Most pups melt into bliss under a good brush, but some find a trip to the groomers frightening. The good news: it doesn’t have to be that way! Photo: Michelle Kroll.
For many dogs, a trip to the groomer can feel just as nerve-racking as our visit to the dentist.
Nail trims, ear cleaning and the roar of the blow dryer are all common triggers for nervous dogs, especially the first time around. They might recoil from water, jump when certain parts of their body are touched, or shy away from the buzz of clippers.
Dogs can show stress in all sorts of ways: trembling, panting, drooling, or even shutting down and trying to hide.
Some will urinate when overwhelmed, others flash the tell-tale ‘whale eye’. Pinned ears, tucked tails and frozen bodies are all signs your dog is well and truly out of their comfort zone.
It’s a tricky situation for dog-parents, but local experts say nervous dogs don’t have to be nervous forever. There’s a lot you can do to build your pooch’s confidence.
Teresa Pecina, daycare manager at The Waggington who holds a Certificate III in Animal Behaviour, often works closely with anxious or sensitive dogs, helping them feel safe and comfortable.
Teresa stresses the importance of calm, confident handling, as well as finding a groomer who will allow for some extra adjustment time.
“Well-trained, healthy, confident dogs make for happy households, but not every dog starts out this way,” she says.
“Knowing what anxiety looks like is half the battle and building confidence takes time. Slow, positive exposure is really important, so if you see a professional groomer, make sure they know your pup needs a bit of extra love.”
Since moving into a larger, fully equipped space, The Waggington has expanded its range of services to include professional canine massage therapy. This soothing, science-backed treatment supports dogs’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
Donna Fraser joined The Waggington team in February, bringing with her a Certificate in Canine Remedial Massage. With her expertise, dogs of all shapes, sizes and needs can now enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage – from easing anxiety to supporting recovery.
“There are plenty of reasons a dog might need remedial massage,” Donna says.
“It promotes circulation, stimulates the nervous system and reduces inflammation. This can make a huge difference in the comfort of older dogs with arthritis, sporting or working dogs with muscle tension, and everyday pooches recovering from surgery.
“Some people just want to spoil their dogs with a pamper session every once in a while. I think that’s lovely.”
Donna also has some tips to support furry family members as they head in for doggy daycare. Short, consistent sessions led by an experienced trainer can work wonders, but she warns against throwing any pooch straight into the deep end.
“Not all dogs are going to love daycare right away and that’s completely fine,” she says.
“But giving them the confidence and skills to regulate their emotions is crucial to avoid ongoing anxiety, which could lead to your dog lashing out at human carers or other dogs in fear.
“This means slow, controlled introductions, one dog at a time.”
Practising at home is a great way to introduce your dog to all kinds of important life skills – and the sooner you start, the better. Grooming will also help you bond with your dog, build trust, and show them they are loved.
Teresa believes with steady handling, positive reinforcement and a little professional guidance, even the most anxious dogs can learn the grooming table isn’t such a scary place after all. Her final tips: keep a cool head and remember practice pays off.
“Dogs are very good at picking up on what you’re feeling and will often mirror it. Your own confidence will fuel theirs,” she says.
“If you know your dog is heading into an environment where they are likely to be stressed, try going for a walk or playing with them first so there’s less build-up of nervous energy.
“And remember – patience is crucial. Progress takes time, but if you stick with it, all of that hard work will eventually pay off.”
Find out more at The Waggington.
@this.is.canberra Q&A with The Waggington 🐶 We spent the morning with Georgie, dog groomer at The Waggington, learning about a puppy’s first groom and what actually happens during a dog groom. #thisiscanberra #canberra #cbr #canberralocals #canberraregion #supportlocal #canberrablogger #canberrabusiness #visitcanberra #dogsofcbr
