Queen B- Pet Care Extraordinaire

09/19/2023

08/21/2023

We need to listen to what our dogs are telling us. Grooming in particular can be a challenge for many dogs, which can result in behaviours on the table that aren’t desirable, such as fidgeting, jumping and biting. When dogs are showing these behaviours, we need to address why; and no, they are not trying to ‘be the boss’.

Fear:
A dog can be scared of grooming for many reasons. This doesn’t mean that anybody has ever intentionally hurt the dog during grooming. However, the act of being restrained and unable to move away can be very distressing for some dogs, particularly when it is with a stranger. The different tools with their sights, smells and sounds can be really scary for some dogs, and if they are ‘flooded’ by these sounds, it can further cement their fear. Just like people, dogs will react to things differently from one-another. We are all individuals, and some of us need to take things slower than others.

Pain:
Whether it is chronic or acute, pain is a significant factor in dogs disliking grooming and being ‘difficult’. Pain may cause the dog to be uncomfortable with one area being touched, or it may be more generalised; a dog may just be entirely less tolerant if they are in discomfort, much like a person with a headache who now has a lot less patience than usual. If your dog is struggling with grooming, it may be worth having a thorough veterinary and physiotherapy examination. Remember: just because your dog isn’t yelping, limping or obviously in pain, that doesn’t mean they aren’t.

Discomfort:
Differejt from pain, discomfort may be the result of gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions or similar. Dogs with these conditions may not be obviously in pain or discomfort, but their irritation from the chronic condition may be enough to increase body sensitivity and make grooming an activity they wish to escape from, resulting in a lack of ‘compliance’ on the grooming table.

Confusion:
The dog may simply not understand what we want from them! This may come across as ‘defiance’, but really they may just not know that we want them to stand still, hold their head on this angle, turn around, give us their paw. Training the behaviours with positive reinforcement and putting cues to them will help clear up this communication barrier.

If your groomer says your dog is ‘difficult’, try to find out what that means (a description of when the behaviour happens, and what it looks like) and investigate what you can do to help your dog enjoy the groom more.

Thanks for reading!

08/13/2023

🥰

08/07/2023

Every day of my life. 🤣 They also get suspicious when I put on shoes. 😅

07/30/2023

This sweet lady is Lulu! 🥰 (before/after) Such a doll! She is an elderly gal but such a lovebug!

07/21/2023

Proof that *sometimes* I even groom my own dogs- but when I do, they won't sit still for a decent picture! 😂 This is my baby, Beans! 😁🥰😂

07/17/2023

🥰 Couldn't live without my three!

07/08/2023

From ruff to bow WOW! This sweet fella has been groomed by me for about a year now. Getting much better at having his face and feet handled. (His mom doesn't like me to trim his ears or tail- it's part of his personality! 😂🥰)

06/25/2023

🤣 I can help with shedding! Call/text or PM to schedule a deshed treatment! 🐶

06/18/2023

From matted to MAGNIFICENT! This sweet lovebug is Musika! This is her second groom EVER! She is still getting used to the process and not entirely thrilled about having her face and feet trimmed. Due to matting she needed a full shave down, but owner wanted to keep face and tail if we could. Such a sweet girl and she was SO HAPPY with her new "summer 'do"!

06/03/2023

Happy Pride Month! 🥰🏳️‍🌈

06/02/2023

I can NOT stop laughing. 😂 These signs are hilarious! (Found on FB, unsure of photo credit!)