3 Ways to Bathe and Groom a Restless Dog

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3 Ways to Bathe and Groom a Restless Dog
3 Ways to Bathe and Groom a Restless Dog

Video: 3 Ways to Bathe and Groom a Restless Dog

Video: 3 Ways to Bathe and Groom a Restless Dog
Video: HOW to GROOM a DIFFICULT DOG at HOME with the RIGHT TOOLS 2024, March
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Many dogs hate bathing and grooming. Some are uncomfortable, while others associate the process with negative experiences from the past. Generally speaking, if it happens to your pet, it's probably anxious. On the other hand, there are a few different ways to reduce this reaction and manage to take care of the animal's hygiene!

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Reassuring the Dog

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 1
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 1

Step 1. Choose a remedy or other remedy that will calm the dog

You can use a number of different products to soothe your dog when bathing or grooming. Some are veterinarian recommended remedies, while others are over-the-counter natural supplements. See the following common examples:

  • Diphenhydramine.
  • Melatonin.
  • Acepromazine.
  • Zylkene.
  • Dog appeaser pheromone.
  • Plants such as valerian.
  • Anxiety vest for dogs.
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 2
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 2

Step 2. Talk to your veterinarian before using any medication

Certain medications generate risks or side effects, and some may even produce the opposite behavior in the dog. Therefore, always talk to the veterinarian before giving anything to your pet.

  • The veterinarian will have recommendations regarding dosage, which depends on the size of the dog.
  • In more severe cases, he may even be willing to give the dog general anesthesia before the procedure (although this is extreme).
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 3
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 3

Step 3. Give the dog medicine before he gets anxious

Many medications and other tranquilizers are only effective if administered before the dog becomes nervous. Therefore, give the medicine before you put your pet in the car or he sees the clipper, brush and other tools.

Try hiding the medicine inside a snack! Your dog won't even notice

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 4
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 4

Step 4. Bathe or groom the dog normally

Your dog will be calmer once the medicine takes effect. Try to fast forward, before this effect wears off, and talk to the pet using a calm tone of voice.

  • Bathe or groom in a place where the dog is usually quiet. For example, if he doesn't like the bathroom, don't force him to stay inside; if he's afraid to get into the car, hire a groomer who works at home.
  • Use only clipping machines, not scissors. Many dog owners hurt their pets' skin when they choose to use scissors. Of course this will generate a negative association with the experience!

Method 2 of 3: Teaching the Dog to Enjoy Bathing and Grooming

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 5
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 5

Step 1. Find out what makes the dog calm

Does your dog get nervous every time you put him in the car? Does he know it's time for a shower or a groomer because he sees the shampoo and brush? Or barks when the groomer shows up at your house? In any case, you need to find out what causes these reactions in order to learn to control anxiety.

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 6
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 6

Step 2. Give the dog some tranquilizing medicine

As stated above, there are several remedies that can reduce the dog's anxiety for a while. You can buy some without a prescription. One of the most common is melatonin, a natural substance that has a beautiful effect on the animal.

  • Only give your dog the medicine when you want to start bathing or grooming.
  • Your dog needs to be aware but relaxed. Do not use any heavy sedatives such as general anesthesia (administered by the veterinarian).
  • Teaching a dog to enjoy bathing or grooming takes weeks or months. Be patient! Start the process well before the time you actually intend to do anything with it.
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 7
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 7

Step 3. Begin to get the dog used to it gradually

If the mere sight of the clipper or brush makes your dog anxious, take it out of the closet and put it away again so that he can see it. On the other hand, if your pet gets nervous about driving around in a car, put it inside the vehicle - but don't leave the garage.

You can't use this technique if what makes the dog anxious is the groomer's vision, as you need to expose your pet to the factor for short periods of time at a time

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 8
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 8

Step 4. Give the dog treats when he encounters what causes anxiety

This helps create the dog's positive associations with the experience. You can also pet your pet and talk to him in a soft tone of voice.

