Does your dog shake, whine, or try to hide the moment grooming is mentioned? You’re not alone. Grooming anxiety is common, and it doesn’t mean your dog is “bad” or difficult; it can mean they could be overwhelmed, unsure, or have had an uncomfortable experience in the past.

The good news? With the right approach, grooming doesn’t have to be stressful. Below are practical, realistic tips to help keep your dog calm and happy before, during, and after grooming based on professional grooming experience, not medical advice.

Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming & Boutique is a premium choice for dog grooming in Vancouver. We are located in downtown Vancouver and provide full grooming services and a luxury experience for your dogs and cats.

Does your dog have anxiety at the groomer? Find below some great tips to keep your pet happy and calm during grooming.

Why Some Dogs Feel Anxious at the Groomer

Common reasons include:

• Loud noises (dryers, clippers, other dogs)
  

• They don’t like bathing
  

• Being separated from their owner
  

• Past negative grooming experiences
  

• Sensitivity to touch (paws, face, ears)
  

• Lack of early grooming exposure; we recommend starting the familiarization process with your local groomer at an early age
  

• New environments or unfamiliar people
  

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC):

“Dogs who are not gradually introduced to grooming at a young age may find it stressful later in life.”

This stress doesn’t mean grooming should be avoided—it just means it should be handled thoughtfully.

Signs Your Dog Is Anxious During Grooming

Dogs don’t always show anxiety the same way. Some signs are subtle, others are obvious.

Watch for:

• Trembling or shaking
  

• Sneezing
  

• Panting when not hot
  

• Lip licking or yawning
  

• Trying to escape
  

• Whining or barking
  

• Stiff body posture
  

• Avoiding eye contact
  

Recognizing these signs early helps groomers adjust their approach and pace.

Tips to Help Your Dog Stay Calm / Feel More Comfortable at the Groomer

1. Start Grooming Early (or Restart Slowly)

Introduce grooming to your dog when they are young. If your dog is older and already anxious, start fresh:

• Short, positive grooming visits
  

• Gradual exposure to tools
  

• Praise and calm reassurance

Building tolerance takes time—but it works. At Dashing Dawgs Grooming & Boutique, we offer puppy grooming, bath, and tidy packages to help teach your dog the skills to feel good about the grooming process. This helps set them up for a positive lifelong grooming experience.

2. Practice Handling at Home

Between professional appointments, gently handle:

• Paws
  

• Don’t forget the pads and in between toes
  

• Ears
  

• Tail
  

• Face
  

• Mouth area
  

• Neck
  

• Areas under their arms
  

• Areas that can be commonly matted on your breed type
  

Keep sessions short and positive. This helps your dog become comfortable being touched in grooming-sensitive areas. 

3. Keep a Consistent Grooming Schedule

Infrequent grooming can make anxiety worse. When dogs go long periods between appointments, grooming feels unfamiliar all over again.

Regular visits help dogs:

• Recognize the environment
  

• Trust the groomer
  

• Predict what’s going to happen
  

Consistency builds confidence

4. Choose the Right Grooming Environment

Not all grooming salons are the same. Look for places that emphasize:

• Calm handling
  

• Patience with nervous dogs
  

• Clear communication
  

• Experience with anxious pets
  

At Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming & Boutique, we work at the dog’s pace and adjust techniques to help them feel safe and supported. Most of our dog grooming appointments are up to 3 hours. Our cat grooming appointments vary, but your cat groomer will help share proper time frames for the services you are seeking.

5. Avoid Stressful Drop-Offs

Dogs are incredibly sensitive to your emotions. If you’re anxious, they’ll pick up on it.

Helpful tips:

• Stay calm and upbeat
  

• Avoid long goodbyes
  

• Use a happy, reassuring tone
  

• Trust the grooming team
  

A confident goodbye helps your dog feel secure.

6. Exercise Before the Appointment

A walk or play session before grooming can help release nervous energy. A slightly tired dog is often a calmer dog. This is one of the most important steps for nervous and all dogs before their grooming session.

Just avoid:

• Overexertion
  

• Arriving overheated
  

• Feeding a large meal right before grooming
  

7. Use Familiar Scents

Bringing a familiar item like a blanket or bandana that smells like home can help comfort anxious dogs during grooming.

8. Communicate With Your Groomer

Always tell your groomer if your dog has fears about grooming. Some customers think this is negative and that we may turn you down for grooming. However, there are many techniques we have in place to work with your pet to help them feel comfortable. Here are some common fears:

• Has anxiety
  

• Has sensitive areas
  

• Has had past grooming issues
  

• Is fearful of specific tools
  

This allows groomers to adjust techniques and prioritize comfort.

How Professional Groomers Help Anxious Dogs

Professional groomers are trained to work with dogs of all temperaments, not just calm ones.

Experienced groomers know how to:

• Read canine body language
  

• Take breaks when needed
  

• Use gentle restraint techniques
  

• Avoid rushing
  

• Create positive associations
  

• Most importantly patience
  

At Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming & Boutique, we focus on stress-aware grooming, helping dogs feel safe, not forced.

What About Dental Cleaning Anxiety?

At Dashing Dogs Dental, our dental techs perform non-anesthetic cosmetic dental cleaning. While we don’t diagnose or treat dental conditions, we understand that some dogs feel nervous during oral handling.

That’s why we emphasize:

• Calm environments
  

• Gentle positioning
  

• Patience and reassurance by showing your dog the instruments we use
  

• Stopping if a dog shows signs of anxiety
  

Comfort always comes first.

What NOT to Do With an Anxious Dog

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Punishing fearful behavior
  

• Forcing grooming if your dog panics
  

• Waiting until mats or overgrowth make grooming unavoidable
  

• Switching groomers - stay the course with your gentle groomer
  

• Skipping appointments for long periods - frequency can be key to comfort
  

These points can make anxiety worse over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will my dog ever get used to grooming?

Yes, many anxious dogs improve with consistent, gentle grooming and patience.

2. Should I groom my anxious dog at home instead?

Light brushing is fine, but professional groomers are trained to handle anxiety safely.

3. Can grooming anxiety be caused by pain?

Sometimes discomfort can increase stress. If anxiety is sudden or severe, consult your veterinarian.

4. How long does it take for a dog to feel comfortable?

Every dog is different. Some improve within a few visits, others need more time.

5. Are certain breeds more anxious?

Small breeds, rescues, and dogs with sensitive skin often need extra patience—but any dog can experience grooming anxiety.

If your dog is anxious at the groomer, it doesn’t mean grooming is a lost cause. With understanding, consistency, and the right professional support, grooming can become a calm, even positive experience.

At Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming & Boutique and Dashing Dogs Dental, our goal is simple: help dogs feel safe, respected, and well cared for one grooming session at a time.