11/03/2024
As a groomer we commonly are asked why is my dog shaking when they come in? Did something happen? We also aquire new clients for this reason as well... My pup was shaking at the last groomers so something must have happened. And while we know there are bad apples out there like any profession, for the most part those of us working in this industry do so because of the love we have for dogs. We do our absolute best to ensure your pup has a safe and happy experience and leaves looking their best.
There are many reasons for the shaking though. Some dogs have seperation anxiety from their owners, like dropping a child off at daycare. There are kids who run off immediately and go play and some that cling to mom or dads legs begging them to stay. Dogs can be the same, 90% of the time once you leave those doors your dog stops shaking and is bouncing aound our feet and shop happy as can be.
Other times it is the manner in which they arrived. They were rushed out of the house and not given a chance to potty properly and then run into the salon. Reason we require dogs to be properly pottied at home before their appointment. Most are so over stimulated with smells and a new environment they will not potty when they arrive to the salon. Make sure to take extra time so they are not rushed. Dogs having to hold their bladders can make for a difficult and uncomfortable groom.
Other times we must look at the pattern or previous trips to the salon. Where they matted? Are they often matted? When we dematt dogs even if shaving it off, it pulls on their skin. Dematting is painful and uncomfortable. So if they are associating every time they see a groomer to them having their fur and skin pulled it will become a negative thing. So working at home to avoid that whether it's regular brushing and combing, going to a short cut that is easier to maintain, or coming in more frequently.We are happy to help you work out a plan of action. Same can go with nails, if that is their trigger, are they often left long?
Frequency of grooms can be a reason too. Has your pup been given the chance to get to know the groomer and grooming process young ( we recommend as soon as those 1st shots are complete) or were they thrown into the process closer to a year old and needing a full groom? It can be stressful for young dogs , sound of clippers and the dryer , new people ect. We recommend starting young maybe the 1st visit is just a nail trim and treats, 2nd visit is a bath and small tidy and 3rd or 4th visit is a full groom. We must work with pups to make sure they are set up right to be comfotable with the grooming process. Also talk to your groomer about the frequency your dog should be in. The dogs we see once or twice a year are often anxious and stressed as they are not in often enough to remember the groomer or the process.
Age often plays a roll too. As our dogs transition to the senior category, shaking can be part of that. Whether it's muscle weakness or pain from arthritis or neurological reasons. These are the ones that often will not stop shaking and we take extra care in handling our seniors to make sure the groom is as safe as possible. These are the grooms we need owners to have some understanding as it is often like trying to scissor during an hour long earth quake. We go from perfect, aesthetically pleasing grooms to functional grooms. These dogs may not have those perfectly shaped faces or legs but they will leave tangle free and feeling like a new dog.
Excitement , This is also a reason for shaking. We do have dogs that enjoy the salon and seeing other dogs and people. Sometimes the over excitement will cause them to vibrate with happiness. Often a few minutes to allow them to run around and say hi to everyone helps.
And then we have dogs that genuinely just do not like baths or something in particular like the dryer or nail trims are a common dislike.
Unfortunately for them skipping grooms is never an option or they may end up in worse shape with matting.. We as groomers do our best to identify the area they dislike so much and make it as comfortable as possible whether it's adjusting water temps to what they prefer, using happy hoodies during the dryer, switching to dremelling the nails over clipping or sometimes just getting someone else to cuddle them while nails are clipped. We are constantly trying new things to make your pup feel as comfortable as possible.
So if you have one of those pups that shakes when they arrive remember to try and allow extra time before the appointment so they don't feel so rushed. Make sure they potty. We also have treats at the salon if they are allowed or bring ones they can have. Reward them when they walk in, make it a happy experience coming to the salon. Avoid the long good byes, it can make them feel like something is wrong and they should worry. Honestly most times when you leave and they can't see you, the shaking stops.
Your groomer is here to help and we want your pup to have a calm and relaxing experience as well. So if you ever have concerns please talk to your groomer.
