Training your pet for grooming

As you probably know, a grooming routine is essential to keep your dog's coat and health in good shape.

But as any dog owner will tell you, sometimes it's hard to get your furry pal to sit still and enjoy the grooming process. Don't lose faith and give up, though; like with so many other aspects of pet ownership, positive reinforcement training can help.

Here, we explain how to train a dog for grooming, why it's important to do and how to overcome a dog's grooming anxiety.

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Start early with positive associations

Positive reinforcement training is the best way to train your dog. We've shared the details of our positive reinforcement training article, but to summarise it, it's the most effective way to train your dog.

Broadly, you should try to pair grooming tools, like brushes and clippers, with positive things, like treats and praise.

It's essential you make grooming positive and stress-free. Using negative reinforcement can build up anxiety and make grooming stressful for you and your dog.

Desensitisation techniques for grooming

The key thing here is to desensitise your dog to grooming. Generally, you should:

• Introduce grooming slowly - don't throw your dog in the deep end

• Gradually get your dog used to being touched in sensitive areas, like ears, paws and the tail

• Practice patience - you can't expect overnight solutions

In terms of how to train a puppy for grooming, we have dedicated guides on this (like how to cut nails and dog teeth cleaning). But generally, you should:

1. Introduce whatever tool you're using to your dog first. Let them sniff it and become familiar with it. You can even put treats around the tool, which forms a positive association.

2. Lightly introduce the tool. For example, if it's a brush, reach out to them with it slowly and lightly touch them. Make sure you "reward" each successful brush.

3. Gradually increase how much you use the tool. Build a routine at a similar time and day, as this helps build up a positive habit with your dog.

4. Start with "gentler" tools, like brushes. Going straight in with something like nail clippers can scare your dog.

How to train a dog to sit still for grooming

Teaching your dog to sit still when grooming can be difficult, particularly if you have a high-energy breed. But it really just comes down to mastering the "sit" and "stay" command (one of the easiest-to-train dog tricks).

Generally, we recommend:

• Building trust over time by avoiding negative reinforcement

• Creating a calm, positive environment

• Introducing grooming early on, like when they're a puppy

• Practicing at regular intervals at the same time and place

• Using rewards

• Using positive reinforcement

• Try short, consistent training sessions to lower stress

Our dog grooming guide can help.

Overcoming grooming anxiety

Dog anxiety and mental health can be challenging to overcome, but as we've discussed earlier, using patience and positive reinforcement can go a long way to helping it.

If your dog has grooming anxiety, we recommend:

• Cutting down on general stress your dog may have, like separation anxiety

• Following most of the advice we've shared above, particularly around positive reinforcement

• Make sure you have a regular exercise routine

• Using calming techniques, like soothing words, sprays or music

Professional grooming vs home grooming

Deciding between a professional groomer or trying it at home is usually a financial decision. But there are other factors that can go into it.

Professional groomers are, of course, experts, meaning they can get difficult, stressful jobs done quicker and easier than you can.

Even if you fancy yourself as being a good groomer, we recommend visiting a professional groomer regularly depending on your dog's coat type. It's an excellent way to keep on top of it.

Some breeds will need to go as much as every four weeks, while others only need to go a few times a year.

But professional grooming can cause a lot of stress for your dog, so it's important to introduce them to it slowly. We recommend trying to find the right balance - a lot of dog parents choose to combine at-home and professional grooming.

You can manage the "simple" stuff like brushing and ear cleaning at home, then rely on a professional to manage the harder things. It also makes your groomer's job easier - for example, they're less likely to hurt or scare your dog if they're cutting fur that isn't matted.

Whatever you choose, you must make grooming a part of your and your dog's routine: it's essential for their health.

How dog insurance can help

Grooming is essential for your dog’s health, and having dog insurance ensures you're prepared for any unexpected veterinary needs that may arise from grooming sessions (terms apply).

Our dog insurance helps with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other ManyPets Perks.

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