How to Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable at the Groomer

Going to the groomer can be quite a challenge. For pet owners with anxious little pups (both old and young), it can be such a stressful experience for everyone involved. While it’s true that not every dog is afraid of the groomers, others may hate it. For some dogs, it’s just not an experience they ever get used to.

The most important thing is keeping your pets happy, safe, and clean. The good news is that there are ways you can help get used to the process of grooming. With a bit of time and love, the experience should be significantly improved for you, your dog, and the groomer. 

Here are simple ways you can help your dog feel safer and more comfortable at the groomer:

Allow Your Dog to Explore the Space and Get Comfortable.

Often, the main reason dogs dislike being at the groomer so much is just because of how unfamiliar the environment is. Dogs like to know where they are and explore the tiny spaces and smell in a place before they get comfortable. The groomer also usually smells like so many other animals, which might bother some dogs. 

Going around and sniffing every surface in the salon can help them become more familiar with the place and slowly ease them into being more willing to cooperate with the groomers. You can probably talk to the owners and even ask to come in early for your appointment or days before. Just to give them the chance to know that this is a place they go to. 

Most groomers will understand and give you all the time you need to help your pup adjust to the environment. 

You should also try to introduce the tools and sounds they’ll experience during their grooming. Like with the environment, these might not necessarily be a case where they hate the action or the idea, but rather how alien it is to them. Get them used to the sound and feel of a blower, the razors, and anything else that might scare them off. It might take a few tries, but eventually, your dog won’t feel the need to run away at the sounds of a razor turning on.

Don’t Force Them to Stay Once They’ve Made it Clear They Want to Go.

The most important thing you need to be aware of is your dog’s behavior while they’re getting groomed. If they have always had problems with being groomed, it will take more than a few visits to make them feel safe and comfortable. Don’t be too disappointed if the only thing you manage to do is explore the groomers. Your dog will let you and the groomer know when they’ve had enough. 

However, make sure that you accomplish more every time you take them to the groomer. While it’s important to respect your dog’s boundaries, you also can’t let them stay afraid forever. You can teach them with the help of your groomer to get comfortable and be more cooperative. Dogs are never too old to learn.

Conclusion

It will be hard to push your dog at the groomers, but at the end of the day, it’s for their own good. The place and its staff will play an essential part in helping your dog overcome their anxiety and discomfort. Usually, they’re not only trained to clean and style your dog, but they may have a few tricks up their sleeve on how to handle dogs like yours. Work together with them. In no time at all, your dog should be chilling at the groomers.

EarthWise Pet Fremont is a pet grooming wellness spa in Washington. We are committed to giving the best service to all your dogs. We offer a wide range of products and services to help your dogs feel and look their best. You can count on us to take good care of them. Our goal is to keep them as comfortable as possible, so let us know if there’s anything extra we can do to help!