Grooming an aggressive dog can be very difficult. Still, it does not have to be dangerous if the right strategies and methods are employed. Caring for a dog ensures that the dog is healthy and comfortable; thus, any effort to make this process less stressful is worth it. This article offers suggestions for safely grooming an assertive or hostile dog, and meeting this challenge without injury.
Prepare the Environment
– It is necessary to select a relatively secluded and calm area. Noisy and spacious places that are full of people can be overwhelming.
– Remove things that could threaten the dog or cause stress, such as other animals, kids, or noises.
– Slip-proof flooring should be used to prevent any potential slipping accidents. Bath shoes, bath rugs, or rubber floor mats can also reduce slipperiness.
– As a general guideline, make sure to have all items needed to complete a task readily available to avoid having to get up mid-game. Be sure to have treats, a slip lead/leash, grooming tools, etc.
Use Calming Aids
– Consider the use of supplements that help in calming nerves. Consult with your vet about giving your dog anti-anxiety drugs, or try natural remedies such as melatonin or CBD oil. It should be administered 30 to 60 minutes before grooming to have a proper impact on them.
– Use pheromone sprays/diffusers. The synthetic dog appeasing pheromones tend to have a soothing impact to dogs.
– Play calming music. Playing soft music such as classical or instrumental music with natural sounds such as waves can help to calm down dogs.
Take It Slow
– Always follow your dog’s lead. If you groom them and rush them, you will aggravate them even more. It is advisable to work in short sessions of about 5 to 10 minutes with intervals in between.
– Use toys and praise often for good behavior. Employ extra gentle, positive language.
– Do not use punishment or discipline when dealing with your fur child. This can make dogs more defensive or prone to attack if threatened.
Employ the Proper Handling Techniques
Muzzle Training
– Ensure your dog becomes comfortable wearing a basket-style grooming muzzle BEFORE grooming. Make sure they are able to pant, drink, and take treats while wearing them.
– A muzzle will help to prevent biting during stressful grooming procedures. Check its compatibility.
Handle Sensitive Areas Carefully
– Pay extra close attention to paws, ears, face, tail, and hind legs. These are typical trigger points.
– As for the movements, lift paws delicately, handle ears carefully, and be gentle with the tail and hind legs.
– Be extra careful when applying the balm around the mouth, eyes, and face. It may be necessary to use a face/neck harness.
Use Gentle Restraint
– Small dogs should be placed on a non-slip surface and supported between your arm and body.
– For medium/large dogs, use a slip lead or harness that can be loosely placed around the neck of the dog as you brush.
– If necessary, get a third person to give the treats during grooming to maintain control.
Make It More Comfortable
– Change tools to make a more comfortable environment. Select soft bristle brushes, nail clipping tools with rounded tips, electric clippers with safety guards, etc.
– While giving a bath, employ warm–but not hot–water, and use a gentle, safe-for-dogs calming shampoo/conditioner.
– Keep sessions brief. It is always preferable to do it in small time segments so they do not feel overpowered.
Stay Safe!
– Don’t overdo it though. Exit at the first signs of increased aggression, such as standing tall with teeth bared, growling, snapping, or biting.
– If you are in a situation where things are getting out of control, do not groom. If it is not possible, try again the next time with more calming aids in place or consult a specialist.
– Consult with a veterinary behaviorist if aggression continues. However, if medication is given along with the behavior modification plans, this can be helpful in most cases.
Aggressive dog breeds can be trained and appropriately groomed if enough time and effort are invested in proper preparation without causing stress or harm to the instructor or the dog. Follow their pace and the entire session should feel like a protective environment. With time, grooming becomes comforting since gentle touch is constantly applied to the animal.
