Keeping your dog well groomed isn’t just about aesthetics, but has health benefits as well. But the problem many owners face is that their animal companion is overly anxious in this hands-on scenario, which can lead to uncharacteristic bouts of aggression.
So what can you do to stop a dog’s fight or flight instinct kicking in when it’s time to be pampered?
Here are some techniques and tips to try out yourself.
Getting Started: Understanding Your Dog’s Anxiety
Anxiousness is not an inevitability in dogs. As such, it’s important that you take steps now to help them overcome their fear of unfamiliar people and situations.
The first part of this is understanding what triggers your dog’s anxious behavior. Common causes may include loud noises, being restrained for long periods of time, a lack of familiarity with the environment, or even an underlying medical condition such as pain from arthritis.
Once these potential triggers have been identified, we can move onto creating a plan for helping our canine companion become more comfortable during grooming session visits.
Five Tips for Helping Your Dog Feel Comfortable During Grooming Sessions
It’s possible to make your pup’s grooming sessions more enjoyable in a number of ways, so here are five simple tips which can help reduce their anxiety and make them feel safer during their visits:
- Establish a safe space in the home environment. This could be a comfortable bed or crate where they will always retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. Also consider using Honest Paws’ canine CBD solutions in the run-up to sessions to reap the benefits of calming supplements.
- Create positive associations with groomers. Take treats along and have the groomer give these as rewards after each session is complete.
- Keep grooming time short, ideally no longer than 15 minutes at first, until they become accustomed to the process.
- Provide distractions, such as toys or food puzzles, so there is something else other than being groomed that your dog focuses on, instead of worrying about what is happening around them.
- Include regular breaks throughout appointments so there isn’t too much pressure put on your pooch.
Desensitization Techniques: How to Gradually Introduce New Things in a Stress-Free Environment
One of the best ways to help your pup overcome their fear and anxiety is through desensitization. This involves gradually introducing them to new things, people or situations without overwhelming them with too much stimuli all at once. Just as humans have stress relief strategies, so too can dogs benefit from a structured approach to this problem.
The key word here is ‘gradually’, as it’s important that you take time and go at a pace which works for both you and your dog. This way they can develop trust in their surroundings while also remaining calm. Start by exposing them to small amounts of grooming equipment, such as clippers (from a distance), when they are relaxed, so they get used to seeing these tools around.
As soon as anything triggers an anxious response, take some time away from the situation, before coming back again later on after giving your furry pal time for reflection and resting.
It may be useful if owners have someone else present during desensitization sessions, such as a family member or friend, who can provide support and comfort if things become too overwhelming. They will also act as a reminder to the dog that grooming sessions usually involve at least one other person, potentially someone who’s less familiar to them.
Again, this will give them the means to recognize and accept what’s involved in this process when it’s happening for real.
Desensitizing your dog is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency, but it’s worth the effort in order to help them overcome their fear of grooming.
Essential Supplies for Seamless Grooming Experiences: What Every Owner Should Have On Hand
It’s important that owners have the right supplies on hand when it comes to preparing their four legged friend for a stress-free grooming session. Here is a list of must-have items which can help reduce anxiety and make your dog feel more comfortable:
- A muzzle – this will stop them from nipping or biting in moments of panic.
- A treat pouch – filled with yummy snacks which can be used as rewards during desensitization sessions.
- Toys/treat puzzles (Kong, snuffle mat etc) – these provide distraction and entertainment throughout the appointment process.
- Towel/blanket– giving your dog something familiar to curl up into while they are being groomed helps create an environment where they feel safe and secure.
- Water and a bowl – so your pup can stay hydrated throughout their appointment.
By having these supplies on hand, owners are well-prepared for any grooming session visits, helping ensure that they remain bite-free.
Final Thoughts
If you cannot cope with your dog’s anxiety alone, it’s worth working with a professional canine behavioral specialist in order to get the assistance you need in tackling this challenge effectively.
