Dog grooming is something all dog owners need to do every now and again to make sure their dogs look good and stay healthy. Dirt, long claws, and tangled fur can be uncomfortable for the dog and also affect their health negatively. However, grooming isn't always easy. If you have a dog that, for some reason, gets nervous or afraid when you want to groom them, it can be quite a problem. In order to get your dog to stay calm when it's time for grooming, there are a few things you can do.
Prepare them
The first thing you need to do before grooming your nervous dog is to prepare it to be groomed. Make a habit out of touching the places on your dog where it's the most sensitive, like the feet and around the eyes. Reward your dog with treats after you've done so. If your dog goes to a dog grooming company, you should ask them if you can bring your dog in without grooming it. That way you're preparing your dog for the noises and the environment without them having to go through the grooming process. Reward them with treats as they're in there so that they connect the place to something pleasant.
Keep sessions short
If your dog gets nervous about dog grooming, you should make sure you keep the sessions as short as possible. Wash them one day, brush them the second day, and cut their claws on a third day. If you go do a dog groomer, then you should make different appointments for different days so that the dog don't have to spend too much time in there. Also remember to not interrupt a session when you've started it unless your dog completely panics. If you let them quit when they get uncomfortable, that's what they're going to remember about the grooming. Try to get through the session and reward them afterwards so that they can remember it as something positive.
Avoid certain places
You can also provide an item to have nearby as you're grooming that your dog likes. Give them a toy to play with or have them lie down on their favourite rug. However, you should avoid grooming your dog in places where they feel comfortable. Don't groom them on their bed or where they go to relax. This can evoke unpleasant memories and make them feel nervous about using that place as a spot for relaxation again. Especially avoid grooming them in their cage, as this also can spark a reaction of panic as they're being trapped.
