If you’d rather do the grooming all at once, give your dog breaks during the grooming session. [2] X Research source When you let your dog take a break, let it come back to you when it’s ready.
Give your dog a treat that you’ll use only for grooming.
You could also talk to your dog throughout the grooming session. Use a soothing voice to put your dog more at ease.
Rather than punish your dog, stop the grooming session completely or let your dog take a break. Punishing a dog does not improve its behavior.
Because many types of muzzles are available, you’ll need your vet’s expertise to decide which muzzle to choose and learn how to use it safely. Use the muzzle as a last resort. Try other methods of keeping your dog calm before using the muzzle.
Whichever muzzle type you choose, ensure that it fits your dog comfortably, but snugly. You don’t want it coming off if your dog tries to bite. The strap around the neck should fit snugly. If you choose a basket muzzle, make sure the basket area allows enough room for your dog to eat, pant, and drink. [8] X Research source The muzzle’s strap around the neck should fit like your dog’s collar.
In the beginning, reward your dog when it looks at the muzzle. Make the muzzle enticing by putting a tasty treat like peanut butter in the nose part of the muzzle. When you put the muzzle on, leave it on for just a few seconds at first. Then, work up to longer periods of time. Always reward your dog when it has the muzzle on so it associates the muzzle with something positive.
If your dog is wearing a basket muzzle, give your dog treats while you groom it. If it’s wearing a mesh or fabric muzzle, reward your dog as soon as you remove the muzzle.
Always be gentle and slow when you touch your dog. It will need to know it can trust you and your touch. Watch your body language when you touch sensitive areas. If your dog tenses or growls, move your hand back towards a non-sensitive spot, like its back. Reward your dog when it doesn’t react negatively to being touched in sensitive areas.
Introduce each grooming tool in a non-threatening way, such as by casually placing it on the table. Reward your dog each time it looks at or sniffs the tool. Use the tool on your dog for a few seconds. For example, if it’s a brush, do one gentle sweep down your dog’s back and put the brush away. Use the tool for longer periods of time, rewarding your dog each time it doesn’t get scared.
Take your dog to your vet. They can diagnose the condition and prescribe a pain medication to relieve the pain.
Rescue Remedy, which is a commercial product containing flower extracts, and lavender are also good calming aids for dogs. [14] X Research source Calming aids are available at pet stores, online, and in natural food stores. Talk with your vet before using a calming aid on your dog. Depending on how much your dog detests grooming, it may take a few tries (or more) before the calming aid starts working.
