A mini guide for Stress And Anxiety

An Anxious boy getting his nails clipped and being a good boy

The most common thing I have found when out on the road or chatting with clients at home is concerns about their dogs having anxiety or really stressed out when going to the grooming salon. Most of the anxiety and stress is around their nails being clipped or grinded. I get asked a lot about what they can do to help their dogs feel better when they get their nails done. Most cases go straight for the Trazadone or Gabapentin to help ease the anxiety or tire them down. Though the meds may help occasionally it is an added expense and a good tool in it’s own way just like how we take meds for our own Anxieties for any number of reasons. 

Before the service while we are talking or texting and the concern comes up my first response is always going to talk about how the pet is more comfortable in their home and that alone should help ease some of the stress and anxiety that comes with the nails being clipped or grinded. Some owners look forward to the grinding as the edges are not so sharp and we can get closer to the quick safer than with clipping. Some dogs do better with grinding than clipping but most cases from my experience with “House Call” grooming the dogs with anxiety do better with the clipping since they are not feeling a vibration though their paws and potentially tickling them.

I explain to my clients that when I arrive we can get a better idea of what is best for the dog by how they react to either the dremel or the nail clippers. Being able to read a dog's body language is crucial at this point to feel how stiff or tense they are, or how jumpy they may be with the feel of the dremel or clippers. About half the time they will use their mouths to tell you to stop because of many reasons such as a bad experience with handling or their nails were cut too short and that hurts or they are a rescue and had a hard life until their new forever home. Rescues already come with a hard time trusting due to their background so keeping mindful of all the possibilities helps with the service.

After relying on muzzles to help keep me safe from dog bites I knew there had to be something better as the muzzles can enhance those already heightened feelings. So I found fingerless bite gloves that are made with the same materials as bullet proof vests. What I have found so far (and don’t try this at home unless you are a professional) is that when the dog tries to bite after trying to get away from me fails. And they get no response from me. They stop fighting me or they are more willing to accept treats from the owner with my instructions on when to give them a treat. But it’s more than just the physical approach I noticed that makes a diffrence. 

Once greeted by the parents I let the dog come and sniff (checking me out) ignoring the dog for a few before saying HI. I go over what to expect and my approach and what I might need from them. Confidence can go a long way; If the pet parent is unable to provide confidence I will step up and explain what I’m doing in as much detail as possible along with staying grounded within myself all the while reassuring both parent and the dog there is nothing to be worried about. Sometimes depending on the situation I may have the pet parent step out for the moment if it becomes too much that the dog is struggling too much and I can’t perform safely. Other times we work as a team cheating the dog on and the owner offering treats as I continue to clip or grind. Believe it or not dogs and cats can sense your emotional changes. They can sense when you are stressed or afraid and if you are afraid of their nails getting done then more often they will be afraid as well.

Things you can do between and before I come to you and clip or grind your pets nails: 

1. Find a treat they will almost never receive during a normal training session or normal day. This can be anything from the fridge that is safe for dogs and cats to consume (such as cooked chicken meat, hot dogs, cheese etc…) 

2. Gently pick up the paw with the treat in the other hand and hold the paw moving with the dog. If they are struggling to get away once they give in, give them the treat and praise them for holding still with you holding the paw.

3. Repeat number 2 with all 4 paws. When you are able to hold the paw for an extended amount of time with no struggles gently squash the paw pad just under the nail offering the treat as an incentive to stay still and teaching them it’s ok. If they try to get away from you then they don’t get the treat.  Do this with all 4 paws

4. Once you are successful with 2 and 3 you can add in the nail clippers for the dog to see if they are not reacting to just looking at the clippers then pick the foot up and place the closed clippers to the nail pretending you are going to clip. Then treat when the dog is not reacting to the clippers. If the dog reacts to seeing the clippers then let them hang out where the dog can see them as an everyday thing. 

5. Let the dog sniff the clippers if they want to check them out, enforcing it’s ok with lower grade treats (aka normal training treats). It’s important that they understand the clippers are not going to do anything bad to them and to start rebuilding trust.

There are some cases where I was unable to perform the services due to me being a stranger in their home and they are only protecting their house from me. These dogs are probably going to do better outside of their homes and in a mobile grooming van. In the meantime please make sure you are following Groomer With A Poodle in Face Book and Instagram for when we receive our grooming van where we may become the perfect fit for you and your pet.