Although they are “man’s best friend” your dog may not see eye to eye with you when it comes to grooming. When your canine companion is clean, coiffed, and happy, everyone’s happy. But getting them to that point can take a bit of effort, especially if your dog isn’t used to being groomed. You may need to trim their nails, clean their ears or bathe them – but how do you get them to stay still during these activities? Well, you can do a few things to restrain a dog while grooming at home.
Precaution before grooming
You may have experienced your dog trying to run away, squirming, or biting while trying to groom them. Whether your pooch wines or keeps wriggling away, grooming may be the most difficult task for both of you. Since they don’t speak, they can only use their body’s movements and behaviors to communicate when they feel threatened or anxious – which may be why your dog is trying to get away from the grooming process.
If your dog starts to squirm, growl or bite while grooming them, it’s important to take a step back and reassess the situation. They may be telling you that they’re not comfortable, or they may be trying to warn you that they could bite if you continue.
At this point, it’s best to put the grooming session on pause and try again later when your dog is feeling more relaxed. When it’s safe to do so, here’s how to restrain a dog while grooming at home.
1. Invest in the right supplies.
You should invest in a few items to make grooming at home easier for you and your dog. These types of equipment will help make the grooming process smoother for you and your furry friend.
No-sit Haunch Holder as a grooming restraint:
Use a no-sit haunch holder if you’re trying to restrain a dog for grooming. This equipment gives you extra ‘hands’ to hold your dog without the risk of getting bitten or scratched. This piece of equipment is also useful for keeping your dog in one spot so you can work more easily. It’s a restraint system that goes around your dog’s neck and lower torso and attaches to a grooming table or other sturdy surface from above.
Slicker brush:
A slicker brush is a great tool to have on hand when you’re grooming your dog at home. This brush can help remove tangles, mats, and loose hair from your dog’s coat – and it’s relatively gentle, so it won’t irritate their skin.
Non-slip mats or surfaces:
The first tool is a non-slip mat designed to keep your dog in place while grooming them. This will help prevent your dog from slipping and sliding around, making the grooming process more difficult – and even dangerous. You can find non-slip mats at most pet stores or online.
2. Gather all materials necessary for grooming
Gather all the materials you need for the grooming session before you start. This includes things like a towel, shampoo, conditioner, brush, comb, nail clippers, and anything else you may need. This way, you won’t have to leave your dog unattended while you go searching for something – and they’ll be less likely to try to make a run for it.
When you have everything you need, set it up in an area where your dog feels comfortable. This could be their crate, a small room, or even a spot in the backyard. If your dog is resistant to grooming, you may need to confine them to a small space, so they don’t have the opportunity to run away.
3. Introduce your dog to the idea of grooming gradually
To help your dog associate grooming with something positive, give them a little treat before you begin. This could be their favorite toy or a yummy treat – anything that will make them happy and excited. Then, start with something simple, like brushing their fur with a soft brush. Give them lots of praise and rewards as you go.
Start with a positive association and gradually increase the intensity of the grooming sessions. They should eventually get used to the idea of being brushed, shampooed, and even trimmed – and they may even start to enjoy it.
4. Be prepared for resistance
Even if you’ve taken the time to introduce your dog to the idea of grooming gradually, they may still resist when it comes time for the real thing. Dogs are individuals, so some may never enjoy the grooming process – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it as positive and stress-free as possible.
If your dog starts to resist, take a step back and reassess the situation. They may be uncomfortable with a certain part of the process, such as having their nails trimmed. In this case, it’s best to stop and try again later.
It’s also important to remain calm and patient throughout the process – if you get frustrated, your dog will only become more agitated. But if you take things slow and stay positive, they’ll eventually come around.
5. Reward good behavior
As mentioned before, rewarding your dog for good behavior during the grooming process is important. This will help them associate grooming with something positive, making it more likely that they’ll cooperate next time.
Give your dog lots of praise and treats whenever they do something good – such as standing still or sitting patiently. This will let them know that they’re doing something right, and they’ll be more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Tips for restraining your dog
When using restraining devices such as a grooming loop, introduce it to your dog gradually. Let them sniff and explore the device while you give them lots of praise and treats. Once they’re comfortable with it, put it on them while you continue to give them positive reinforcement. Talk to your dog in a calm, reassuring voice while grooming them. This will help to keep them relaxed and cooperative.
Avoid using restraining devices as a punishment. This will only make your dog more anxious and less likely to cooperate in the future. The best way to restrain your dog is to make it a positive experience. Do not punish them or force them into it.
The best way to restrain a dog while grooming is by implementing positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog for good behavior rather than punishing them for bad behavior. This will help them associate grooming with something positive, making it more likely that they’ll cooperate next time.
Be alert for signs of stress in your dog, such as excessive panting or shaking. If they seem to be getting too stressed, take a break and try again later. Remember to go slowly and be patient – your dog will eventually come around.