Grooming our furry friends is a wonderful experience! We try to make it a calm and enjoyable time. When it comes to our pets being taken to a groomer or the groomer coming to us, it can be a stressful experience that causes anxiety.
As a Fear Free Certified pet groomer I have come up with 5 tips that help our pets through the grooming process and show pet parents ways that we try to make their babies feel extra special and comfortable with us.
1. Tip number one: Make the dog/cat feel more comfortable right in the beginning! The first few minutes are the most important because it’s when they’re the most scared going away from home and mom/dad. Many of the animals can be frightened by the water hose and sprayer. It can be loud and seem aggressive. It is best to start from the back of the animal and move forward towards their head. If the sprayer is still too much try using a gallon water jug filled with water to pour over the animal. There is a great example of this in the video of myself grooming the bulldog in the video seen here. Also, if you’re the pet parent, try letting the groomer walk your pup out by themselves… I have some dogs that act like drama queens/kings but the second their parent isn’t around they are happy to walk to the van with me!
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2. Take your time and move slowly. Sudden movements can cause the furbaby to feel ill at ease and anxious. Animals feel stress from us. If you are calm and work slowly they will feel that and adjust to it while feeling less threatened by the process. Act like you’re moving in slow motion and give them plenty of breaks- you’ll notice a change in their demeanor right away!
3. Use a Happy Hoodie! These wonderful products created by experienced groomers have helped our animals with the drying process. The Velocity dryer can be loud and a little frightening! However not with the happy hoodie! it muffles the sounds and creates a comforting and safe place for our pets. Making sure to start on the lowest setting of your dryer is best as the animal gets used to what is happening and warm up to the idea of being blown by air. Again starting with the rear and moving forward towards the head at the time you will be able to feel whether the animal feels comfortable enough t0 remove the happy hoody and dry around the head. Dry them with towels, brush their fur and use a quick drying spray to make the process even faster and less time they have to go through it if they are anxious!
4. Keep a hand on the animal at all times! This is not only a safety measure but this trick will make them feel much more comfortable knowing that you are there and have a connection with them. Rather than walking away and having them sit on their own or just blowing them away with the dryer. Taking breaks during the process will help them by not feeling the anxiety of rushing through this. Pet them, talk to them, and give them lots of love and attention to show this is not a scary place. Make sure to never put your face too close to a pup you aren’t familiar with as anxious dogs can lash out due to fear!
5. Take a Break! There is a lot going on when the animals are groomed. Stop and make them feel comfortable. Talk to them and reassure them that you are there to make them happy and healthy. During these breaks and when the grooming is complete spending quality time will build the relationship and only make it better for them and you when it is time for the next groom!
Something to keep in mind: I have some pups that act terrified to go out to the van with me and make their mom or dad nervous.. but then come running out and give me hugs and kisses when they’re done and back home! Don’t feel hesitant if your pet seems nervous, just know that it is normal and we do everything we can to keep them happy and safe. We want everyone to be happy with these spa days, and all it takes is that little bit of love, attention, and quality time!