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Grooming Frightened Dogs Reply to this Message

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Sherrie
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Member PageMember Page June 08 at 14:34
Grooming Frightened Dogs Vote for this post

Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to handle a VERY frightened, neurotic dog at the groomers? My little terrier mix, Sophie, was a stray and obviously abused. We've had her one year and tried to have her groomed one time. My groomer had to use scissors because she was so frightened by the clippers. A year later, I need to try again because she is shedding terribly. I did get a mild tranquilizer from the vet that I can give her. I guess my question really is: should I try to stay with her, or leave her? My groomers will get her in and out in an hour or less, because they know the situation. Thanks for any help on this one.

Miss Maddie
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Member PageMember Page June 08 at 17:42
Re: Grooming Frightened Dogs Vote for this post Reply to this Message

Most definately stay with her. Just your presents will reassure Sophie everything will be ok.
I have this same problem with a little rescue -Willie I got 1 1/2 years ago...and we are still working on it.
I try to brush him daily to get him use to being touched slowly and softly with a brush and a comb.He has come a VERY long way.
Good luck at the groomers.

Hugs
Sandra Miss Maddie & Mr.Willie
Lynda and the Minkies
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Member PageMember Page June 09 at 16:18
Re: Grooming Frightened Dogs Vote for this post Reply to this Message

I've always stayed with mine-my choice-but the groomer tells me that a lot of times when the owners are there the dogs' behaviour is worse...I'd try Mimulus...ask Cathy with Thistle about it. It's a natural remedy and calms them.
XXX.
Eve
June 09 at 19:04
Faith was like Vote for this post Reply to this Message

that, she would look like she was going to go into a fit she was so frightened.
So here is what I did, I had a cheap set of clippers so this is what I did.
First, lay the clippers on a table as close as she will let you.
If she seems OK with this, then have someone plug them in while you stay very close to her, now before you turn them on have the other person ready to pull the plug.
OK turn them on, unplug if she is frightened, let her sniff them, then turn on again.
keep repeating these stepts till she will sit with them running.
Now run them over her back while turned off,
Do this till she is OK, then turn them on again with the person ready to pull the plug.

It took me about two weeks of doing this at different times with Faith, now she just sits there while I clip her hair.

If you don't have any clippers ask the groomer for a old set you can borrow.
It takes time, but it makes it a lot easier and it's better on her.
Sherrie
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Member PageMember Page June 10 at 20:25
Re: Grooming Frightened Dogs Vote for this post Reply to this Message

Well, I gave Sophie 1/2 of a tranquilizer from the vets. She did great this time and the groomer did get her in and out in record time. However, she was so woozy the rest of the day that I felt bad for her...we will try it without any "doggie downers" next time, maybe a Bach Flower Essence would do the trick.

Lynda and the Minkies
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Member PageMember Page June 11 at 11:08
Re: Grooming Frightened Dogs Vote for this post Reply to this Message

I used a half tablet once for Sparky on a firework display night and you're right-they do the trick but last far too long.
XXX.
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