For some breeds of dog, semi-regular grooming helps keep their coats in great condition and make sure their nails are short and healthy. Of course, there are also particular breeds that have more serious grooming needs, with coats getting out of control, matted and dirty quite easily if they're not looked after.
Normally, if a dog is groomed from an early age, they'll get used to it and behave well so that that dog grooming sessions can go ahead without any problems. But it's not always so easy, and some dogs can be extremely difficult. This is particularly common among rescued animals who've had some trauma in their past or aren't used to humans.
Fortunately, it's possible to get the dog used to being groomed as part of their socialisation and rehabilitation.
Practice at home
Sometimes, the only reason a dog is stressed by grooming is because it's so unfamiliar. Luckily, this is a fairly simple problem to fix. Getting your dog used to the idea of being groomed is often something that can be worked on at home.
Spend some time every day handling the dog, moving them about as a groomer would. You should also brush them all over as often as possible.
Take it slowly
There shouldn't be any rush to get the dog behaving well at the groomer's, as this can exacerbate the problem. If possible, ask the groomer if they would be able to meet the dog outside of a grooming session, so they can get used to them as a person.
Use treats
Food is often a very effective way to improve a dog's behaviour, and if treats are used in conjunction with grooming and handling, the dog will learn to have positive associations with it. Give a treat before grooming and during, and give lots of treats and praise afterwards.
Keep calm
Dogs are very perceptive animals who look to their human guardians for leadership. It's easy to get stressed when your dog is being difficult, but it's important to remain as calm as possible. This will help encourage the dog to calm down by showing them that there's nothing to fear.
Consider medication
If you have a particularly difficult or aggressive dog or other techniques aren't working, you should talk to your veterinarian. They may be able to supply a calming medication to help your dog get into a relaxed state and accept grooming more easily, and they can also help with extra advice.
