Keep Your Dog Calm During Grooming
Do you groom your dog at home? Ever wonder how to keep your dog calm during grooming? Well, just like humans, they get nervous sometimes. And because dogs need to be properly groomed, whether at home or at a shop, these tips may be handy to know.
If you want to groom your pup yourself, being mindful of how you can make the process enjoyable for your furry friend will go a long way for them. While it’s true that your pet is naturally submissive to you as their owner, using this privilege to force your dog to be groomed can backfire.
To help your dog remain calm and enjoy their grooming we’ve put together a short list of tips for you. If you have some other suggestions, please be sure to add them in the comments for other pet owners.
Allow Your Dog to Observe the Grooming Products
Dogs are instinctively observant. A sure way to frighten them is by surprising them with grooming products they never saw or heard before.
To keep your dog calm during grooming, introduce all of your grooming products to your dog before their grooming day. If you’re using clippers, turn them on so your dog can hear how they sound. Allow them to walk away when they want to.
If you’re using other products like shampoos or rinses, have them smell these items to increase their familiarity.
Play Soothing Music
Interestingly, dogs are affected by music. Playing soothing music will help your dog focus and stay calm throughout the grooming process.
Classical music or jazz will lower your pet’s heart rate and keep them relaxed. You can even take it a step further by having lower lighting in the room to keep your canine friend at ease.
Play With Them First
A dog that is tired after playtime is less likely to fight you during grooming. Playing catch for about an hour or going for a long walk is a great way to tire out your dog and keep him or her relaxed. Similarly, it may tire you out, too.
Once they’ve calmed down, it becomes much easier to groom them without the whining or growling.
Take Period Breaks
Dogs, especially puppies, can become confused or frightened during grooming. If your pet requires extended grooming, taking short breaks mitigates stress.
When you first groom your dog, it may take several hours. However, the process will become easier when they (and you) become used to the process.
Know When to Stop
Sometimes, your dog will have had enough of grooming. And that’s ok. This is a great time to call it a day and stop.
If your dog is continually whining and growling at you, their stress levels will become too high. Force-grooming your dog and/or shouting at them to be quiet won’t make them submissive to grooming.
If your dog has had enough, stop and allow them to gather themselves and calm down.
Reward Them When Still and Calm
When your pet is still and calm, reward them for their behavior with a treat. This will teach them to remain calm during grooming and make the process more convenient for you both.
Smearing peanut butter on a spoon is a trick many people use. Allowing their dog to lick it during grooming is a distraction for them. As a result, grooming is easier.
Finally, enjoy your time together.
For More Information
If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com. View more of our articles on pets here.
If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com. View more of our articles on pets here.