Grooming is an essential aspect of dog ownership that ensures our dogs stay clean and healthy. However, for anxious pups, grooming sessions can be stressful and challenging. Understanding how to effectively groom a nervous pup will ultimately make the experience more pleasant for both you and them.
1. Create a Calm Environment.
Start by ensuring the grooming area is calm and quiet. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements, which can startle an anxious dog. Consider playing soft, soothing music and using a comfortable mat for your dog to stand or lie on, helping to create a more relaxing atmosphere, and making your dog feel safe and secure.
2. Introduce Grooming Tools Gradually with Puppy Intro Sessions
Julian Sandy, Owner at Woofters DOG Grooming says “Puppy intro sessions are a must!” A puppy intro session is a special appointment designed to gently introduce young puppies to grooming. These sessions include a basic introduction to grooming tools and procedures like brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sometimes a light bath. Let your dog sniff and inspect each item before using it, and try associating these tools with positive experiences for your dog, for example, by gently praising them when your dog interacts with them calmly.
Be patient - a step-by-step approach will help to reduce fear and help your dog become more accustomed to the grooming process in the long-run!
3. Positive Reinforcement is key.
Don’t underestimate the impact of positive reinforcement when it comes to grooming an anxious dog. Make sure you use a gentle, encouraging tone of voice, and gentle petting. Positive association will help alleviate anxiety - hopefully even being to make grooming sessions something your dog might even start to look forward to!
4. Keep it Short and Sweet
Long grooming sessions can be overwhelming, even for a dog that’s not particularly anxious. Keep sessions short, especially in the beginning - for example, try only brushing a part of your dog's coat, or start by clipping only one nail at a time. Gradually increase the duration of these sessions as your dog becomes more comfortable with the process.
5. Try a Calming supplement
Try PAWD’s Calming supplement, designed to help reduce anxiety in dogs. These water-based supplements offer added hydration benefits and contain only natural, soothing ingredients including passionflower and melissa. All you need to do is pour your dog’s daily dose directly into a bowl and watch them lap it up - no pills or tablets needed!
6. Music Magic!
According to Jo Rumming at Jo’s Dog Shed In, "Dogs love reggae!" Adding a bit of music to the grooming environment can really help calm anxious dogs. Music has a soothing effect on many animals, including dogs. Choose genres like reggae or classical music, which have been shown to have a relaxing effect on dogs. Playing soft tunes in the background can help mask any unsettling noises and create a serene atmosphere, making the grooming process much more pleasant for your furry clients. Give it a try and see the magic happen!
7. Create a distraction
Sometimes all you need is a distraction! What does your pooch love? If they’re ball mad, try distracting with a ball toy, which can work wonders. It will help keep their mind busy and relieve anxiety.
Happy grooming!