Some dogs don't like being groomed.Negative associations from past experiences may make it uncomfortable for them.If a dog is being difficult during grooming due to anxiety, there are plenty of ways to help him relax and change his response to grooming.
Step 1: A medication or calming aid is what you should choose.
You can use a variety of products to help calm your dog.Your vet would prescribe some of the medications.You can buy herbal supplements over-the-counter, but they should not be used without consulting the vet.Benadryl Melatonin is one of the common medications and calming aids.
Step 2: Discuss calming aids with your doctor.
There are risks and side effects with some medications.It is possible that some may produce the opposite behavior of what you are hoping for.You should always run your medication by your vet.Depending on the size of your dog, your vet can advise you on how much to give.General anesthesia may be offered by your vet in severe cases.
Step 3: Before your dog becomes anxious, give it the medication.
If your dog has already become nervous, many calming aids and anxiety medications won't work.Before you get in the car, make sure to give your dog the medication.You can put your dog in a good mood by hiding the medication inside a treat.
Step 4: Your dog should be groomed the same way you would.
Your dog should be calm once the medication kicks in.Try to work quickly so that the medication doesn't wear off.You can use a calm voice with your dog.If you want your dog to feel calm, choose a place for grooming.She should be groomed outside if she hates the bathtub.If she doesn't want to go in the car, ask the groomer if she makes house calls.Don't use scissors on a dog's hair.Many dog owners accidentally puncture their dog's skin with scissors, which can lead to a visit to the vet.The dog has negative associations with grooming.
Step 5: Do you know your dog's Trigger?
Does your dog get nervous when you put him in the car?Does he know when it's time for grooming?Does he bark when he comes to your door?To change the way your dog responds to grooming, you need to know what causes the anxiety.
Step 6: Provide your dog with something to calm him down.
A calming aid is a medication that reduces a dog's anxiety temporarily.They can be bought at a pet store.melatonin is a natural calming aid that works for dogs.When you don't actually plan to groom your dog, this is a good time to do this.You want your dog to be relaxed.Don't use anesthesia provided by your vet.It will take weeks or months to teach your dog to enjoy being groomed.Before you groom the dog, begin this process.
Step 7: Slowly, begin to introduce the triggering mechanism.
Take the brush out of the cabinet so your dog can see it.Put it back in the cabinet if she sees it.Don't drive anywhere if the car makes her nervous.Since you will need to expose your dog to thetrigger for short periods, it may not be possible to practice this technique.
Step 8: The dog should get treats when he looks at something.
Positive associations with grooming will be created by this.You can praise your dog for acknowledging the object.Treat your dog if he runs away or barks at something.The message is that running away is a positive thing.
Step 9: When you feed your dog, place the object next to her food bowl.
She will start to see that the object is not threatening.A positive thing for dogs is that she will associate the object with food.Your dog may be hesitant to approach his food bowl.Don't worry.She will eventually want to eat.For several days, repeat this step.
Step 10: The Trigger object can be used on your dog.
If your dog gets used to seeing the object near his food, try using it on him.Don't try a full grooming.Run the brush over the dog's coat.Bring the clippers close to the dog's coat for a few seconds.If your dog is triggered by the car, you can take him for a ride.You can give him a treat.Turn around and go home.
Step 11: Over time, increase the amount of grooming.
The duration should be increased after you use the object for a short time.You can brush your dog.Try putting her in the bathtub.Stop for the day if your dog gets anxious at any step.Give her a treat at the beginning of the process.You can increase the amount of grooming until you are able to fully groom your dog.
Step 12: Speak in a measured tone to the dog.
You don't want to seem overly sensitive, the dog may assume there's something to be afraid of, or you may be angry or aggressive.If you get frustrated with your dog, keep your voice high and assertive.Your dog knows that you are in charge.
Step 13: A comfortable restraint is used.
There are a lot of options for dog grooming.A loop around the dog's neck is the best way to hold it up while she stands on a grooming platform.These are designed to make grooming easier for dogs.A muzzle may be required by some dogs to prevent them from biting or baring their teeth.Put your dog in a restraint.Be gentle but firm.You don't want him to associate the restraint with pain.Make sure the restraint works in your location.If being in the shower makes the dog's restraint uncomfortable, you may need to use something else.
Step 14: Use good equipment to work quickly.
Things are easier on you and your dog with good grooming equipment.Before you start, make sure everything is laid out.If you go off in search of a specific tool, you don't want to leave your dog restrained for a long time.Before you restrain the dog, make sure you have water for washing him.The blades on your clippers need to be sharp.
Step 15: If the dog struggles, don't respond.
You can tell the dog that everything is okay, but don't give her anything at this point.The dog will think the behavior is being rewarded and encouraged.You can be kind and gentle without giving up control.When a dog sees you as the alpha, it's okay to show them that they need to be able to tolerate some safe, temporary discomfort.
Step 16: When the grooming is done, give the dog treats.
If it is physically possible, you can do this while he is still in the restraint.Positive associations with the restraint may be increased by this.When a dog is growling or resisting, never reward him.This will not help him unlearn his behavior.