a scary experience for dogs who have separation anxiety. They get super stressed out when they’re left alone and can even have a full-blown panic attack while being groomed. This can be dangerous for both the dog and the groomer. Signs of separation anxiety during a grooming session include extreme shaking, salivation, and whining. If your dog is showing these signs, talk to your groomer and veterinarian to see if there are any medical issues that could be causing them to behave this way.
For dogs with separation anxiety, grooming sessions need to be broken up into short segments that are spread out over a few days. The key is to slowly build up positive associations with the grooming process. Rewarding your dog with treats throughout the grooming process, and praising them for behaving well while being groomed will help them to associate the grooming experience with enjoyable things. You can also try giving your dog calming treats or supplements (with your vet’s approval) to reduce their anxiety during grooming sessions.
While the reasons for a dog’s fear of being groomed are varied, most can be overcome with patience and positive reinforcement. The important thing is to work with your groomer and veterinarian to find a solution that works for your dog, and build up positive grooming experiences.
Every dog has their own unique personality. From diva-like toy breeds who love getting dolled up, to rugged terriers who couldn’t care less about a hair out of place, each one has their own quirks. But with a little training and a lot of treats, even the most stubborn dog can turn their grooming nightmare into a doggy dream.
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