Most dogs will try anything to get away from you when grooming. This is where setting boundaries for the dog is most important. Teach him that sometimes he can't have it his way; he will get a bath, and he will get his nails trimmed whether he likes it or not. Once they understand that you will follow through with your intentions, most dogs will comply.

Many dogs, especially small dogs, are in the habit of fighting the owner for grooming. Many owners give up when the dog begins to snarl or snap, and the dog gets what she wants — to be left alone. Unfortunately, the dog learns that a display aggression means she'll get her way, and she will try it out on everyone. Not everyone gives up quickly, and that can set up a potentially dangerous situation.

This is not to say that a dog that has a real fear issue must be forced to comply. If fear is the issue, there are other means to desensitize the animal. The majority of dogs who fight you for grooming do so only because it works and you stop doing it.

Who's the Boss?

Groomers face negative behavior from the dogs they work on daily. The reason they get the job done is they are leaders in the dog's eyes: They don't give up when the dog objects; they use restraints to help give them a third arm; and they don't ask the dog to do something — they tell him to do it and then make it happen. Dogs see most groomers as authority figures and they learn quickly that fighting grooming isn't going to work. The bottom line is the groomer has to be a leader.

If the problem is that the dog sits down when you brush near her rear, simply add a strap around her waist or put your hand under her to make her stand The key is not to back off. If you are the leader, you make the rules. This requires confidence on your part. You have to remain calm and confident and restrain the dog as needed. You have to be able to say no to the dog and mean it. If the dog sits, say “No!” and put your hand under her and make her stand up. If she sits again, repeat the process until she understands you are not going to give up.

When the problem is a dominant dog that is used to getting his way, you have to change tactics to stop the behavior. Don't give in. Tell the dog once and make it happen. Look directly at your dog, staring into his eyes.

Don't constantly repeat yourself. Say, “Fido, sit!” If Fido doesn't sit after you say it once, make it happen — push his rump down. Then say, “Good boy!”

If the dog bites at the brush, you need to determine whether you are using the brush incorrectly and scraping the dog's skin, or whether the dog doesn't care to be brushed and gets you to back off by biting. If it's the latter, use a muzzle on the dog to protect yourself.

Paws

Many dogs are touchy about their feet and fight nail trimming. Again, first make sure that you aren't hurting the dog. Older dogs are frequently arthritic and bending a paw can cause some pain. Some dogs are afraid of having their nails quicked (cut too far back) — they remember the pain and don't wish to repeat it. If you can restrain the dog so he can't fight you, that's the short, easy way to get the job done. Many groomers put smaller dogs in hammocks and raise them off the table so their legs are hanging down but not touching the table. Since the dog has nothing to push against, he can't fight. He soon gives up and lets you trim his nails.

If your dog pulls her leg away from you, you can try holding the leg up close to her body so she can't pull it back any more. Oftentimes, just handling the dog's paws at night when you are both relaxing will help calm the dog that is hypersensitive about having its feet touched. Massage those paws and get your dog used to having her feet handled.

It's a good idea to touch your dog everywhere — tail, ears, feet, belly, and bottom. When your dog is used to being touched, it's not a big deal to be groomed. Many people have their dog's brushes and combs next to a favorite recliner. When your dog is curled up on your lap, you can gently comb him and relax at the same time.

Spoiled

Many groomers hear the comment, “Fifi hates to be brushed/ combed/bathed/dried/clipped/caged!” The list goes on and on, but most groomers find Fifi doesn't have a problem with any of it. She is simply spoiled. The groomer can teach Fifi in a matter-of-fact way that displays of aggression will not get her anywhere. In fact, the groomer ignores displays of aggression and the grooming continues or the dog is given a stern, “No!” In some cases, the dog has to be muzzled for the groomer's safety. Soon Fifi learns that this person won't give up or give in and she has to deal with it. When Fifi comes back, the groomer notices that Fifi's outbursts are fewer and the dog becomes more cooperative and compliant.

Discipline

Many dogs start out a groomer's nightmare, but after calm assertiveness on the groomer's part, they end up becoming a groomer's favorites. Discipline isn't being mean; it's just calmly and assertively letting the dog know his behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Dogs get lots of praise with good behavior with the groomer, but he may go home and still be a tyrant for the owners because they haven't learned how to be a leader in the dog's eyes.