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How To Keep A Dog Still While Grooming & Top Dog Grooming Tips

Today I’ll be sharing top tips on how to keep a dog still while grooming.

One thing you’ll need to do regularly as a dog owner is to bathe and groom your dog. Not all dogs are the same when it comes to getting groomed.

Some dogs will sit patiently while you brush them and bathe them, while many dogs will squirm and try to run away.

If you have a dog that doesn’t like to stay still while you’re trying to groom them, don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to help keep them still.

But first of all, let’s look at the reasons for do-it-yourself grooming. Why does wriggling happen and how do you get your pet to sit still.

how to keep a dog still while grooming
Yorkshire terrier in a bath towel showing tongue

What Is Do It Yourself Grooming?

DIY Dog Grooming is the process of grooming your dog without the assistance of a professional groomer.

Many dog owners choose to do this to save money and dog grooming can include tasks such as brushing your dog’s fur, trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and more.

Reasons To Groom Your Dog Yourself

The main reason people groom their dogs themselves is for the bond it creates between dog and owner.

Grooming For Health

The Charlotte Vets recommend DIY dog grooming because, “It allows you to check your dog for any health problems, such as lumps or sores hiding among their fur.”

Taking your dog to the groomers may be a stressful experience for an anxious dog who is not used to being brushed or having a haircut.

Providing a relaxing and quiet environment can help them to feel calm as they begin bathing and can help dogs to get used to regular clipping and grooming sessions.

Grooming For Dog Shows

If you’re planning on entering your dog into any shows, then they’ll need to be well-groomed too. Have a routine so your dog knows what to expect for their grooming session.

Grooming To Save Money

Another reason to groom your dog at home is that it can save you money.

Professional grooming can be expensive, especially if you have a dog with long hair that needs to be trimmed regularly.

If you’re not sure whether to start grooming your dog yourself, then why not try doing one task at a time?

For example, you could start by just brushing your dog’s fur, and then gradually add in other tasks as you get more confident.

Various parts may cause more discomfort or anxiety to your pet so keep this in mind and know when to stop.

Stop grooming and allow your dog to have a break if they suffer from anxiety during bath time.

how to keep a dog still while grooming & top dog grooming tips
Yorkshire terrier puppy getting haircut with a shaving machine

What You’ll Need: Dog Grooming Tips

Before you start grooming your dog, there are a few things you’ll need to gather together. These include:

  • A dog brush – Depending on your dog’s coat, you’ll need a different type of dog brushing tool. For example, if your dog has long fur, you’ll need a detangling brush to avoid knots.
  • A slicker brush – This is good for dogs with thick coats as it helps to remove any dead fur.
  • A comb – A comb is useful for dogs with long coats as it helps to remove any knots and tangles.
  • Dog shampoo – You’ll need to choose a dog shampoo that’s suitable for your dog’s coat type. For example, if your dog has sensitive skin, you should choose a hypoallergenic shampoo.
  • Dog conditioner – This isn’t essential, but it can be
  • A pair of scissors – You’ll need scissors to trim your dog’s nails and possibly their hair too.
  • A towel – This is for drying your dog after their bath.
  • Dog nail clippers – You’ll need these to cut your dog’s nails.
  • Cotton balls – These are for cleaning your dog’s eyes.
  • Ear cleaner – This is for cleaning your dog’s ears.

how to keep a dog still while grooming & top dog grooming tips
Groomer makes a haircut for yorkshire terrier with scissors

How To Keep A Dog Still While Grooming

Now that you know what you need for grooming, let’s take a look at how to keep your dog calm and still while clipping and grooming.

1. Get Them Used To The Process

The first thing you need to do is get your dog relaxed and get them used to the process of being groomed. You don’t want an anxious pet.

This means gradually introducing them to the different elements of grooming, such as the brush, shampoo, and nail clippers.

It is best to establish this routine as early as possible, since your labrador puppy may be more amenable to all this fuss if you introduce grooming when they are still young.

Older dogs may struggle to accept the change in routine, which could make things difficult for you. 

Start by letting them sniff the brush and comb, and then gently stroke their fur with it.

Once animals are comfortable with that, you can move on to shampooing and conditioning their fur. This will help keep your dog calm.

Trimming nails

As for trimming their nails, start by just touching their paws with the clippers. Once they’re used to that, you can move on to trimming their nails.

2. Make It A Positive Experience

It’s important to make the grooming process a positive experience for your dog. This means using treats and praise to reward them for staying still.

For example, if your dog is sitting still while you brush their fur, give them a treat. And if they’re standing still while you trim their nails, give them a fuss and some praise.

These tricks will make the experience more fun for your puppy.

Various pets will respond well to praise whilst many pets will equally respond well to receiving treats.

3. Take Your Time

Don’t try to rush the grooming process. It’s important to take your time and go at your dog’s pace. This will help to make the experience less stressful for them.

4. Get Someone To Help You

If you’re finding it difficult to keep your pet still while you groom them, then get someone to help you. This way, one person can hold your dog while the other grooms them.

5. Use A Restraint

If your pet is particularly fidgety, then you may need to use restraint. This could be something like a grooming table or a dog crate.

6. Give Them A Break

If your pet is getting restless, then give them a break. Let them have a run around and burn off some energy before continuing with the grooming process.

how to keep a dog still while grooming & top dog grooming tips
Groomer drying yorkshire terrier fur after bath

Step-By-Step Guide To Grooming Your Dog: Dog Grooming Tips

Now that you’ve gathered everything you need and you know how to keep your dog still, it’s time to start grooming them. You can even make a home pet spa.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Brush Their Fur

Start by brushing your dog’s fur with a dog brush. This will help to remove any knots and tangles.

2. Wash Their Body

Next, wash your dog’s fur using a dog product that’s suitable for their coat type.

how to keep a dog still while grooming & top dog grooming tips

3. Condition Their Body

If you’re using a conditioner, apply it to your dog’s fur and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

4. Trim Their Nails

Use a pair of dog nail clippers to trim your dog’s nails. Be careful not to cut them too short.

5. Clean Their Ears

Use cotton balls and ear cleaner to clean your dog’s ears.

6. Dry Them Off

Once you’ve finished grooming your dog, dry them off. Use a towel to rub their fur until it’s dry.

7. Give Them A Treat

And finally, give your dog some treats as a reward for being a good boy or girl!

Grooming your dog doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. If you run into any issues consult your vet or local professional groomers for advice.

how to keep your dog calm during grooming

Just follow the steps above and you’ll be able to groom your pet quickly and easily. The more frequent you do this the easier it will become.

Don’t forget to give your pet pooch a treat when they are finished!

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