So I had a reader ask me to do some research on why dog’s
behavior changes after grooming. She has
an adorable parti-colored cocker spaniel.
A cocker haircut is normally shaved on the top half and long flowing
hair on the bottom half, this is called a skirt.
Cocker spaniels do need regular grooming. Whether you do it at home or have a
professional do it, it is a must with this breed. My reader states that his temperament is always
different for a few days afterward. She
hears this is normal, but wonders why.
There are several reasons I have come up with in my research.
First, depending on how often you have your dog groomed,
the sudden change can take a bit to get used to. Think of how you act when you get a haircut. If it is a major change, it takes you a while
to get used to it. I have long hair that
I donate every year. When I get 10-12
inches cut off, it takes me a long while to get used to short hair. Same with your pup. Think of how often a guy gets a buzz cut and
how often you catch them rubbing their heads.
A couple things you might want to check with your groomer
is what kind of shampoo they used. Could
be an allergic reaction. Is the hair cut
shorter than normal? Are you using a new
groomer? Ask the groomer if anything
unusual happened during your pets visit.
Think of leaving your human child at day care. You need to be involved with your groomer and
make sure you know what is going on while you aren’t there.
If you are using a new groomer, even if they come highly
recommended, always ask for references and contact those references. Tell the groomer exactly what you want done
and how short you want the hair cut.
Find out if they use a blow dryer or a kennel dryer. Ask how long the pup sits in the kennel
dryer. Call the groomer a few times to
see how things are going. I know most
groomers are going to cringe reading this, but if it is your first few visits
you want to check to see how things are going.
Another thing to consider is how are you feeling before
you drop your pup off. Are you tense and
nervous? If so, your pet is picking up
on that and will reflect that behavior.
They know you are nervous dropping them off, so they are already on
alert that something is not right about the situation. Keep yourself calm and keep your pup
calm. Go visit the groomer a few times,
when you don’t have an appointment, with your pup so that you and your pup get acclimated
to the new environment. Then when you do
go to have your pet groomed, it will seem like a normal activity.
Now some pups just don’t do well with grooming. I groom all of our dogs personally. Most do pretty good when I get out the grooming
table and will come up to me excited for their turn because they get my undivided
attention and loving. I do have a couple
that are challenges though. Two of our
pups I have to put muzzles on while grooming because they will try to take my
hand off. I talk calm to them and shower
them with love and pets. Tucker, who has
been here for about 13 years now is much better, but I still have to muzzle him
while grooming. I can read the signs and
see when he has had enough and let him go.
It usually takes two or three grooming sessions to get him done.
Most professional groomers don’t have the amount
of time I do though. So you want to be
aware of any issues. Explain to the
groomer exactly how your pup acts so they are aware of the problem. If your pup is too hard to handle, they will
usually contact you to come get your pup early.
Speak to your vet to see if you can give your pet a sedative like RescueRemedy to help keep them calm while grooming.
It will be easier for the groomer and your pet.
My best suggestion though is to visit the groomer a few
times and let your pet get to know them and the groomer get to know your pet,
off the grooming table. When they become
friends, the grooming will be much easier for both. Make it an exciting and fun visit, like going
to the dog park. If you treat it like a fun event, your pet will have fun.
Whatever you do though…don’t do this to your poor
dog. LOL
Be Well & Be Happy,
Pet~Pourri