Do not give your dog treats if he has a habit of running away or barking when exposed to this factor. This would only send the message that this reaction is positive

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 9
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 9

Step 5. Place the object that stresses the dog next to the feed bowl

Whenever your dog goes to eat, put the object that makes him stressed around. Gradually, he will understand that this item does not really threaten him, besides associating it with food (which is positive for the animal).

  • Don't worry if the dog gets a little suspicious at first. He will let himself be overcome by hunger and curiosity.
  • Repeat this step over the course of several days.
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 10
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 10

Step 6. Pass the object over the dog's body for a moment

When your dog gets used to seeing the stressful object next to the feed, try rubbing it lightly on his body. For example: run the brush through his fur once or turn on the clipper for a few seconds.

If your dog is stressing the car, you can take him for a shorter walk. Head to the bath and shave and give him a treat. Then go back home

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 11
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 11

Step 7. Increase the frequency of bathing or grooming gradually

After using the object that causes the dog stress at shorter intervals, increase this duration gradually. You can brush your pet's fur for a minute or two, shave off part of his body, put him in a bath bowl, and so on.

  • If the dog starts to get anxious and agitated, stop what you're doing and talk to him using that calm tone of yours. Try again the other day, starting with a snack.
  • From then on, you can increase the time of bathing or grooming until you can do everything without him rebelling.

Method 3 of 3: Restraining the Dog

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 12
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 12

Step 1. Talk to the dog in a moderate tone

You shouldn't be too gentle, or your dog might be suspicious that something is up. On the other hand, don't give the impression of anger or aggression: your pet will only make negative associations with the process.

Even if you get frustrated with your dog, try to use a calm, assertive tone of voice so your dog knows who's in charge

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 13
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 13

Step 2. Restrain the dog in a comfortable way

You can restrain the dog in several different ways while bathing or grooming. The most comfortable way is to put your arm around the pet's neck while he is on top of the platform where he will receive the treatment. This type of strategy is safe and makes the whole process easier.

  • Some dogs need a muzzle, as there is a risk that they will growl or try to bite someone.
  • Be very careful when restraining your dog. Be firm but calm so that he doesn't make any negative associations to the experience.
  • Use a containment strategy that matches where you are. For example, if you are uncomfortable trying to contain your dog in the shower stall, take him elsewhere.
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 14
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 14

Step 3. Do everything fast and with quality equipment

The experience will be much easier and more enjoyable for your dog if you use quality equipment. In this sense, prepare everything beforehand so you don't need to leave the pet at any time.

  • Prepare a hose or basin of water to wash your dog's fur before containing his body.
  • Make sure the clipper blades are sharp and lubricated.
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 15
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 15

Step 4. Don't react if the dog struggles

You can comfort your dog using a firm tone of voice, but don't pet him or pet him at this time. Otherwise, the animal will be confused and find that this type of behavior generates rewards.

It is quite possible to be kind and caring without giving up control of the situation. Dogs like to obey an "alpha". You can show him that it's okay to tolerate certain temporary discomforts

Groom a Difficult Dog Step 16
Groom a Difficult Dog Step 16

Step 5. Give the dog treats after you finish

If possible, you can reward your dog while he is still contained. This will generate even more positive associations with the experience.

Never reward your dog if he is exhibiting negative behavior such as growling or resisting. This gives the animal a confusing message

Tips

  • It's not because your dog resists when you want to bathe and/or cut his fur that he'll resist anyone who tries to do something like that! Many professional groomers are adepts at calming even the most restless animals. Just choose the right person.
  • Everything is easier if you bathe and trim your dog's fur frequently. Otherwise, the process will become slower and more uncomfortable.
  • If you decide to take your dog to a professional grooming bath, talk to the person right away about his or her resistance.
  • Never try to bathe your dog using hot or cold water! Use only warm water.

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