 |
Much to her credit, his human wanted to find another way and my friend Jill at Happy Hound Pet Care referred her to me, as most groomers don't seem to think about the dog's well-being or anything besides just getting the job done.
With our large GSD, I explained beforehand that we were going to set as a goal not actually getting the nails done, but getting the dog to feel differently about those clippers and about having his paws touched. We used the basic process outlined on this great site. I have since learned that Ximena at Identity: V has also done a really incredible blog post on the importance of nail trimming and how to do it right.
 |
| Yazzie is learning that nail clippers and hot dogs go together |
Like many GSDs, this dog was anxious, pacing, constantly mobile, and vigilant throughout our session. We ended up clipping a total of the tip of one nail, but we did make some progress toward helping him feel like the clippers are an opportunity for attention, play, and treats rather than terror.
Hopefully his people will keep working with him, and will follow up on my advice about using an anxiety wrap and doing relaxation exercises to help him settle down in general.
I think it would serve the grooming profession well to have more of us versed in desensitization and counterconditioning techniques, and more of us advertising up front that getting a frightened dog fully groomed, and all the rehabilitation that may entail, could take some time.
What do you think? Would a groomer who advertised "More relaxed dog guaranteed. Actual grooming results may vary" get any business?
Hopefully his people will keep working with him, and will follow up on my advice about using an anxiety wrap and doing relaxation exercises to help him settle down in general.
I think it would serve the grooming profession well to have more of us versed in desensitization and counterconditioning techniques, and more of us advertising up front that getting a frightened dog fully groomed, and all the rehabilitation that may entail, could take some time.
What do you think? Would a groomer who advertised "More relaxed dog guaranteed. Actual grooming results may vary" get any business?
Great post!! I must admit that clipping nails has always been my least favorite thing. I have bookmarked both posts you recommended so that I can use it on my puppy next year and will send it to my cousin to use with her puppy :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are trying to figure out a better way of clipping the nails - it always breaks my heart when I see Turk and Rufus restrained in order to get them clipped. I'd pay for someone who worked on desensitizing them! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kirsten, a very worthwhile post. Right from the beginning, we have touched every part of their bodies, many, many times over in a bid to desensitize them to people touching and handling them, particularly groomers. And while Sam was initially apprehensive with the groomers holding his front paws, we're worked on that and Sam is more comfortable with the whole process.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I clip their nails at home, even refusing to let the vet do it when they offer. There are lots of treats and praise going on and though none of the dogs particularly like it, they tolerate it and I know they are more relaxed about it than if a stranger were to try, which is why I do it at home. Usually we only do one paw or just the front or back in one sitting so as not to stress them out too much.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love to see this - and yes, if I got my dogs professionally groomed, I'd much rather the dog be happy and relaxed than that I get a perfect result.
ReplyDeleteI am really glad to read this post. I am often worried about what happens at the groomers, since every one I bring Finn too, she gets more anxious about being there than when we go to the vet. I would much rather try to find someone who would work with her than just hold her down. Great resources!
ReplyDeleteGosh what a good post. It's nutty how some of these groomers get away with these things
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
Great post and topic. I would rather my dog be nice and relaxed and come out of it with a better experience than to have all nails done at one time.
ReplyDeleteBaily and Mesa are great with this. Big Carl screams like a babe. Haven't had to do Tori yet
ReplyDeleteStop of by for a visit!
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
I'm a groomer, and yes, some of my clients are scared dogs (and cats!) that haven't fared well at other salons. I do mobile grooming and go door-to-door. Owners are present, and sometimes are required to help get the job done safely and peacefully.
ReplyDeleteSome don't want to pay (and I find that some hate investing the TIME even more than the money!) but most contact me because they were unhappy with the results they got elsewhere.
The first and most important aspect of grooming is building a relationship with the individual animal. Some people are jealous!
I love my job. If you don't like what a groomer does, DON'T go back! (But it helps to communicate your questions/problems/worries so that the groomer has the chance to learn/change/grow.)
Yayyyy! Thanks for the mention!
ReplyDeleteI love desensitization (in general) -- it's by far my favorite thing to do with the clicker. :)
I like that you included photos of mr. GSD and all his emotional signals are quite clearly there. Kudos to the photographer ;)
LOL, loved your tagline!
ReplyDeleteMy last dog, a Spaniel mix, was told never (seriously, the woman told the dog, not me) to return because she got so stressed out and would try and bite...a behavior she never exhibited anywhere else. I stopped taking her to a groomer after that. I would have loved a groomer who offered a fun, relaxing experience for my dog (preferably in my own home) even if all she got out of it was a simple brushing.
Thank you for the great feedback everyone. I am glad that so many people are open to the idea of desensitization, even if it takes longer.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I think its good that you do it yourself--I actually recommend this to some people whose dogs are really stressed about coming elsewhere and being handled by a stranger. Maybe that's why I'll always be a grooming hobbyist, and not a busy professional!
LynnO, I think having the client help out is a great strategy. Some dogs seem more nervous with the owner present, but in some cases it definitely makes it easier!
Marji, I've had those dogs who want to take my throat out while I'm grooming them. The fact is that a lot of the parts of the grooming experience are not super fun for the dog no matter how you do them--I wouldn't want a stranger shaving my entire body, cleaning out my ears, and clipping my nails either! This is why I do a lot of gentle touch and handling as part of my training classes--so the dogs get used to being touched by strangers.
We're gonna check out those links! Mom has varied success with nail trimming around here. Most everyone lets her do it if the mood is just right, except Kayla. No amount of treats and desensitizing has helped her so far so it's off to the vet we go. But our vet techs are GREAT at it!
ReplyDeleteThe Road Dogs
Road dog, I bet you're right that some dogs are just too constitutionally nervous to tolerate something as stressful as nail clipping. In those cases, I think tranqs are in order--and I have said as much to some of those clients whose dogs wanted to rip my throat out!
ReplyDeleteI have got a real phobia about trimming nails. Thankfully Frankie's don't need doing as they are white and soft and he keeps them worn down. But Beryl's are like talons and I get a friend to dremel them every week or so but the quicks just won't recede. She doesn't enjoy having them done but she is good. I'd love to do them myself:( Great post and links but there's nothing about desensitizing me! And yes, I'd pay more for a positive groomer if I needed one.
ReplyDeleteYou raise a great point about the dremel tool! I forgot to mention how helpful that's been in some cases. Doesn't help much for a dog who's really freaked out--it takes longer than just clipping,
ReplyDeleteand if the paw won't hold still then you're outta luck--but it really helps for the human who's freaked out :)
I've found one of those wonderful groomers who put making Honey comfortable her highest priority. What a gem!
ReplyDeleteWe've worked hard with Honey from the beginning to make nail trimming easy. But it's still not something she loves. What's helped a lot is making sure we clip nails when they're wet. Just like humans, they're softer and the job goes easier.
My dog has no problem with nail clipping-- I DO. I'm completely phobic of clipping too close, and thus the vet does it. And his nails are 'way too long!
ReplyDeletethanks
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons why I really invest in high-quality grooming equipment. Yes, it costs significantly higher compared to the cheaper and more available ones, but it will save you from the trouble of buying over and over again because they malfunction a lot faster and the steel parts easily rust. I found a great article that further explains why you must invest on good grooming tools: http://dogsaholic.com/care/best-dog-clippers.html
ReplyDelete