5 WAYS TO KEEP DOGS CALM WHILE GROOMING
Do you groom your dog? We all know that we should but it can be hard work! I’m not much of a groomer (ever seen my hair?!), so I need tips when it comes to grooming my pets. Jenny Nolan from Cleaner Paws has given us some great ideas…
5 Ways to Keep Dogs Calm While Grooming
Grooming can be a nightmare for some dog owners because of the way their pooch reacts during the process. Some dogs get restless and uneasy if being asked to sit still for a long period of time while there are others who get anxious at the first sight of tools used for grooming.
There are a number of reasons why a dog may not react pleasantly to being groomed. It could be because of a bad experience they had in the past with a groomer, or because the noise clippers, blowers and other tools make unnerves them. Another reason could be because grooming takes your dog out of their comfort zone, often being taken to a shop or new environment around people they aren’t familiar with.
Seeing your dog become nervous is not only an unpleasant experience for them but also for you as an owner. However, to ensure your dog remains clean and healthy, it is still important that you groom your pet regularly. Not only will you get a clean and shiny dog but grooming lets you check your pet for skin problems like fleas, tick, and dry patches, or lingering problems related to their eyes, ears, nails and teeth which is a great way to avoid any long-term issues.
If your dog is not so happy when it comes to grooming time, you might want to try these 5 tips and tricks:
- Line Brushing
Brushing regularly is beneficial for any dog, no matter the breed. It can help remove dandruff, dead hair, and dirt from their fur. In addition to that, while you brush your dog, natural oils produced by the skin spreads over their coat, making it look extra shiny.
If your dog’s breed is known for long coats, you need to familiarize yourself with a technique called line brushing. It is a way of gently untangling a dog’s fur while brushing loose hairs out of their undercoat. To do this, use a soft bristle brush to comb the coat in the direction of the hair growth. Go all the way down near the skin, but avoid hitting the skin as it might hurt or unnerve your dog.
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- Treats
Most dogs can be motivated to behave well or perform a task when they know that there are treats waiting for them. One of the most effective ways to lessen your dog’s anxiety is by giving out rewards whenever they are nice and calm during grooming time. You can give out a small treat when your dog allows you to clean their ears, another when they behaves while getting their nails trimmed, and so on.
Remember that this trick is not about bribing your dog with rewards whenever you want to groom them, but about adjusting their attitude so that they associate grooming with a fun and enjoyable experience. Through this technique your dog will learn to like grooming and as time passes, you can eventually do away with the treats as your dog will remain completely calm throughout the process without them.
- Soothing Music
Previous studies have suggested that music has plenty of psychological and psychological positive effects on the behavior of dogs. One particular research showed that classical music has the ability to calm and decreases the stress level of dogs who have also previously been affected by anxiety.
A great way to keep your dog at ease during grooming is by playing soothing music. Why not put on some Bach, Mozart or Brahms the next time you groom your furry best friend? This may just help to keep your dog a little more relaxed.
- Natural Tonics
Another great way of lessening your dog’s anxiety levels is by trying all-natural tonics. This kind of products has the ability to keep your dog calm and quiet for a short while and should avoid them making too much fuss, or getting upset in that time.
All-natural tonics are very easy to use. Simply place a few drops on to a treat or directly your pet’s mouth before you start grooming. After about 20 minutes you’ll notice that he is more relaxed, and that is when you can begin grooming. You can also use this opportunity to trim your dog’s nails, clean out ears, and even brush teeth is you need.
It is important to remember to check if the product you are going to use on your dog is safe and non-toxic., it should also not contain any harmful chemicals.
Using scent to improve animal behaviour and welfare
- Use a Non-Slippery Surface
Grooming your dog on a non-slippery surface can help to make sure that they feel safe and comfortable. Before grooming your dog, surround the bottom of your tub or sink with bath mats and towel so that the slippery areas are covered. This can help to avoid accidents and make grooming less tiring for both you and your pet.
Moreover, you can also splurge on special non-slippery padding that is specifically designed to keep your pet still during bath time or grooming tables that provide you with control and comfort, both excellent options to keep your dog calm during grooming.
About the author
Jenny Nolan enjoys dividing her time between caring for her lovable dogs and a little too much time shopping for vintage clothing! As a professional pet groomer, she contributes to her family run blog Cleaner Paws along with Mom Sue.
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