Common Dog Grooming Behavior Issues and How to Help

Every responsible dog owner knows that you must groom your pet. Those with long-haired pets are likely very familiar with this, because if you skip a couple of days of brushing, you’ll find plenty of knots and mats.

Unfortunately, many dogs don’t like being groomed and are resistant to the whole process.

Let’s look at the leading dog grooming behavior problems and how to address them.

Why does my dog not like being groomed?

This is a question many dog owners ask themselves. The reasons why they might not want to be groomed are varied and depend on the dog’s disposition. Your dog might simply run away when it’s time to be groomed or to bathe. Some dogs may show aggression toward a groomer who’s someone they don’t know. Barking, whining and howling are also common responses to attempts at grooming.

Any of these behaviors are going to make grooming more difficult. In extreme cases, the groomer may end up being unable to service the dog. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can try, so don’t abandon hope yet!

Tips for grooming uncooperative dogs

Here are our top tips for successfully grooming challenging dogs:

• Meet the pet’s needs first: A dog that is tired, hungry or uncomfortable is unlikely to be okay with grooming. Make sure they’re as comfortable as possible before starting the process. If the dog has an injury, tell the groomer so that they can avoid that spot. If the dog is sick, you may want to postpone the grooming session.
• Socialization: A well-socialized dog is one who’s more likely to be cooperative with grooming. Expose your dog to as many different environments as possible. Get them comfortable with meeting new people, smelling new smells and being around different sounds. Over time, they will become more adaptable.
• Learn about the groomer’s methods: You may want to test out different groomers and see which one fits with your dog best. Dogs will react differently to each grooming technique and may prefer one over another. Ultimately, you want a groomer who is sensitive to your dog’s needs.
• Watch your dog’s reactions: Observe a grooming session, and see how it goes. You may be able to spot certain things that are triggering your dog’s negative behavioral reactions. You can take notes and share them with a trainer or a veterinarian. Of course, it will also be helpful to share what you’ve found with the dog’s groomer.
• Groom the dog at home: Sometimes there are dogs who, no matter what you do, are just not comfortable with others. In these cases, you may need to groom the dog at home. Learning to groom a dog properly may be taxing, so you may want to find an expert who can help.

Since 2006, The Soggy Dog has welcomed pets and their owners. We offer a range of washing and professional grooming services for all kinds of dogs. We also carry a full selection of pet toys, food, supplies and care products. Stop by our location or call today to find out more and let our groomers serve your dog’s needs.

Categorised in: Dog Grooming in Henderson

This post was written by Writer