7 Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog Before Taking Them to the Groomer

Your furry best friend is a great source of joy and companionship, as they’re eager to accompany you on all your adventures and spend as much time with you as possible. However, there are certain moments where they’d much rather stay at home even if it means being alone, mainly when it means a trip to the groomer.

Some dogs are excited to go anywhere, making it easy to bring them to places like the vet. However, others are naturally anxious, especially if they have suffered immense trauma before coming under your care. Going to the dog groomer may make them feel incredibly stressed and anxious even when there aren’t any signs of danger, requiring a little preparation to help them calm down.

Here are seven ways to relax your dog and create a positive grooming experience for them:

• Massage Them

When you bring your dog to the groomer, they’ll be handled in many different ways so the specialist can clean them properly. They may jerk when they aren’t used to being held in certain areas, like their paws, ears, glands, or groin area. To prepare them for your next visit, give your dog a full-body massage. Gently pet your dog, play with their paws, and carefully spread their toes apart as well. Ensure your dog is used to being handled this way before taking them to the vet, and they’re sure to be calmer!

• Recreate the Grooming Experience at Home

For your dog to perceive grooming as a typical experience, they’ll need to experience it at home first. Bathe your dog, brush their fur every day, and get them accustomed to the many sights and sounds found in dog grooming. For example, power up a blow dryer to familiarize themselves with the sound and give them a treat after. You can also hold up nail trimmers next to her paws and give her another treat, helping her perceive grooming as a rewarding, treat-filled experience.

• Give Them Plenty of Exercise

A tired dog is a happy dog since it allows them to expend their abundant energy. They love exploring and running around, so make sure your dog has had their walk before visiting the groomer. That way, they can relieve themselves and put their nervous energy to good use.

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• Find the Best Dog Groomer

Of course, preparing your dog for a visit to the groomer will be successful only if you visit the best of the best! You’ll need to find a professional groomer with the skills, resources, and experience to handle dogs of all kinds, especially nervous ones. Some groomers even specialize in treating dogs with special needs!

The team at Earthwise Pet Grooming is specially trained to accommodate any dog, so you can rest assured that you and your pup will have a comfortable, positive grooming experience with us. 

• Prepare the Car Ride

Some dogs love joy rides, while others aren’t too excited about it. To help your dog relax for a visit, bring their favorite toy or blanket with them, which will help them get more comfortable. You can start first by driving around without an actual destination, which will prevent your dog from associating car rides with stressful visits. Once your dog has gotten comfortable with these rides, they’ll be ready to pay a visit to the dog groomer.

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• Schedule a Training Visit

Once you’ve found the best dog groomer, reach out to schedule a training visit. Your dog won’t get any actual grooming done here, but they’ll be exposed to the sights and sounds of the facility. Walk your dog around, have them practice standing on the grooming table, and give them a treat for good behavior!

• Ease Into the Routine

Lastly, if you suspect that your dog is still a bit nervous about the whole routine, try to space the grooming sessions. For instance, schedule a session to do a bath and brush. Then, in another session, ask the groomer to clean their ears and trim their nails. Eventually, with enough treats and positive reinforcement, you can schedule a whole grooming session in one appointment and have your dog look forward to it!

Conclusion

Getting your dog accustomed to the groomer is a crucial part of their life since they’ll be seeing these specialists regularly. By following these easy steps, your dog won’t panic at the sight of the groomer and will relax during the session!

Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville is the best dog groomer around. We offer pet grooming services, pet supplies, and self-wash services to provide only the best for your beloved furry friend. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!