It’s difficult enough to juggle clients, phones, baths and styling different dogs, but how much more difficult are groomers’ lives made by poorly behaved dogs? Naughty dogs can cut into profits and reduce a groomer’s enjoyment of their chosen profession. Extra fees can be charged for dogs that require extra handling or those that bite, but a long-range plan to handle these dogs should also be implemented.

Causes for undesirable behavior can range from poor training or unsound temperament to negative experiences in similar environments. Once a dog is behaving inappropriately, it doesn’t really matter what the reason is, unless it is a physical problem. Rule out actual discomfort by asking the owner to check on the possibility with their veterinarian. In some cases, it may be obvious, such as an elderly dog experiencing discomfort when a leg is lifted. You must work around this by having someone else assist and support the dog or by training the animal to lie down.

If the bad behavior is occuring in the absence of pain or discomfort, the choices are to either manage the behavior or retrain the dog. Managing the behavior can be done with a variety of tools. Retraining, although it takes longer, is the method that will benefit both stylist and pet in the long run.

A difficult dog’s behavior can be managed by various means of restraint, and these methods should be employed while training, just as a matter of safety. If a dog is pulling away strongly enough to injure itself, or be at risk for jumping off a table, a restraint system should be utilized. Some choices to look into are the LIPS by Hanvey, the Groomer’s Helper, or two poles with loops, one for around the pet’s neck and one for around the belly in front of the hind legs. The dog handler’s safety must also be assured. If a dog is behaving aggressively–snarling, showing teeth, growling, snapping–don’t hesitate to use a muzzle. Many items marketed for pet owners can be utilized in the shop, such as Halti head collars. Just make sure you are knowledgeable about their proper use.

Retraining a dog requires changing the misbehavior, and there are many ways to do this. Training will take extra time, so it’s imperative that groomers charge for it. Explain to the owner that as the dog’s behavior improves and it becomes calmer and happier, the time needed to groom it will be reduced and the charge will as well. Here are some training tips:


Stay calm.
Dogs learn by example and tend to follow the “leader”– you. If you keep your voice low and soothing and do not get angry, the animal will have less reason to misbehave.


Ignore misbehavior and reward desired behavior.
This is tougher than you might think, as most of us have a knee-jerk tendency to correct a dog when it misbehaves and ignore it and continue grooming when it is quiet. For example, take the wormy Bichon that will not stand quietly for brushing no matter how soft a brush and how gentle your technique–it just struggles, vocalizes and bites at the brush. Muzzle if you need to, but try to use a Halti or Groomer’s Helper as they can allow treats to be given. Continue to brush even if the dog struggles or bites. When the dog sits still, say “good” or “yes,” and have an assistant give treats.

Also, when the dog sits still, stop brushing. You only need to stop for a second or two, but do stop. This teaches the dog that if they stop objecting, you will stop brushing. And they get praise and goodies, too.

Remember to use treats that are soft and tiny; consuming tidbits should not break the flow of grooming.


Take small steps and praise all improvement.
If that poodle has always screamed the instant you pick up the nail trimmers, give it a treat when you reach for them, and another when you pick them up. When you can pick up the trimmers without the dog screaming, be sure to praise the dog lavishly. Next time, you may get to picking up a foot before the screaming begins–and who knows, if enough treats are provided, the screaming may not even start.


Try something else.
Sometimes, in order to change behavior, a groomer need only change the routine. If the dog struggles on nails, do them in a different order or in a different place, like the tub. Or teach it to sit or lie down for nail trimming
None of us began careers as pet stylists expecting to make dogs unhappy or uncomfortable. It’s worth the extra time to create a happier atmosphere for both pet and handler. 


Carol Visser is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer and Certified Pet Dog Trainer. Formerly a pet product expert for PetEdge, she and her husband Glenn now own Two Canines Pet Services in Montville, Maine, which provides grooming, boarding, training and day care services to Waldo County.