Tips For Grooming An Aggressive Dog

Aggressive Dog Behaviors

Unfortunately, many dogs show aggressive behavior that can become a problem for their owners and families. While almost all wild animals are aggressive by instinct when guarding their territories, defending themselves or protecting their young, when animals are adopted as pets it's important to address any aggressive behavior with training. 

Aggression can involve a wide range of behaviors that can lead to attacks and injuries (including dog bites when grooming).

Signs of aggression in dogs include:

• Threatening growl or bark
• Remaining still and not obeying an owner's or carer's instructions 
• Growling when the dog's wishes aren't followed 
• Snarling (baring teeth when growling)
• Mouthing a person against his or her wishes in an effort to exert control 
• A quick bite that leaves a mark, bruise or puncture in or on the skin 
• Quick succession of bites 
• Biting followed by shaking 

In aggressive dogs, any of these symptoms may appear exclusively or in combination. 

Aggressive Dog Grooming

Dealing with aggressive dogs during grooming sessions takes extra care, caution and training to keep both your pooch and the groomer safe (whether you choose to groom your dog yourself or make an appointment with our professional groomers at Pet Doctors of America). 

An aggressive dog may bite or show other aggressive behaviors during grooming sessions for numerous reasons - whether they are feeling anxious, fearful, confused or have had previous bad experiences while being groomed. 

If your pup has had previous poor experiences while being groomed, they may act extremely defensive the next time they enter a grooming space. The dog may attempt to bite anyone who approaches or tries to touch them. 

How to Successfully Groom an Aggressive Dog 

Since your canine friend will need to be groomed regularly, you'll need to train your dog to tolerate grooming. Our groomers recommend keeping these tips in mind and building trust with your pup when it's time to bathe and groom your dog. The less stress any pet is put under, the more calm and cooperative they will be. 

Seek Professional Help

• If your dog displays aggression during grooming, it's essential to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in aggression. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to assess your dog's behavior, provide guidance, and develop a tailored training plan to address the aggression, whether aggression occurs during grooming or any other time.

Consider Professional Grooming

• OK, so this is unlikely to be the advise you are looking for, but for your own safety, and to help reduce stress on your canine companion, professional grooming may be the best solution. Professional groomers are experienced in handling various behaviors and can often work with your veterinarian or trainer to ensure a safe and positive experience. In some cases, sedation prescribed by a veterinarian, may be necessary in order to get the job done. 

Gradual Desensitization

• Be patient and take time to gradually introduce your dog to grooming tools and procedures in a positive and controlled manner. Start with short sessions where you simply show the tools to your pup while you offer lots of treats, and praise. Gradually increase the exposure time while keeping the experience positive.

Counterconditioning

• Associate grooming tools and procedures with positive experiences. Be sure to pair each step in this process with an abundance of treats, praise, and rewards to help create positive associations in your pup's mind. Over time, your furry friend may come to associate grooming with positive feelings.

Use Positive Reinforcement

• When it comes to training our four-legged family members positivity is the cornerstone! Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behavior. Whenever your dog remains calm or cooperative during grooming, reward them with treats, toys, or affection.

Respect Their Limits

• Pay attention to your dog's body language and be on the lookout for signs of stress. If your dog becomes visibly uncomfortable or agitated, stop the grooming session and give them a break. Pushing too far can escalate their aggression and make things worse for both you and your pup.

Choose the Right Environment

• Before grooming begins take the time to create a calm and quiet environment. Minimize distractions, and do what you can to prevent loud noises, and other stressors that might contribute to your dog's anxiety.

Short and Positive Sessions

• Starting by keeping grooming sessions short then gradually extending their duration, can help to keep your dog calm and comfortable with the process. Focus on one area at a time, such as brushing or nail trimming, to avoid overwhelming your dog.

Incorporate Desensitization Techniques

• Use desensitization techniques like touching and handling your dog's paws, ears, and other sensitive areas when they are calm and relaxed. This helps them become accustomed to being touched without associating it with discomfort.

Use Calming Techniques

• Incorporate calming techniques, such as playing soothing music, using aromatherapy (ask your vet for suggestions), or using calming aids like Thundershirts, to help reduce your dog's anxiety during grooming.

Be Patient and Consistent

• Grooming an aggressive dog requires an abundance of patience as well as consistency. Progress is going to be slow, but with time and effort, you can help your dog become more comfortable with the grooming process.

Use preventive measures to help avoid emergency situations. 

Some aggressive dogs may not calm down during grooming sessions despite your best efforts. However, they'll still need to be groomed. Some solutions may include special anxiety-reducing jackets (during nail trims), organic and all-natural medications or muzzles. Speak to your vet about which option(s) will be best for your dog, and consult your vet about any medications you're thinking of using before administering them to your pup. 

If you choose to have our professional groomers in Jacksonville do the job for you, rest assured that we have the knowledge and experience needed to groom all types of dog coats and work with animals of a wide range of temperaments, including those that are stressed, anxious or aggravated. 

In circumstances where an animal is especially aggressive or fearful, we may recommend sedation during a grooming session. However, most of the time we are able to manage these types of dogs by doing the things listed above, and taking the following steps:

• Ensuring the environment is quiet, calm and peaceful 
• Asking your dog to perform an easy trick or action (such as 'sit' or 'shake paw')
• Offering treats
• Taking frequent breaks 
• Playing music or opening a window. 

At Pet Doctors of America, we always look forward to meeting your four-legged friends and providing advice to help keep your dog happy and healthy. Alternatively, we'd love to take the job of grooming off your hands to get this important task done right, with minimal fuss. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.