Create a Calm Environment
Before you jump into grooming, prepare your grooming area to be as stress-free as possible for you and your dog. If your dog is overly fidgety or anxious, consider using calming aids. Soothing music is one option. You can also use sprays or dog shampoos that contain calming pheromones.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog for good behavior that will make grooming easier. Try to train your dog to “stay” or sit still by rewarding them with a treat every time they do so. You’ll need to hold your dog’s face while trimming, so get them used to handling their face, rewarding them as you go.
Gradually Introduce Your Dog to Grooming Tools
Introduce your dog to scissors, clippers, grooming restraints, and other tools gradually rather than taking them out all at once.
Do the same with a grooming restraint. When you first put it on, make sure you’re not hurting your dog.
Practice Short and Regular Sessions
It’s better to practice short, consistent grooming sessions than to try to put a restless dog through a long grooming session. Aim to trim one area at a time, even if it’s just your dog’s chin area.
Use Gentle Restraint
As previously mentioned, if you’re going to use a grooming restraint, put it on gently and avoid hurting your dog.
If you’re not going to use restraint equipment, wrap your arm around your dog’s neck. When you do this, you’ll be close to your dog and able to tell if they start growling. Use a soft, soothing tone to talk to your dog, even when you’re frustrated.
You can also wrap your arm around your dog’s back close to the tummy area. If they try to squirm out of your grip, you can quickly lift them up. No matter how you hold your dog, do not use excessive force, and make sure they are comfortable before you start grooming.
Work quickly and continually check on your dog. When they try to wiggle out of your hold or off the grooming table, calm them verbally, but avoid giving them treats.
How to Trim Your Dog’s Face
Before you attempt to trim your dog’s face area, take them for a walk or play with them for a while to get rid of some of that restless energy.
When you’re both ready to start grooming, let your dog sniff the scissors or clippers first. If there is another person who can help you, ask them to hold your dog’s head to stop it from jerking.
Provide Distractions
If your dog is not a fan of being brushed or groomed, distract them with toys before you start. First, set up your grooming mat in an area your dog is familiar with. If that’s not possible, let them explore and smell the area from corner to corner.
Practice Patience and Understanding
Now that you’re familiar with dog grooming restraint techniques to keep your dog still while cutting their hair, it all comes down to patience. It’s going to take time to get your dog comfortable with grooming, and after all, it’s important to recognize and reward your dog’s patience, too. Even if you get frustrated, always be gentle and soothe your dog, and the process will go better for both of yo
Groom Your Dog Like a Pro With CleanTools
The keys to successful grooming are patience and the right tools. The faster grooming goes for fidgety dogs, the better. Your dog should be tangle-free before trimming, so you’ll need to bathe and brush them. A calming shampoo,
