How to Comfort a Scared or Nervous Dog Before You Groom it
A dog that has never been groomed may be prone to anxiety. New sounds, sensations and experiences can send an already nervous dog over the edge, leading to bouts of panic and fear. An overly scared dog can also pose a risk of injury to himself, as well as to those who are grooming and handling him. Allotting time before grooming to comfort a scared or nervous dog can reduce the chance of accidental injury and make the experience much more pleasant for the animal. If the experience is associated with pleasant things, the next time the dog is groomed he may not be as fearful.
Instructions
Comforting Your Dog
- 1
Entice the dog with rewards for good behavior and to earn his trust. Food treats are particularly effective for this purpose.
2Speak in calm, gentle tones. The dog may not be able to understand what you are saying, but the tone of your voice conveys everything.
3Move calmly and confidently. Dogs pick up on physical cues. If you seem nervous or anxious, your canine companion is more likely to exhibit the same traits.
4Ask for help. Dont be afraid to enlist the help of another person to assist with the grooming process. Have the other person comfort, distract or restrain the dog as you work.
5Wait patiently. If the dog is panicked, stop grooming and wait a little while for the dog to calm down before proceeding with the grooming process.
6Avoid scolding or punishing the dog for being afraid. This will only reaffirm the dogs fear of being groomed. Never physically reprimand a dog for being afraid.
7Speak to a licensed veterinary care professional if fear or anxiety in your dog is too hard to handle. Underlying medical or psychological problems may contribute to grooming anxiety.
8Consider the dogs comfort. Different dogs have different sensitivities. A knot that is hard to comb may not faze one dog, but can cause a world of pain when dealt with in another.
