Dog Grooming...Not The Same for All Dogs

Keeping your dog’s coat, skin and nails in good condition is an important part of ensuring
that she stays happy and healthy. However, the approach you use for dog grooming isn’t
necessarily the same for all dogs. Your dog’s temperament and personality can play a big
role in determining how to properly groom her. If your dog has any of the following, you’ll
need to adjust your grooming techniques accordingly.

Fearful Temperament

If your dog is fearful, she might give you a hard time about getting bathed or having her
paws handled when you try to trim her nails. If your dog becomes timid about grooming,
even if she’s fine at other times, you’ll have to take steps to make sure she’s more
comfortable about it. This includes staying calm, keeping your voice relaxed and building
a positive association with grooming. You don’t want your dog to see it as a negative
experience. Giving your dog a treat or a toy as a reward or a distraction can help make
grooming more pleasant for her.

High Energy Level

If you have a dog who has high energy levels, grooming can be difficult to do. Your dog
might be too excited to stay still for bathing, brushing or having her nails trimmed. If your
dog is a big one, this can make grooming even more of a challenge. One of the most
effective ways to get your dog to calm down for grooming is to tire her out beforehand.
Let her out in the yard to burn off energy or play with her inside your home. She’ll have
less energy during grooming, which should help her keep calmer for you.

Aggressive Behavior

Your dog might exhibit aggressive behavior, such as snapping or growling, when you try
to groom her. She might do this if she’s highly fearful or if she has a medical condition or
injury that hurts when you handle her. Your vet can rule out health problems and injuries
for you. If her aggressive behavior continues, consider bringing her to a professional pet
groomer for help.