Does a trip to the groomer bring dread to the pit of your stomach – and cause anxiety with your pup? These experiences can be stressful, especially when dogs haven’t been properly introduced to the different things that will happen at the groomers. You can help decrease their anxiety by taking time to get them accustomed to all the aspects of going to the groomer.
Make the car ride easier: Car rides are often a source of stress for dogs. Some feel ill as you drive, while others associate the car with being taken to unpleasant places, like the vet or kennel. Others are made anxious by the car ride itself since it throws them off balance. To help change their views of the car, make a point to take them frequently to fun places so that they don’t always expect to be taken to a “bad” place. Speak soothingly to them while you drive, and offer treats. You can also talk to your veterinarian about anti-nausea medication to help your pup if they get sick frequently during car rides.
Handle your dog regularly: Dogs are touched and held in many different ways when they’re at the vet. This can be scary when they aren’t used to it or a stranger holding them. You can make the experience easier for your dog by intentionally handling them at home. Hold their paws or muzzle while sitting on the couch; focus on manipulating their ears while you’re petting them; run your fingers gently over their face, nose, and eyes. Gently put pressure on their abdomen and hind legs at times as well. Be sure to reward them for behaving and being relaxed during these handling sessions so that they associate being touched with treats and good experiences. If your dog becomes nervous, stop the training session. It would be best if you only practiced handling them when they are calm and relaxed.
Make the groomer’s a positive experience: Many groomers and vets are more than happy to do an initial training session with a new client. This visit is focused solely on laying a positive foundation for your pup’s experiences there. You will meet with the groomer (or vet), and your dog will be allowed to explore the room, become familiar with the professional, and receive lots of treats in general. They’ll also have the chance to encounter all the sounds and smells of the groomer, like blow dryers, hoses, and shears. You can practice lifting them onto the grooming table and being attached to the harness for washing and drying without yet introducing the full experience. This introduction can be crucial to turning what would be a negative experience into a positive one.
Identify your pup’s specific fears and needs: Pay attention to areas that particularly scare your pup; there are likely modifications that can be made to make them more comfortable. Dogs that dislike being lifted onto a table can be provided stairs or a ramp to walk up themselves. If they don’t like the slipperiness of the table, a table or rubber mat can be placed on top so that they have more grip. There are caps your dog can wear that cover their eyes to decrease stimuli and keep them calmer, and there are models of quiet razors to accommodate dogs that are fearful of loud noise.
Just like people, dogs have personalities, and some are more confident than others. If your dog needs training to help make him more comfortable and happy, we are here to help. Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is located in Bradenton, Florida, and offers courses from puppy to mature dog.
