Your dog is starting to look a bit scraggly. Its fur is hanging over its eyes, its claws are too long, and it has a mat or two. It's time to take it to the groomer for a serious puppy makeover.
When you have an anxious dog, a trip to the groomer isn't easy. It requires a lot of prep work. Is it even worth it?
We're here to talk about why you should bring your dog to a professional pet groomer instead of trying to "DIY" it (and a few tips that can make it easier). Read on to learn more.
Dog Groomers Have the Right Tools
As a pet owner, there are a few grooming tools that you should have on hand. Most people who own pets have at least one brush and perhaps a pair of scissors in the event of a small mat. You may also have a small bathing tub for your dog.
Beyond that, you likely don't have much in the way of grooming supplies. Even if you did have them, you may not know how to use them appropriately.
A good pet groomer has everything that they need to make your dog look its best. They know how to use all of their tools efficiently and safely, even if your dog is fidgeting.
They Know How to Handle a Nervous Puppy
You might worry that introducing your anxious dog to a stranger is automatically a bad idea, but this doesn't have to be the case. It's true that your dog might not be thrilled about meeting someone new, remember that this isn't your groomer's first time handling an anxious pet.
A good groomer has plenty of experience dealing with dogs of all dispositions. They've seen friendly dogs, aggressive dogs, and dogs anywhere in-between.
At the end of the day, a nervous dog is nothing new. Even otherwise friendly and sociable dogs often get anxious when they visit a new groomer for the first time.
Your groomer may be able to make friends with your dog, but even if they never reach that point, they can make your dog feel at least a bit more comfortable.
They'll Keep Your Dog Safe
If you have an incredibly anxious dog, you know that grooming them at home is a challenge. Yes, brushing your dog might be easy, but trying to trim their nails or cut their fur can be dangerous.
Dogs don't like new noises or experiences. The loud sound of clippers or even nail scissors can be overwhelming and frightening for them.
Even though your dog trusts you, they could jerk away when you're trying to groom them. This could result in some serious harm.
Because a groomer has all of the right tools for the job and plenty of experience, they'll be able to keep your dog safe and secure during the grooming session.
They'll Finish the Job Fast
When you try to groom your dog at home, it's likely that the process is going to be drawn out. From the time that you're able to catch your dog, get all of your tools and give your dog time to recover after each step of the grooming process, you may have spent hours making your dog even more upset (and that's if you finish at all).
A professional groomer is on a tight schedule. They know exactly how much time they need to provide professional care for each dog, and they're able to make quick work of every grooming session.
This isn't to say that they aren't thorough. They provide high-quality grooming services in less time than it would take for you to even give your precious pup a bath.
Tips for Taking Your Anxious Dog to the Groomer
So you know that your dog needs to visit the groomer, but how are you going to get there? How can you make your dog more comfortable with grooming sessions without causing excess distress?
Here are a few tips.
Acquaint Your Dog With the Car (or Carrier)
If your dog isn't yet used to getting in the car and going on brief trips, now is the time to start.
Take your dog on brief trips around the neighborhood in the car before you start taking it to the groomer. Consider going to fun places, like the park, so the dog associates the car with something good and exciting.
If your dog needs to be in a carrier while it is in the car, it's helpful to leave the carrier out in the house so it doesn't seem scary.
Get Your Dog Used to Being Touched
Your dog should be used to being handled by the time you take it to the groomer (but if not, that's okay. The groomer can still manage).
At home, spend a lot of time touching your dog's paws. Pet your dog at every opportunity. You should respect your dog's boundaries while still trying to introduce them to new sensations (even if those sensations are scary).
It's helpful to have other people who don't live with the dog join in on this as well. You want the dog to be as comfortable with strangers as possible.
Associate the Groomer With fun
Ask your groomer if you're able to drive over with your dog on a non-appointment day.
This doesn't mean that you have to go inside (though that can also be helpful, it might not be possible if the groomer has a busy schedule). Even driving to the parking lot and letting your dog sniff around the area can be helpful.
Give the dog a treat when you get there so it starts to associate the location with something nice.
After the actual grooming session, give your dog a treat and spend some time playing with it. Again, this will help your dog associate the groomer with something positive.
It's Time to Visit the Groomer
Is it time for you to take your anxious dog to the groomer? It's going to b scary, but visiting a professional pet groomer is the best and safest option. Your pup will be clean and beautiful at the end of the session!
At Bubbly Paws, we offer both self-service dog washing and complete grooming services, and we want to meet you and your furry friend. Make a reservation for your appointment today.