Some dogs experience anxiety when heading to the vet regardless of how many times they go; it’s ingrained in them. This same stress and anxiety can overcome them when it’s time for grooming. Responses can range from mild anxiety to outright panic, with whining, panting, trembling, and salivating.
Training a dog from early in puppyhood to accept being handled in these sorts of situations is vital.
Professional dog trainers have the tools and experience to desensitize canines, allowing them to more readily adapt to different settings, become tolerant of unfamiliar people, and even allow a manicure by the groomer. Check for details on quality and qualified trainers here – this website has it all.
These experts recommend helping dogs grow accustomed to being handled by brushing them routinely, touching their paws, and checking their ears and teeth regularly. It’s also better to choose a Nashville grooming salon that has a calm environment, that’s less crowded and comfortable.
Preparing Your Pup for Grooming
Nashville groomers recommend that you prepare your pup well before committing them to routine grooming. When dogs become accustomed to being touched and handled by inspecting their paws, ears, and teeth, and with regular coat brushing, it’s easier to adapt to the professional session.
Here are tips for helping to reduce a dog’s anxiety and fear when arriving at the groomer.
It starts in the car
A pup that only goes on car rides to go to the vet or for grooming will grow anxious when it comes to getting in the vehicle. You want to start acclimating your dog to car rides from an early age and take him to fun places so he doesn’t expect the worst.
When he does well, following the ride, offer him positive reinforcement before he jumps out. This helps him associate contentment with his trips.
You can also make the trips to the groomer more exciting by taking your pup on a fun ride to get a special treat after his session, maybe let him run on the beach or play at the park. The idea is to have your pup free of stress before he arrives; if he’s calm at the start, he may be more accepting of the treatment.
Desensitization
Part of early puppyhood dog training involves desensitizing a dog to the triggers that make him anxious or cause him to react. This involves introducing the things that create the fear in a controlled environment and exposing him only if he remains calm and comfortable.
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If the triggers cause a reaction, it’s removed and the trainer will start again with the next session.
The best way a pet parent can use this technique is by regularly handling your pup starting from a very young age. Bathe him as frequently as is recommended by the vet, use a hand-held blower to dry him, clip his nails if you feel comfortable to do so, clean his teeth, and brush his coat often.
The more your dog grows accustomed to his routine, the more likely he’ll be accepting of a professional doing the same things.
The priority is to find a groomer that he feels comfortable with in a setting that he likes. It’s worthwhile to let him visit the groomer a few times before scheduling a session to grow familiar with them. Click for a guide on grooming your dog at home.
Burn that energy
Dogs need walks and stimulating playtime each day to burn excess energy and for mental and physical wellness. You can also use exercise as a way to reduce stress energy.
When your anxiety is heightened, a dog senses that something they won’t enjoy is about to happen. If the two of you take an extended walk before the scheduled grooming appointment, it can relieve this tension helping you to feel calm and relaxing your pup. A tired dog is also content.
Some breeds have much higher energy than others and tend to be more nervous. You might need to work a little harder to wear this pup out.
Maybe take him on a hike the morning of the appointment or give him some extra playtime at the dog park. Visit Dog grooming: everything you need to know | ManyPets – for tips on what you should know before exposing your pup to grooming.
Years in the industry
You want a credentialed and qualified pet groomer with years in the industry to work with your pup. These professionals have experience with most breeds and every personality. They are understanding and patient with dogs who come stressed and fearful of the appointment.
It’s important to visit a few before committing to one to learn how they deal with anxiety and their salon practices, how they groom the dogs. You could also request to sit in on a session to see what happens first-hand.
Once you find someone you’re comfortable with, you’ll want to bring your dog to the salon to see his response to the environment and the groomer. His body language will let you know whether he’s nervous or if he likes the atmosphere.
Bonding with the groomer will take some time but giving him that opportunity is important. You may want to visit with the groomer periodically to encourage a mutual relationship.
The first few times you could also consider buying calming treats that offer natural ingredients meant to help your dog relax. Most advise that these be taken roughly an hour before the appointment to ensure it takes effect.
It won’t hinder his attention or put him to sleep but will just help him to be more accepting of the situation.
Final Thought
Many Nashville groomers have extensive training and expertise working with varied dog breeds of different personalities. Most understand that some dogs are insecure about being handled and need some extra time to acclimate to the experience.
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An ideal way to help reduce stress and anxiety is to select a comfortable setting and a communicative, patient, and gentle groomer. You’ll find varied solutions for grooming in Nashville including mobile salons. Your dog will ultimately be the one to decide which works.