If you learn how to train a dog to enjoy grooming, it will benefit both of you. calmer your dog, the easier the process. Your dog won't have to deal with the anxiety brought on by grooming, and you won't have to deal with a stressed-out pet that won't sit still.

While my tips will work for some pet owners, in certain cases and for dogs with severe anxiety, you'll need to contact a professional trainer or groomer. If the dog tries to bite you or becomes aggressive during grooming, you don't want to take any chances. Dog anxiety is common and must be addressed and dealt with seriously.

Grooming an Anxious Dog

For home groomers who are prepared to take matters into their own hands, there's a way to deal with a scared dog safely. If your canine is fidgety, pants excessively, or is generally uneasy when you groom them, learning how to train a dog to enjoy grooming won't be too difficult. With some praise and treats, your pet will soon learn that he has nothing to fear.

One quick tip: always keep a positive attitude when working with your dog(s). Studies have shown that dogs pick up on our emotions and attitude. Not only that, but dogs also prefer praise over dog treats, meaning your pet would rather your pet and praise them for good behavior than receive something tasty. AD It's important to remember this and stay patient, no matter what your pooch does during grooming.

How to Train a Dog to Enjoy Grooming

1. Start Them Young: It is best to start grooming your dog when he's a young puppy, like all dog training. When dogs get older, they develop bad habits without the proper training.
2. Allow Them to Get Used to the Area: Let your dog explore the grooming area (e.g., bathroom or salon) before starting the grooming process.
3. Groom When They're Tired: A tired dog is easier to handle. Play fetch, tug-of-war, or go for a long walk before grooming.
4. Prepare and Know What You're Doing: Take it slow and ensure you're ready for each task. Tasks include:
   • Bathing  and  drying
   • Brushing the coat
   • Nail cutting  and  paw trimming
   • Teeth cleaning
   • Ear cleaning
   • Haircut  and  shaving
5. Introduce Tools Gradually: Let your dog sniff and observe grooming tools like clippers. Reward calm behavior with treats. For tools that make noise, start with the tool off and gradually introduce it while running.

Conclusion

In my video on calming a dog before grooming, when they get used to the environment and grooming tools, you need to let him experience what will happen when used.

Other than the hair clipper example, another one would be using nail clippers.

So when you're getting him used to a pair of such nail clippers, you'll want to show him not only the tool but also handle his paws, toes, and nails - get him used to the sensation.

The goal is to avoid surprising your pet. Give the dog time to get used to every aspect of the grooming process so there will be a few new variables as possible.

If you're using pet towels, then you must continue doing this regularly so that your pooch gets used to this. That way, he won't get overstimulated, and he will stay calm.

Begin with one task at a time and work your way up gradually as your dog begins to enjoy or at least tolerate the previous grooming experience.

Once he's comfortable being washed and dried, you can move on to brushing.

Continue until your dog is comfortable with all the grooming procedures that he will need regularly.

The more fearful your pet is, the longer it will take to learn how to train a dog to enjoy grooming.

If he's an older dog and has been afraid of grooming for years, it's going to be a more difficult process.

You may not be able to help your pet be 100% comfortable with grooming, but you can certainly teach him that there is nothing to fear.

Your cat's coat is her crowning glory, and you love nothing more than sinking your fingers into all that floof. But you might occasionally wonder, Won't all that fur make her hot this summer? Or, what if she gets herself into a “sticky” situation? Should I shave my cat's fur?

In a word: no. Shaving a cat is rarely necessary, and it should be handled only by a professional. Shaved cats may feel vulnerable, and the experience of being shaved can be traumatizing. Plus, their fur plays an important role in regulating body temperature, so shaved cats are susceptible to either being too hot or too cold.

However, there are a few circumstances where shaving (or spot shaving) may be helpful or necessary for your cat's health. Read on for insights from our team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates.

Reasons Why a Cat May Need to be Shaved

Always consult with your veterinarian if you think your cat could benefit from being shaved, and be sure to discuss any concerns you have about ongoing care for your cat's coat at your next wellness visit. Here are the most common reasons why we might recommend shaving your cat:

1. Mats can be carefully combed out with a lot of patience and gentle handling if there are just a few of them. But sometimes, shaving matted cat fur is necessary if severe matting is present.
2. Shaving can help resolve a bad flea infestation, and shaving can make it easier to apply medications to treat ringworm, mites, and skin infections.
3. Frequent hairballs or excessive shedding can be tamed with a lion cut or other partially shaved style.
4. Cats with physical challenges, such as senior or obese cats, may not be able to groom themselves properly, which can result in severely matted or soiled fur. A hygiene (or sanitary) trim can help keep a cat's backside clean.

Protect Your Cat's Coat

Brushing your cat's fur on a regular basis should be part of your home pet grooming routine. Daily brushing will reduce shedding, keep your cat's coat breathable, and help prevent mats.

Seek Professional Grooming

If your cat has a buildup of mats or other condition that you think may require shaving, seek help from a professional groomer or your veterinarian.

We don't recommend shaving your cat at home for several reasons:

1. Cats rarely remain still and calm, especially when a noisy pair of clippers is coming toward them.
2. Cats have thin skin, and you wouldn't want to nick it.
3. Clipper blades heat up and can burn the cat's skin when not used properly.

The team at Lego Pet Style is here to help you with every aspect of your cat's health. To learn more about our services or to schedule your next appointment, give us a CALL