16/06/2023
How to groom an aggressive dog?
An aggressive dog is not just trying to be difficult while grooming, he has a reason, and understanding that reason will help you counteract it and deal with aggression. Dogs can be aggressive during grooming due to pain from current or past medical conditions. Another why dog are aggressive is because of their lack of socialization, fear of the unknown unecessary noises, previous bad experience and many other more. Your top notch groomer or pet receptionists can help you uncover the possible reasons. Ask us why.
Check with your veterinarian if you think this might be an issue. Your dog may have memories of past traumatic events during grooming, such as razor burn or nails cut to the quick. Other frightening and painful experiences that are associated with grooming, such as abuse that may have occurred, can also make a dog react aggressively to grooming. A generally fearful dog that is afraid of new people and new situations, will easily transfer this fear to groomers and salons. A dominant dog may be trying to exert his dominance and control of a situation and become aggressive during grooming.
If you allow your dog's aggression to control you and stop the grooming process, you have just created a positive reinforcement for your dog's aggression, and stopping aggression in the future will be more difficult. It is important not to allow an aggressive dog to control the situation. You will need to be confident and firm to mitigate fear and take precautions to alleviate discomfort, but not show fear yourself as this will only encourage and contribute to the dog's behavior.
The Techniques Method
STEP 1: Provide treats
Create a positive association with grooming locations and tools. Put treats on the grooming table, feed while brushing. Provide treats in bathtub. Allow your dog to investigate tools, and provide treats when the dog sniffs or touches the tools.
STEP 2: Be firm and calm
Be firm, patient, and keep grooming sessions frequent and short, until your dog learns what is expected during grooming sessions, and that he cannot control the session by displaying aggression. Never end a grooming session when the dog is displaying aggression, wait until he is calm and allowing you to groom to end the session.
STEP 3: Hold face away
Snug the dog's back end up against your body, with the head away from you, and restrained with a neck restraint or neck collar and lead. Wrap one arm around the dog's body, holding the chest. Be firm but gentle.
STEP 4: Use an assistant
Have an assistant help restrain the dog by putting one arm around the neck and the other around the dog's abdomen, or around armpits. This hold will allow you to handle feet and access the dog’s back end for grooming. Position the head away from your face, rest the neck against your shoulder hold firmly.
STEP 5: Use assistant and lateral hold
Have an assistant restrain the dog in a lateral hold. Lay the dog down on his side, stand at the dog's back, and put one arm over the dog's neck, with your elbow at his head, and hold the bottom front leg with the same arm, the other arm goes over the back in front of the hips and grabs the bottom hind leg. Use light pressure to restrain the dog if the dog struggles.
Caution & Considerations
• Take safety precautions when working with an aggressive dog to protect yourself and others, use restraints and muzzles when necessary.
• Make sure restraints and muzzles are used correctly, and the appropriate size so as not to injure or cause discomfort to the dog.
• Give an aggressive dog breaks from grooming when they are behaving calmly, to reward them for appropriate behavior and prevent them from becoming tired and frustrated, or escalating stress, which will contribute to aggression.
• Be aware of health concerns or medications the dog may require. Get advice from a veterinarian to address issues.
To know more about any tips and ideas for your furbabies health and safety, contact your Top Notch Groomer for advice.
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