Regular grooming of the dog is vital. That includes brushing, bathing, and good dental hygiene. However, some puppies have a high degree of fear towards grooming.
Getting such a dog through the procedure, especially for the first time isn’t easy for everyone. But professional dog groomers usually have their ways with such dogs. So what tricks do they employ?
You can learn to help keep your dog still during the grooming exercise by following the following tips from experts:
8 Tips On How Dog Groomers Keep Dogs Still
Arm Yourself With the Right Tools and Equipment
Consider the type of fur your pet has and know the appropriate tools you require. Ask other professionals or research about the right shampoo, brush, and combs.
Having the correct tools for the task instills confidence in you. Besides, it makes the procedure comfortable for the puppy.
If it’s your first time, watch several YouTube videos on trimming or brushing hair and gain experience. Let your puppy feel that you are in control- and not gambling with the exercise.
Nonslip Tabletop
During grooming, you must put the dog on a raised platform such as a grooming table. But the pet has to feel comfortable on that table. And a slippery surface robs him with such confidence.
That’s why professional dog groomers invest in comfortable padding on the table. Similarly, a nonslip pad in the bathtub is necessary.
Besides giving him a sure grip of the ground, the padding reduces fatigue in the animal. That way, you increase the chances of the dog being collaborative.
Maintain a Gentle and Calm Spirit
The tone of your voice and facial expression will influence how your pet reacts towards you. So groomers know the importance of maintaining a calm and reassuring spirit.
Addressing the puppy in harsh tones and generally being bossy agitates them. One trick that groomers employ to calm nervous dogs is talking in a gentle voice and rewarding them with treats when necessary.
Rewards such as chews distract pets from the ongoing exercise and hence contribute towards maintaining a calm posture.
Also giving the puppy a resting period between one procedure and the next instill calmness. Such breaks are ideal for relieving fatigue in the joints.
Use of Grooming Restraints Such As a Noose
Not all pooches respond to calming tones and words. In such cases, groomers have learned to use restraints such as a noose.
A noose is a restraining aid joined to an upside-down L-shaped metal bar. It helps restrain a dog around the neck and centers the pet on the grooming table.
Furthermore, it prevents the puppy from jumping off the table. Unless the dog pulls on the noose, he remains comfortable.
But in rare cases when a puppy gets extraordinarily wiggly, some groomers employ nooses that hold the dog both at the hind leg and neck.
However, groomers only use nooses when other tricks to keep the pet calm have failed.
Calm, Fun, and Relaxed Setup
Another way to calm your pet during grooming is getting the setting right. The location for grooming needs to be comfortable, fun, and relaxed for the pet.
For example, one suggested time for brushing your dog is when the entire family has gathered to watch a movie. Just like other members of the family, ask the pet to cuddle beside you on the couch.
Then keep the grooming tools and treats in one container. Let the animal sniff the tools and get comfortable with them.
And don’t prolong the grooming session. Instead, you can make it a daily exercise, maintaining the venue and time. Also, you can alternate from conducting one grooming procedure to the next as the days pass by.
Sedatives
All puppies aren’t the same. And in some isolated cases, sedating the pet is warranted. However, neither the pet owner nor the groomer should recommend a sedative.
It’s only legal for a vet to recommend the right sedative to use during grooming. Keep off any groomer who is ever ready to use any sedative he finds around without a vet’s prescription.
Soothing and Calming Aids
On top of using a calming voice and relaxed atmosphere, some professional groomers boost their chances of success with pets by using pheromones.
That includes infusing their rooms with essential oils and other dog shampoos containing such pheromones. Strategically placing the calming aids produces a social response from some dogs.
Good Practices
Some pets are extremely nervous when facing the initial grooming session. Therefore don’t expect to achieve success with all dogs for the first time.
The best piece of advice when a dog is extremely resistant to a groomer’s advances is to let it go. Forcing the procedure on the dog is dangerous for both the groomer and the animal.
The pooch may react aggressively and cause accidents. Also, the use of force may make the animal develop a negative attitude towards such practice even in the future.
A better act is to cease providing the service and give it a second trial at a later date. The top priority should be the pet’s comfort and the groomer’s safety.
Conclusion
Making a dog stay still during grooming exercise is a skill you can cultivate. It all begins with being knowledgeable on the procedure and having the right tools.
Also, get the setting for the procedure right and don’t use force on the pet. Let the dog feel that you care about him. Don’t be bossy towards the pet. Instead, stick to a calm and comforting voice. Reward with chews to distract the dog’s attention from the service.
Such are the tips used by dog groomers to keep dogs still. Remember it requires patience, training, and experience to calm a dog during grooming. Don’t expect to achieve success overnight.