By Darcy Keehn

Recently a chance conversation while shopping brought up a subject that involves a common frustration among dog owners.

Grooming and bath time! My dog won’t hold still, is afraid of clippers or nail grinders, or hates baths is what we often hear. 

Advertisers would like people to believe it’s too hard and best left to professionals. Online stories written by grieving owners whose dogs died or were permanently injured at the groomers know the opposite can be true. 

Between high costs of pro groomers and concerns for our dog’s well-being, what can we do for our dogs that’s practical?

What both myself and the other person found true was that grooming and bathing at home can be special individual time for our dogs that they enjoy. We do not have dogs with poodle type of coats that require more expertise and more expensive grooming tools.

So, what heart sense techniques do we use that makes bath time something our dogs’ treasure?  Primarily we are patient as we progress step by step at a pace the dog is comfortable with. Not a preconceived belief of what should be normal or this all has to be accomplished in a hurry or if I stop, the dog wins and will be spoiled.

Communication is not only with our words, but our facial expressions and most importantly thru our hands. Our hands can act as an extension of our hearts. Soft, gentle, caring hands can do more to establish a trusting relationship than any high value treats or non-sincere words.

 If a dog is afraid of electric clippers or a nail grinder, I will count out loud to the dog. The dog then learns for example, in a count of three or more, I will pull the scary nail grinder away. Then I pay with praise or even a treat. After a brief pause, I start a new count while using the scary nail grinder. Even getting one foot done within the dog’s ability to participate willingly is a step forward in grooming sessions based on trust. Most dogs learn quickly and within a few sessions all the feet get done.

Brushing or combing with tools that are comfortable for the dog’s skin yet efficient for the type of coat can make a big difference in willingness to be groomed. If a mat can’t be comfortably removed with help from a detangling conditioner, it’s usually kinder to carefully cut the mat out.

Most dogs can be comfortably bathed in a bathtub with a handheld shower head. Dogs prefer water temperature that’s lukewarm, not cold like from a hose. 

No matter the size of the dog, I help it get in the tub safely. I tell the dog what body area is next to be rinsed or washed so it’s not surprised. Dog shampoo is meant to be diluted. I use a sufficient amount for the size of the dog in a plastic container.

After the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out, I help the dog out of the tub and towel off.

Most dogs want to gaze into our eyes during the bathing process. This is brainwave entrainment and reassures the dog that everything is fine. 

It is easier to let most breeds air dry in a warm room. During cold weather, I use a space heater to make a room cozy.

Thru out the grooming and bathing process, I communicate what I will be doing next in a manner that the dog understands. When the dog trusts that nothing painful or scary will happen, grooming and bath time can be done regularly at home for a fraction of the cost of a professional groomer with no danger to your dog’s well-being. 

A real win/win in our heart sense relationship with our much loved dogs.