Professional Grooming
Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Like most dog owners, I dropped off my first dog, a Bichon/Schnauzer cross, at the groomer's without a second thought. She seemed to come out of it ok so I never wondered what clipping, washing etc. actually entailed.
But then I accidentally went "behind the scenes" once. I saw a little white dog not unlike mine, in a cage with a hairblower propped up in front of it, blowing hot air at the helpless dog who looked obviously distressed. I'm fairly certain that the owner, if they knew about this, would be uncomfortable with their dog being put through such an ordeal (and that was just the drying).
If your dog tries to escape, or becomes overexcited as you approach the groomer's, it's a fair bet that he is not enjoying his experience there. This does not necessarily mean that the groomer's handling is the problem, it can simply be the noise from the driers and clippers, or the crating, being muzzled or being made to stand on a slippery elevated surface (with a noose around the neck).
But then I accidentally went "behind the scenes" once. I saw a little white dog not unlike mine, in a cage with a hairblower propped up in front of it, blowing hot air at the helpless dog who looked obviously distressed. I'm fairly certain that the owner, if they knew about this, would be uncomfortable with their dog being put through such an ordeal (and that was just the drying).
If your dog tries to escape, or becomes overexcited as you approach the groomer's, it's a fair bet that he is not enjoying his experience there. This does not necessarily mean that the groomer's handling is the problem, it can simply be the noise from the driers and clippers, or the crating, being muzzled or being made to stand on a slippery elevated surface (with a noose around the neck).
The problem with professional grooming
If you do a search on dog grooming pictures on the internet, you will see many dogs that show signs of stress, such as wide panting (in the absence of strenuous exercise), wide yawns and nose licks. Dog grooming videos can be even worse, such as this one showing a dog suspended in the air (!) so it can have its nails clipped. It comes as no surprise that this poor dog is trying to snap at the groomer's hands.
Statistics are hard to come by, but judging by discussions amongst groomers such as this one, groomers do get bitten, or they restrain the dog in a way that it can't bite (even though it would like to). Dogs are sometimes sedated for grooming. Here is a video of Cesar Millan "grooming" a resistant dog (and he gets bitten too).
Whilst some of these dogs may have general anxiety or aggression issues, the more likely explanation is that the dogs are frightened or feel threatened by the groomer, and that no care has been taken to allow the dog to get used to the environment, and the procedures of grooming.
Statistics are hard to come by, but judging by discussions amongst groomers such as this one, groomers do get bitten, or they restrain the dog in a way that it can't bite (even though it would like to). Dogs are sometimes sedated for grooming. Here is a video of Cesar Millan "grooming" a resistant dog (and he gets bitten too).
Whilst some of these dogs may have general anxiety or aggression issues, the more likely explanation is that the dogs are frightened or feel threatened by the groomer, and that no care has been taken to allow the dog to get used to the environment, and the procedures of grooming.
Source: www.zimbio.com Dogs & Cats Grooming Salon Activity in Paris
As a dog trainer, I find this state of affairs concerning. Many of my clients have either very fearful dogs or dogs that are reactive to other dogs and strangers. It can be difficult to work on reducing fear and aggression if the dog is subjected to insensitive handling by a stranger (the groomer) and exposure to other (equally stressed) dogs.
There is also a risk for "normal" dogs to become fearful or aggressive outside of the grooming salon - unfortunately fear and aggression generalise fairly quickly to other settings and situations in predisposed dogs.
There is also a risk for "normal" dogs to become fearful or aggressive outside of the grooming salon - unfortunately fear and aggression generalise fairly quickly to other settings and situations in predisposed dogs.
But I need to have my dog groomed - what can I do?
Ideally, the best groomer would be one who is also a positive dog trainer, or is educated in dog behaviour and positive dog training. These are however far and few between.
Before you set out to find a groomer, make sure to do your part in conditioning your dog to having his body handled all over - see Grooming for more information. Here are some ideas for finding a groomer who is open to adjusting what they do to improve the situation for your dog (and you):
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DeltaDogz - smart training
Melbourne SE Suburbs
Is your dog struggling at the groomers? Does he have to be sedated or muzzled to be groomed? We can help! Learn more Recommended Groomers in Melbourne
K9 Kudos, Brunswick East
Owner Kath Anderson is a positive dog trainer. Do you own a grooming business, or are thinking of starting one in Melbourne, and would like to find out about humane grooming methods? Contact us! POSITIVELY STRESS FREE DOG GROOMING by Bonnie Peregoy |