As with any behavioural issue your dog is displaying, the first step toward improvement is understanding what’s causing it.
Stress in the Grooming Environment
For some dogs, the grooming salon can feel a little overwhelming—especially if they’re still getting used to the sights, sounds, and routines. Every salon is different, and many use tools like grooming nooses to help keep dogs safe and secure during their groom. While these are important for ensuring safety and comfort, they can sometimes feel restrictive to dogs.
That said, many groomers take a gentle, holistic approach—especially when a dog shows signs of stress. They often work at the dog’s pace, allowing plenty of time and patience. Some offer one-on-one appointments, with no other dogs present, or early sessions to create a quieter, more relaxed environment.
Open and honest communication with owners is also key. If a dog is finding something difficult, the groomer can work closely with the family to find supportive, welfare-focused solutions that help the dog feel more at ease over time.
Why dogs might show overt behaviours that might seem ‘aggressive’.
Dogs naturally use movement to avoid situations that make them feel unsure or uncomfortable. In grooming settings, where their freedom to move is sometimes limited and unfamiliar sights and sounds can be overwhelming, dogs often rely on more subtle signals to communicate how they’re feeling. These might include lip licking, yawning, or turning their head away—early signs that they’re feeling uneasy.
These cues can be easy to miss. If they’re not recognised, a dog may feel the need to escalate to more obvious behaviours like growling, snapping, or even biting. These are known as distance-increasing behaviours—a dog’s way of trying to create space between themselves and whatever is causing their fear.
In these moments, using aversive methods is not advised. Approaches that rely on punishment or force often increase a dog’s fear and anxiety, and can make the behaviour more intense over time.
Autonomy Matters
Lack of autonomy over a situation can lead to heightened stress. This is especially true for breeds like terriers who were bred to react quickly to catch vermin (and other important roles!). If they haven’t learned otherwise, they may opt to a default. That default reactivity, while useful in their original role, can make them more vulnerable in high-stress environments like grooming salons.
But It’s Not Just Genetics – experience really matters
Previous experiences also play a huge role. If a dog hasn’t had the opportunity to form positive associations with grooming—or has had a negative one—that memory sticks. If their subtle signals are ignored, they may learn that only growling gets results. And once it works, it becomes their default strategy if we don’t help them.
Other Factors to Consider
Between 6 months and 1–2 years of age (depending on the individual and breed), dogs go through adolescence—a time of emotional and behavioural shifts. This can complicate things further in the grooming salon and extra considerations to support our dogs during this time is important.
Consideration of Discomfort (or the Prediction of It)
It’s essential to rule out any physical discomfort—especially if the behaviour has started suddenly. Dogs may act out not only because something hurts, but because they predict it’s going to hurt based on past experience.
For example, if a dog once experienced clipper burn or had painful mats removed, they may now react when they simply see the clippers or are touched in the same area—even if nothing hurts in that moment. That anticipation alone can trigger a defensive or fearful response.
Potential causes of current or anticipated discomfort include:
- Skin allergies or irritation
- Clippers causing discomfort, heat, or burns
- Painful mats or skin lesions
- Insect bites
- A medical issue or undiagnosed pain
If your dog thinks something painful might happen—even if it doesn’t—they may still react as if it’s real. This is why identifying the root of the issue is so important.
These are just a few of the many reasons your dog may be having a few issues in the dog grooming salon.
So, What Can You Do to Help?
Prevention is key. The best time to help your dog feel comfortable with grooming is before issues start. This means gradually introducing grooming tools, sounds, smells, and routines from a young age regularly building positive associations with items continues throughout a dogs whole life and not just puppyhood.
If your dog is already fearful, the root of that fear needs to be addressed⭐.
If the issue stems from a negative experience, the solution is not to push through or use punishment. That will likely make the problem worse. I can create a suitable behaviour modification plan to support you.
Understanding the root cause of the problem is essential for the creation of an effective behaviour modification plan.
Seek Professional Support
The right approach depends on properly understanding the cause of the behaviour (as you can read from this blog, there is a potential for quite a few possibilities). Clinical Animal Behaviourists specialise in making these assessments. A personalised plan is essential—because no two dogs, or situations, are the same.
If you’re struggling with grooming issues and want support, I’m here to help. 📧 emilysarahdogbehaviour@outlook.com.
Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
Any promise of a “quick fix” or generic training strategy should be a red flag. Dogs are individuals, and they deserve individualised care and understanding.
Thanks for reading,
Emily
Clinical Animal Behaviourist | BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Pet behaviour and Welfare)
Next Blog: How to Set Your Dog Up for Grooming Success — Right from the Start
Please note: This blog is not a substitute for one-to-one behaviour support or advice and every dog is different and tailored advice should be sought.
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