Causes of aggressive behavior during grooming
A dog that suddenly snaps its teeth or even tries to bite the groomer during a dog haircut is not always a “problem animal”. Very often, aggression is the only defense the dog knows when it gets into a stressful situation. Imagine yourself in your dog’s shoes: an unfamiliar place, foreign odors, a loud machine sound, touching sensitive body parts. If the grooming experience was painful or too harsh in the past, the animal will remember to defend himself.
Fear often leads to aggression during haircuts – especially in dogs that have not been socialized since childhood. They are not used to a person touching their paws, ears or muzzle. In such cases, even a light touch can cause a surge of panic. Another cause is physical pain: tangled fur, skin irritations, arthritis, or even old injuries. And when scissors or a machine touches the painful area – the dog reacts instantly by biting. Another important detail is protective behavior. Some dogs simply won’t let you touch their tail, paws, or other areas of their body that they consider “their territory.” It’s not a whim – it’s instinct.
How to properly respond to and prevent biting behaviors
The groomer must be a true “psychologist” for the animals. When a dog bites, the main thing is not to give in to emotions. Screaming or sudden movements can only aggravate the situation. On the contrary, calmness, gentleness and consistency is what gives a chance for trust. It is important to learn to recognize body language: tense posture, flinching, frequent nose licking, stiffening – all these are signals that the animal is on edge.
In some cases, the use of a muzzle helps – but not as a punishment, but as an element of safety. It is important to choose the right model, which does not press, but also does not allow to bite.
Also very well works attracting the owner – if the dog behaves more calmly in his presence. And even better – make preliminary familiarization visits to the salon, without grooming: just let them smell the tools, observe others, eat a treat. This breaks down fear.
Working with an aggressive dog: a strategy for long-term adaptation
You can’t change a dog’s behavior in one haircut, but it can be corrected over time if you do it right. Grooming should turn from a “danger” to a “routine”. A strategy of small steps is important here. If the animal is afraid of touching its paws, the first session may include only body brushing, and the next session the groomer will gradually move on to the limbs.
Play and positivity are powerful weapons. Many dogs behave better if the groomer gives them a chance to play with their favorite toy before the treatment or gives them a treat for their calmness. Even better, the groomer works in tandem with the dog groomer or owner from the start, forming new associations with the dog. Instead of pain, pleasure. Instead of fear, trust. It often happens that after a few sessions, the same dog that was biting for the first time starts to trust the groomer and even falls asleep during combing.
In V.O.G DOG SALON masters know how to help rather than punish. Because a dog can be changed not by coercion, but by patience, love and professionalism.
