Some dogs are angels who are calm and comfortable while being groomed. On the other hand, other anxious dogs wiggle, wiggle and wiggle incessantly during the grooming process.
The second scenario is really worrisome because if your dog is constantly moving about (and maybe even whining), grooming will be very challenging. This is because you may accidentally injure your furkid if it fidgets about too much. You may even give up on the grooming entirely which is unfortunate because grooming is crucial for canine physical wellbeing.
If the aforementioned problem frustrates you, read on to learn useful hacks that encourage your dog to stay still while grooming.
Side note: When you think of the word'insects', does the image of pesky fleas and ticks that wreak havoc on your dog's skin appear? If so, the content at the end of this article will surprise you!
Practical tips to keep your dog still
1. Take baby steps
One step at a time. You have to understand that some dogs will find the grooming process to be stressful, especially if it is the first time that they are being groomed. That could explain why your dog is so restless and thus fidgety.
Hence, we advise you to begin with short sessions of just a few minutes, then gradually increase the session duration. Do include a few breaks in between the grooming sessions too to give your dog a chance to rest.
2. Keep it relaxed
Grooming should ideally be a relaxing ritual that both parties (owner and dog) can enjoy. Owners can strengthen their bond with their precious pet through grooming, while dogs can take delight in being brushed and massaged. To make this vision a reality, you must only groom your dog while you are good in mood. This is because most dogs are empathetic creatures who may feel distressed if they sense that you are having a bad day.
Other useful hacks that can calm your dog include playing soothing music and using aromatherapy.
3. Positive reinforcement
Ultimately, the most important technique you should employ is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is all about making sure that your dog associates grooming with something desirable. This can be achieved by rewarding dogs during and directly after grooming sessions. You can offer praise and give it mouthwatering dog treats to lift its mood. On this note, let us introduce to you a unique, scrumptious type of dog food that will aid your training efforts.