Dog is terrifed of being groomed?

Question

I have a 4 yr old female cocker spainel. She is abs. sweet and loving but flipps out while being groomed. She has been to several places and there was one that she did "ok" with - recently she went crazy at this place and bit and snapped at the groomer and stopped breathing for a few seconds. Ever since this I have tried grooming her myself and its just not working. How can I get her to calm down to get groomed so she looks nice? Thanks

Answer 1

It sounds like she has some serious issues! Do you know why?

You may need to get some tranquilizers for her when you groom her.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have the same problem with my 18 month old male shih tzu. I swear they had to have given him a tranquilizer at the grommer the last time. but i saw the groomers table they use, and there was this thing that looks like a noose i think they stick his head in, (this was a large chain pet store) my vet also told me to get ahold of his beard hair and hold firmly so he doesnt jerk his head around and bite, well this not only was painful for my dog, but he still flipped out and bit me. i guess maybe a sedative from the vet is going to have to be the answer for me, cuz i dont trust them at the last groomer i used, they had to have done something to him, it took 7 hours to do his groom and i wasnt allowed to watch (hence the gut feeling a sedative was used) good luck on getting a good answer, i will stay tuned myself

Answer 3

My dog was a puppy when I got her, so the cats were bigger than she. She still thinks she's the same size as a cat (she's a 60+ pound retriever) and tries to sit on the couch with the cats. The cats groom the top of her head, and she tries to reciprocate, although the cats don't like it too well. If a dog is not raised around cats and vice versa, they may not get along. But once they grow used to each other, they become fast friends.

Answer 4

Thanks for posting your question here. First of all, if your dog was ok at past groomers, and now is flipping out - SOMETHING HAPPENED. Do not take her to the place where she was upset. They did not deal with her correctly, and she shouldn't have to be upset when being groomed.

Here are my suggestions-

1. Ask around to find a great groomer. Expect to pay a little bit more. If you are taking your pet to a pet store groomer your dog isn't getting the attention she needs. Ask other dog lovers at your dog park or on craigslist.

2. Find someone who has a SMALL business. Find someone who is willing to take extra time with your dog. Look for a groomer who only takes 10 appointments or less per day, spends time with each dog, and asks lots of questions about your dog's health and personality.

3. Work with the groomer you select to get your dog used to going to the groomer. Start with a short trip - drive to the groomer with your dog, take her in and talk with the groomer. Then leave with your dog! Next time, possibly leave the dog at the groomer and run an errand. Take is slow- one step at a time. Being groomed should be fun for your dog! In addition, this will tell you at exactly what point your dog gets upset - is it the nail trimmers, water, being lifted up, being with a stranger? This will help you work with your dog and teach your dog.

4. Contact a positive reinforcement dog trainer to help if you need it!

5. You shouldn't need to give your dog a tranquilizer to be groomed- not to mention it isn't good for their liver. If you do, this should be the LAST EFFORT. Try everything else first!

6. Just so you know- grooming can be a terrifying experience - I worked with one groomer who left the dogs alone (one hung itself in a noose). Also, some use loud drying machines that are so loud it hurts your ears- just think what that is like for the dog- whose hearing is more sensitive than ours! Ouch!

7. Try a do-it-yourself dog bath shop. Usually they have someone there who can help you, and you can be there to help keep your dog calm. This is really fun too- I meet lots of interesting dog lovers at my local dog wash. Most have clippers and nail trimmers you can use or services where they help.

8. Use treats or food! Keep your dog's attention on something she loves- chicken treats or a toy- while doing what she doesn't like.

9. Make sure her nails aren't clipped too short. This is the number 1 reason dog's have a bad time at the groomers.

10. Change your thinking - dogs pick-up on our thoughts. If you are stressed when you take her to the groomers, she picks-up on that.

11. Brush her regularly at home. This will keep her coat healthy and you won't have to take her to the groomer as often.

12. Go to a dog boutique or specialty shop and ask them about products that might help - special nail trimmers, soap with calming scent, etc. Use these at home too so she gets used to being groomed and having attention.

13. Touch her feet! Every day I take my dog's paws in my hand and give them a little squeeze so they are used to having their paws touched. Also, look in their ears and pet them all over so they are used to being touched. This prepares them for grooming and vet visits.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

I firmly believe it's a matter of taking them to someone who is good when they are very young. If she's had a bad experience, then she may never calm down. I would ask your vet for assistance. I'm sure he/she could prescribe something. I started taking mine to a loving woman who worked out of her home. She moved away, and I was at a loss. I would strongly recommend NOT to go to the pet stores for such! I have been fortunate to find another person who works from out fo her home.
But in the meantime, had witnessed them being nicked, and in one case had razor burn, whereas my vet had to prescribe something! So DO be careful where you take her.

Answer 6

First , you have to determine what makes her freak out. The sound of the clipper, the cutting of her nails or toching her in sensitive area.
It is encouraging that you are trying to groom her yourself.
First i would say is to get her used to the sound of the clipper.
theer are very slient ones in the market.
second always brush her from head to toe, talking to her in encouraging tones as u do that. do it daily so that she gets used to her body being touched.
you can then attempt to use the clipper on her.

Sometimes, a flower essence when given to her orally can help to calm her down.
Rescue remedy 5 drops into the mouth can help cam animals down.

Answer 7

throw that a-ss out the door