DIY dog grooming might seem straightforward, especially if you think it is all about shampooing and bathing your furry friend. However, while DIY dog grooming is perfectly okay, there are times when visiting a professional pet spa is essential. The services offered by professionals run the gamut from cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling fur to clipping nails, cleaning ears, and massaging. That said, pet groomers first need to calm down your dog, especially during the first visit. The reason is that pet spas can be noisy and crowded, resulting in anxious behaviour. This article highlights tips professional groomers use to calm anxious dogs for an effective and productive grooming session.

Familiarise with Grooming Equipment -- Dogs encountering grooming equipment for the first time are usually unsettled, which might prolong the grooming session for hours. For instance, dog clippers vibrate; therefore, your furry friend will keep turning to satisfy their curiosity. Unfortunately, it makes grooming sessions frustrating for a groomer and your dog. It is why professional pet groomers allow their clients to familiarise themselves with all the equipment they use. Some groomers prefer to rub grooming equipment on a dog's fur. Similarly, turning electric grooming equipment on and off before beginning a session helps your furry friend get used to the harmless noise. The best part is that your dog only needs a few minutes to familiarise themselves with grooming equipment.

Treats -- Professional grooming spas have different kinds of treats for pets. Notably, some dogs get overly nervous, and all attempts by a professional groomer to calm them down might turn futile. In such cases, using treats is advisable because it creates a sense of trust between a dog and a groomer. For instance, an anxious dog might refuse to lift their paws for nail clipping. Therefore, giving them a treat and verbal praise every time they raise their paws slightly can help calm them down. However, ensure that a professional groomer consults with you before giving your dog a treat for safety reasons.

Stop when a Pet Gets Agitated -- Even after your dog calms down and a groomer begins the session, you should not rule out the possibility that your furry friend will get agitated at some point. For instance, grooming sensitive areas, such as the face, can cause agitation, and a dog will let a groomer know it by turning away. The best strategy is to stop a grooming session and take a break if the process becomes too much for a pet. A groomer will use the break to reassure your dog that everything is okay and only proceed once your furry friend is relaxed. Ideally, professional groomers tend to groom progressively to build trust and allow your pet to relax. Look into dog grooming for more information.