Does your dog have anxiety about going to the groomer? Let’s talk about how you can keep your dog calm for grooming, and what might be scaring them.
Why are Dogs Afraid of the Groomer?
Does your dog hate the groomer? They’re not alone. There are tons of dogs who hate being groomed and bathed. But what’s making them so anxious? It could be a few different things.
We’d start by asking your groomer what they’ve noticed about dogs in general, and what specifically might be scaring your dog. They’re bound to have insights from all their experience with different pups. Below are a few of the most common issues you might encounter.
1. The hair dryer
Typical hair dryers can be loud and scary, but the dryers at a professional groomer are even louder and more powerful. And since dogs have more sensitive ears, the loud sounds can make them anxious – especially during those beautiful blow-outs.
2. The kennel
If your dog has to wait in a kennel until it’s their time to be groomed, this might aggravate them. Especially if they aren’t used to being crate trained at home—they won’t understand why they’re being kept in a small, confined space.
3. Separation anxiety
Your dog might struggle with separation anxiety. Do they get overly upset when you leave, and/or freak out when you get back home? It could be that going to the groomer upsets them because you aren’t there.
4. Other dogs
Your dog might feel anxious if there are other dogs at the groomer who are barking or growling loudly. That could increase their stress level, or even scare them.
5. They don’t want to be handled
Some dogs have had traumatic experiences in the past, and get scared when someone tries to touch them or pick them up; especially if that someone isn’t their owner.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Grooming Visits
Although there are several things that could scare or agitate your dog, there are also things that you can do ahead of time to prepare and calm your dog before they go to the groomer.
1. Massage before the groomer
Dogs like massages just as much as we do! A calming massage could help loosen up those tense muscles.
2. Expose your dog to grooming routines & supplies at home
Before you take your pup to the groomer, practice bathing and brushing them at home. You could even use a hair dryer (on low heat) to help them get used to the loud sound.
3. Exercise them beforehand
One of the best ways to help calm down a hyper or anxious dog is by helping them get rid of all their extra energy. Take them for a nice, long walk before going to the groomer. Walking is fun and relaxing. And, by the end, your pooch will be worn out and won’t have any anxious energy left.
4. Make the groomer a happy place
When taking your dog to the groomer, try to act calm and happy. Your dog will notice your energy. Bring treats to give them once you arrive. They will start to associate going to the groomer with positive reinforcement and reward!
5. Find an understanding groomer
Before booking your appointment, have a conversation with the groomer about your dog’s needs and potential stressors. Try to make sure they understand how to work with dogs who hate going to the groomer.
6. Use Aromatherapy
You could use aromatherapy for dogs at home before taking your dog to the groomer to help calm them down. Or, you could ask your groomer if they use aromatherapy, and if they would be willing to use it while your dog is there.
7. Try a “test visit”
To help your dog get used to the sights, smells, and sounds of the groomer, take them for a “test visit” before their appointment. They can meet the groomer and become familiar with the atmosphere before jumping right in.
8. Consider a muzzle
Sadly, some dogs are just easily agitated, aggressive, and may have experienced trauma in the past. Even if you try all of the tips listed here, your dog may still have too much anxiety and might try to bite your groomer. If that’s the case, you can try out a muzzle. They come in a wide variety of styles, depending on your dog’s needs, and won’t be too distressing for your dog when worn for a short period of time.
Try Grooming at Home
If worse comes to worst, you can always groom your pup at home. Maybe they aren’t quite ready to go to a professional groomer just yet. That’s ok! Try bathing them and trimming their nails at home for now. Once they become comfortable with you grooming them, then you can try a professional groomer again. The most important thing is to be patient with your dog, and try to understand their needs.
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