Dog Scared of the Groomer? Here’s How to Correct It

Your scared dog at the groomer can mean you are having a tough day in which you deal with a nervous and anxious dog, a groomer that gets bitten and is in pain, and, of course, a dog that feels frantic and extremely uncomfortable. That does not have to be the case with you, of course, as you can prepare your dog beforehand.

Start Grooming at Home

To make your dog used to the groomer, you need to start the grooming process at home. Groomers can use a lot of tools, such as clippers and special brushes, that may make your dog feel anxious or scared, but if your dog is used to seeing such tools at home, then it will not panic as much. You can let your dog be around such tools and also sniff them so that they can get used to the smell and are not scared of the groomer.

Introduce Grooming Gradually

Do not just take your dog to the groomers, such as dog groomers in Conroe, TX, and get them a grooming session immediately. Instead, start gradually by taking them to the groomer’s salon and getting them introduced to everyone there. Just drop by for a quick hello so that your dog can get used to everyone and can also sniff around and start feeling comfortable in that place. Your dog may also have trouble traveling to the groomer’s, especially if it is far away, so get them used to the car rides by making them travel short distances and then eventually increasing them.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Just as you would train your dog by encouraging them and giving them treats, you can also encourage them when you take them to the groomers. You can stroke them gently and say encouraging words that make your dog feel comfortable, and then you may also treat them at every step of the grooming process so that they stay encouraged for the next step. You should also pack your dog’s favorite toys or blankets that can make your dog feel good and reassure it. Did you know that the pet grooming industry is on a boom right now, with its global value projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2028?

Choose the Right Groomer

Make sure that you pick a groomer that your dog likes. Preferably someone who knows how to handle and take care of dogs and is very friendly and warm. You should get your dog used to the groomer first and then choose them for the appointment if your dog feels comfortable. You should also read reviews online and get recommendations to look for a groomer who is most suitable for your dog.

Keep it Calm

When the day for grooming arrives, involve your dog in some light activity like going on a walk, so that any of its nervous energy is shaken off, and it feels calmer, and it will also feel better as activity will release endorphins and make it feel much happier. After the session, let your dog relax, as they may have had a sensory experience at the groomers, so create an atmosphere of peace in the house, and keep an eye on them to notice any signs of discomfort or any allergic reaction that may have occurred after grooming.

Keep Your Dog Social

Meeting the groomer is like meeting someone new, and if your dog is friendly and can easily adapt to new people, then meeting the groomer would be no problem at all. You can make your dog socialize by sending it on play dates with other dogs, so that it feels comfortable with other dogs too. Then, you can also take it out in gatherings, and make it meet new people so that it gets used to the idea of meeting others and interacting with them. It will also allow them to feel independent, and when they are away from you at the groomers, they will not feel scared either.

Conclusion

Grooming can turn out to be a very positive experience for your dog, in which they end up feeling mentally calm and physically clean, which is why you must get your dog groomed occasionally. So, get your dog used to the grooming process and then stick to it as repeated sessions will help them get accustomed to it as time passes.

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