Grooming your dog regularly is extremely important for your dog’s hygiene and health, as well as for the hygiene of your whole household.
However, grooming a dog is not always an easy task, as pretty much every breed of dog can be too energetic and on the move. If you have ever tried to bathe or groom your dog, you have probably felt like a pro wrestler trying to subdue a surprisingly strong opponent.
So, how do you keep your dog still while grooming at home? How can you make grooming or bath time easier for both you and your dog?
Keeping Your Dog Still While Grooming at Home: Tips and Tricks
1. Take The Dog on a Walk Before Grooming Time
If your dog is too excited and full of energy, it won’t be able to stay still during the grooming session. The simplest and most effective way to get it to settle during grooming is to take it on a walk first, just before the grooming session.
The walk will help your dog spend some of that excess energy. For example, take them for a long walk or play with them in a park. Once you get home, your dog will be calm and still.
2. Use Positive Enforcement
Another great way to get your dog to stay still during grooming is the use of positive reinforcement.
- Use treats, pets, and other forms of reward to teach your dog that calm and patient behavior is the way to go.
- Many people smear peanut pubber somewhere near for the dog to enjoy as it is being groomed. Using peanut butter almost unfailingly helps dogs stay calm, and also creates a positive association with grooming in the dog’s mind.
Take note that positive reinforcement works here, but not punishment. If your dog starts to misbehave, don’t try to punish this behavior; just don’t reward it either.
3. Make the Grooming Environment Peaceful and Comforting
Next, the grooming environment should be calm and peaceful, with no loud noises or other distractions.
So, for your next grooming session, choose a room like that, and use this room for every future grooming session. Your dog will learn that this is the calm space and will act accordingly.
4. Stay Calm and Composed During Grooming
When you start grooming your dog, you need to be just as calm. Your movements should be deliberate and relaxed. Don’t make sudden movements, but don’t hesitate either. Be gentle but firm and decisive. Speak to your dog in a calm and steady voice.
5. Pay Attention to Training
Finally, if you still don’t have a dog, but plan to get a puppy, this is an ideal opportunity to teach it how to behave properly. If you start grooming your dog regularly from an early age, and if you teach it to stay still during those grooming sessions, you won’t have issues once it grows up.
Should You Sedate a Dog at Home For Grooming?
Some dog owners who struggle with restless dogs often consider simply sedating their dogs during the grooming sessions. Strong sedatives will certainly keep your dog still, but there are so many risks that come with using them.
While this is an option, it should only be done if all else fails: Wrong medication or incorrect dosages can cause serious health complications, including breathing problems, heart issues, and even death.
- Also, never sedate your dog without professional veterinary guidance, which means doing it at home isn’t a good idea.
- Using human medications on a dog is also something you should never do.
Instead of reaching out to sedation, try the abovementioned tips instead. Try different restraining methods, experiment with different natural soothing tactics that might work on your dog. Consult your dog’s vet for additional advice. Whatever you do, don’t try to sedate your dog on your own.
Mistakes to Avoid When Grooming Your Dog
There might be some mistakes that you’re making, and these mistakes are making your dog agitated and unable to stay still.
For example, if you are trying to rush through the grooming process, your dog will become anxious. All this rushing can also cause you to unintentionally hurt your dog, which will make things even worse.
1. Poor Preparation
Another common mistake that you might be making is not preparing well enough. You need to gather all the necessary equipment and products before you start grooming your dog.
Also, don’t try to skip some necessary steps, such as brushing your dog’s fur before washing it. Otherwise, the fur might become tangled, which will make the whole grooming session much more difficult to handle.
2. Showing Your Frustration to the Dog
Next, even if you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, don’t take it out on your dog. Don’t yell at it or try to punish it into being still. You’ll just make your dog scared and anxious. Keep your cool and be patient. That’s the only way you can keep your dog still.
Keeping Your Dog Still During Grooming: Why a Dog Grooming Table Works
Have you ever considered getting a dog grooming table? Having one such table can be a game-changer for both you and your dog.
These tables come with non-slip surfaces and adjustable loops for leashes, which will allow you to restrain your dog without hurting it or making it feel scared or anxious.
Dog grooming tables are also great for you as well, as their height can be adjusted easily. This means that you won’t have to slouch when grooming your dog. Increased comfort for you will help you stay calm and relaxed during the grooming session, which will help your dog stay calm and relaxed as well.
Affordable Dog Grooming Station For Home
If you still don’t have a dog grooming station, you should take a look at this heavy-duty grooming table. It is perfect for dogs of all sizes, and it comes with several interesting features:
Heavy Duty Electric Dog Grooming Table with Adjustable Height
This adjustable grooming table will keep your dog calm and still by providing a secure, wobble-free surface and multiple restraint options. It has a comfortable non-slip tabletop and a stable steel frame, and it allows easy height adjustments.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog still while grooming at home can be challenging, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you. In short, helping your dog spend its excessive energy beforehand and providing a calm, relaxing environment can do wonders.
Don’t try to sedate your dog, especially not without veterinary guidance. Consider investing in a dog grooming table, as it can help you immensely. Remember to stay gentle and patient with your dog, and you’ll soon develop a perfect grooming routine!
You might be interested in our guide on how to groom a maltipoo at home.
