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Dog groomers restraining dogs.

At our salon, we use as little restraint as possible, the more you restrain them, the more they struggle. We have a strap around the dogs neck just to make sure they don't try to jump off the table but most of the time that's it! We do have muzzles for dogs that hate being groomed, we only use them when necessary and also have a sling, it is supposed to have a calming effect on the dog, we have used it in the past for nail clipping but also only when necessary. The dogs are free to sit or lie down if they want and no way would we ever put them in a head lock no matter how difficult they were being!!! :O we even have some dogs that are so good they don't even need the neck strap on!
We've even had dogs that are so nervous that we've had to do half the groom one day and the rest another so as not to stress them out too much. We also only ever have one person's dog(s) on the premises at a time so no waiting in cages all day, the dogs arrive, are groomed and then head home. :)
 
So funny that I saw this thread today because I actually used the sling today!
For a Bichon with three legs, obviously it's a bit awkward to trim around the legs and feet since I'd need to pick each foot up and I can't expect her to balance on two legs! It came in really handy for a little bit of support for her :) another reason for using a sling.
I took a picture @leashedForLife
IMG_20180619_151303.jpg
 
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thank U, thank U, thank U! - @Jack-Russell-Lover , that's great! :)
She looks very relaxed & calm - aware, but not at all stressed.

I'm going to look for U-S retailers - i've literally never heard of them, B4, but they sound like an excellent idea.
- terry

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for those who find some dogs difficult to groom, how about cats?!


This clip is about a book written by a UK cat-groomer. // Grooming a small animal with needlelike teeth & 20 claws is a whole 'nother level of complications, & if U've never seen a cat in complete freak-out, count yerself lucky.
:D

- terry

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We had a cat called Claudius, he was a semi long haired ginger tom. One day he came home covered, (well ok part covered), in some veg oil, we showered him with dog shampoo, (all we had). Then groomed him it was a total nightmare. I was designated to hold him while my wife did the work, it was very hard but we managed. Mind I think it took him a week to forgive me, but he forgave my wife straight away.
 
Jillian Danson said:
If I saw my groomer using restraints like you describe it would be the last time she touched my dogs. Our groomer is amazing. She shows up in a van and the dogs are not just bathed, they have a jacuzzi! Our dogs hate having their nails done so she even purchased a sling that holds the whole weight of the dogs in the air so their little legs hang down and they don't mind their feet being touched at all when she uses it. No dog should feel distress when being groomed. I would look for someone else if I were you.
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Your dog is gorgeous, what is it?
 
leashedForLife said:
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OTC calmatives [over-the-counter = no Rx needed] can also be helpful

How Do Calming Dog and Cat Pheromones Work? | petMD

I don't suggest the plug-in diffusers; they're site-specific, & aren't evenly distributed, being most concentrated, of course, right around the diffuser.
Pump-spray pheromones can be put anywhere U want them, refreshed ad-lib, & used when & where they are needed.
:) . Great stuff, IME.

also, as the article points out, pheromones don't "not work". If they're used after the animal is already upset, they're less effective; they aren't instantaneous, so apply them 10 to 15-mins B4 a known stress begins.
If something scary or intensely exciting happens unexpectedly, use them immediately - don't "wait to see how they react", do it NOW.
OTC calmatives are also not silver bullets - U can't use 2 or 3 different calmatives, then flood the dog, & say, "they don't work". It's still necessary to stay under-threshold, but OTC calmatives can often raise that threshold, allowing the dog to progress more-quickly, & with less stress. :)

happy training,
- terry

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Use the spray in the car when we are going on holiday Dudley has never liked being in the car, when he was little he used to vomit Vet suggested the spray and not feeding him before we went on a journey. She also said it may be because I took him in the car to the vet and he associated it with unpleasant things. Like injections and being spayed. We did change vet only because we could get one within walking distance. Oddly he likes going in that particular vets, go in quite often to weigh him (my paranoia) He travels well in the car too.
 
Jack-Russell-Lover said:
At our salon, we use as little restraint as possible, the more you restrain them, the more they struggle. We have a strap around the dogs neck just to make sure they don't try to jump off the table but most of the time that's it! We do have muzzles for dogs that hate being groomed, we only use them when necessary and also have a sling, it is supposed to have a calming effect on the dog, we have used it in the past for nail clipping but also only when necessary. The dogs are free to sit or lie down if they want and no way would we ever put them in a head lock no matter how difficult they were being!!! :O we even have some dogs that are so good they don't even need the neck strap on!
We've even had dogs that are so nervous that we've had to do half the groom one day and the rest another so as not to stress them out too much. We also only ever have one person's dog(s) on the premises at a time so no waiting in cages all day, the dogs arrive, are groomed and then head home. :)
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Sounds like my groomer. I stay with him while he is being groomed. She has me as her last customer of the day as she says having an easy dog to groom last makes the day better. We also have a cup of tea and a natter while Dudley plays with her dog.
 
Jack-Russell-Lover said:
Oh god, I'd never try to groom a cat! They're evil when they wanna be!
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Years ago we had two persians, one was a joy to groom the other was evil personified. We used to wrap him in a towel and brush a bit at a time. He was actually the cat from hell permanently but we loved him
 
I've fought (not quite literally) with a Birman cat who hates being groomed for two decades, despite getting him as a kitten and trying to make it enjoyable for him. Finally, I can manage it - because he's too old to put up much of a fight! Even bathing him is a doddle nowadays.
 
JudyN said:
I've fought (not quite literally) with a Birman cat who hates being groomed for two decades, despite getting him as a kitten and trying to make it enjoyable for him. Finally, I can manage it - because he's too old to put up much of a fight! Even bathing him is a doddle nowadays.
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Hahaha, awww bless him, he can't be bothered anymore!

Of course there are some cats who love being groomed! When I was younger my dad took in a stray one-eyed cat that kept coming to his for food. He was so nervous at first, couldn't get near him, he'd just eat the food my dad left him and go but gradually he came closer and closer to the door and eventually he let us stroke him. He turned out to be the sweetest cat ever! I would brush him and he'd love it so much that he'd lean into the brush until he fell backwards :D:D
Miss him so much, he was the best cat!
 
leashedForLife said:
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thank U, thank U, thank U! - @Jack-Russell-Lover , that's great! :)
She looks very relaxed & calm - aware, but not at all stressed.

I'm going to look for U-S retailers - i've literally never heard of them, B4, but they sound like an excellent idea.
- terry

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Hi Terry, the girls got groomed today and the groomer bought the website details for the harness it is www.technogroom.co.uk/catalog/lips-hammock-p-103
I promised I would get it for you. Hope it helps - Jill x
 
I saw Bungle in her sling today and she loved it! Looked at me as if to say “Do you mind, this is my pamper session”
 
JacksterCo said:
If dogs put up a bit of a struggle - are dog groomers allowed to use physical restraint techniques on them such as placing said dogs into headlocks in order to shave their neck area for example?
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I flipping well hope not, if they can't do the groom then they should leave it ask owner for suggestions.
 
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