Tips to Help Your Dog Prepare for Appointments

 1. We always prioritize humanity before vanity

Remember that anxiety for grooming seems to be (like most things) partly genetic and partly environmental - the best we can do is make the experience as positive as possible and adjust to what the dog needs. 

2. Dogs thrive on routine

It is so easy to set puppies up for a lifetime of positive grooming experiences if you can come often from a young age. Starting out with nail trims and baths and following that up with full haircuts is a great way to introduce puppies to the grooming experience. Clients are also always welcome for quick visits to say hello - but please always confirm ahead of time as scheduling is important to reduce the risk of a negative interaction with another dog). 

Some recommended routines: 

- For puppies every 4-8 weeks (any type of appointment is great exposure) 

- For dogs that are highly anxious or aggressive for grooming, it’s best to stick to a more frequent routine of 4-6 weeks 

- For dogs that are anxious but not on the far end of the spectrum a 6-8 week routine seems to be the best

- 8+ weeks is absolutely fine for dogs that don’t get stressed out for grooming 

It’s common to think if your dog doesn’t like grooming, the best thing is to groom as little as possible. However, anxiety/aggression tends to worsen with if not done regularly. It is much better to still maintain a routine but adjust the appointment to accommodate the dogs’ needs. I am always happy to do whatever is best for your dog!

3. To prepare your dog for handling it is great to touch, pick up, and hold:

- ears

- muzzle

- legs

- tail

- paws

- toes 

All of this should be done in a calm and positive environment with the goal of a positive experience (ease into this slowly if needed) 

4. Come to the salon with confidence and a calm energy. Your dog will be looking to you to determine how they should feel about the appointment. 

5. Give your dog extra love and appreciation after a groom. Dogs feel happy, proud or ashamed of themselves based on how the owners act afterwards. Especially if the haircut has a dramatic change in coat length. The dog will feel very different all over with a significant amount of hair removed. A special treat is also nice when possible. Dog's love the extra attention and that positive reinforcement makes for more positive grooming experiences. 

6. Exposure to water if possible to do positively.  

7. If pup has hair that can tangle: 

Brush and comb as often as possible to prevent tangles and mats and aim to make it a positive and calm bonding time. If your dog doesn’t like brushing it may best to stick to a short and simple haircut or more frequent appointments

8. If in doubt do nothing 

If you don’t use proper techniques and are not consistent it is very easy to reinforce negative behaviour instead of teaching good behaviour.