So your dog has been to multiple groomers and they all say the same thing - they don't like it. Whether that be one particular part (i.e. nails or dryer) or they don't like ANY part of it. Well, lets break it down. Why don't like it? Typically, it's because they feel scared or unsafe. The resolution to this may surprise you - groom them more often. I cannot stress enough to find a groomer you and your dog click with. Find a patient groomer who is willingly to put in the time and effort into your dog. Stay consistent, practice makes perfect. Your dog will learn who their groomer is. Their groomer will help teach them how to behave during grooming. However, the groomer cannot do this alone. The owner must help as well. For example: Fluffy hates having her feet touched. She will bite if anyone tries to touch her feet. Your groomer may tell you (owner) to practice with them at home. When you're sitting on the couch watching TV and Fluffy is laying down near you, pet her and praise her. Slowly work your way down towards her feet, give treats if she will accept them. Every time you're able to touch her foot or get near her foot without her growling or biting, give her a treat and LOTS of praise. Slowly but surely you will be able to hold her foot without the negative reaction. You are trying to establish the connection that touching her feet = treats/praise. This is a slow process and typically isn't done in one session or one day. I would also like to note that I am not a trainer. This is just one of the techniques that has worked for me and my clients. Always consult your vet and trainer if you feel that this process will not work for you and your pet.
Another issue I see fairly often is trust. Your dog doesn't trust whoever is grooming them. This could be for a variety of reasons - new groomer, new place, previous bad grooming experience, etc. Try your best to stick with the same groomer. That groomer knows your dog, and your dog knows them. Imagine having a different baby sitter every time you needed someone to watch your child. Your child will never be 100% comfortable with them because it's always a different person. The same applies to dogs. Trust is earned, not expected.
There may be certain aspects of grooming that your dog may never be completely comfortable with and that's ok. The biggest thing to take away is to stay with the same groomer to establish trust and listen to your groomer when they give you advice on how to correct the behavior at home. Please note that this does not pertain to pets that need a sedated groom for medical or behavioral reasons, always consult your vet first.
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