Grooming your dog is an important part of your pet’s care. It not only helps keep them looking their best, but it also allows for health checks.
Some dogs are not fans of the grooming process and may shake, urinate, thrash, bark, howl, snap or display other negative behaviours during their grooming. These are usually due to anxiety and fear of the process.
They’re pampered
Grooming isn’t just about washing, it also involves brushing the dog, cutting their nails and performing health checks. All these activities can help to keep a dog looking and feeling their best.
A lot of dog groomers sessions because they’re pampered during the process. They get brushed, bathed, and trimmed and they’re often given a special treat like a peanut butter bone or a piece of cheese during their grooming session.
Getting a dog used to being handled around their ears, tail and groin from a young age will help them become more comfortable during the grooming process. A well-trained groomer will be able to gently handle the dogs in a way that doesn’t make them feel uncomfortable or stressed.
Some dogs, however, don’t enjoy their grooming sessions because they find the whole experience stressful and anxiety-inducing. This can be down to a lack of socialisation or a bad experience at a groomers in the past. Getting your dog used to being touched in sensitive areas, such as their ears, groin and paw pads at home using reward-based training can help them become more relaxed during their grooming session. This can also make it easier for them to visit a groomer in the future.
They get to play
Dogs are very particular about their feet, so a lot of them may enjoy getting them massaged. It’s not something they get at home, so this can be a fun treat for them.
The grooming process is stressful for many dogs. This is because it involves restraint, water manipulation, and lots of touching by unfamiliar people. It can also be painful, especially when they’re having their nails clipped or an ear cleaned. However, some groomers have exceptional so-called “dogmanship” and are able to soothe nervous dogs and reduce the need for force.
Car rides to and from the groomer can make some dogs anxious, so it’s important to find ways to make them comfortable before and after the appointment. Providing them with treats and extended playtime sessions before or after the appointment can help them calm down and feel safe. Likewise, giving them anti-nausea medicine before the car ride can help prevent any nausea they might experience.
Taking your dog to the groomers regularly and slowly introducing them to the process will help to reduce their stress levels. For example, if they’re afraid of being brushed, start by having them brush their ears or paws at home with positive reinforcement and plenty of praise. This will help them to associate being brushed with everyday happy activities and eventually, they’ll begin to enjoy it.
They get to go home
While some dogs will be excited and happy after getting pampered by their groomers, others may act a little strange or sad. This is usually due to a feeling of powerlessness or loss, as they feel their independence has been taken away from them.
If you notice your dog acting a bit odd or sad after a grooming session, try to make sure they get plenty of exercise beforehand. This will help to regulate their energy levels and keep them calm throughout the day.
It is also a good idea to make sure your dog has practiced riding in the car with you before they go to the groomers. This will help to reduce their stress and anxiety and it will make the car ride a lot more enjoyable for both of you.
Some dogs are naturally scared of the grooming process because they weren’t introduced to it as puppies or because they had a bad experience with someone who wasn’t gentle or kind. If this is the case for your dog, you can work to overcome their fears by introducing them to grooming tools and activities at home, so they’re used to it and not afraid of them. Then, once they’re comfortable, you can start pairing their grooming sessions with other positive things in their lives like playtime and treats.
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