Stress in the Salon

[ejmj30]

Grooming is stressful anyway, but in a previous post, Helly mentioned making the stay as stress free as possible. I don't have a large number of dogs in the shop at a time, usually no more than 3, however 1 "barker" can make it sound like 20. I also give treats, let finished dogs walk around an enclosed area of the salon (by themselves) so they can investigate and feel a little more at home. etc etc. Yet so many still come in and shake, or hide behind owners, etc. I want them to enjoy coming in. What do you guys do to help relieve stress and help the dogs enjoy grooming?

[pamperedpups]

I always like to play some relaxing music. It's good for me AND the pets, plus it sounds infinitely more professional than rock or country, etc. when clients come in.

[Helly]

Oh man, I hate to say this, but food is a stressor. In studies of narcoleptic dogs they induce an episode by taking the dog to a stange environment and offer food. The dog stresses and has a "nap attack".

And odd as it sounds, letting the dogs wander around can also be stressful. Unless the dog is claustrophobic, they're more secure in a small area they feel they can control.

Shaking can be excitement, not fear. The dogs that hide behind their owners are simply seeking comfort from a familiar person. I'm sure you've noticed how much braver they become once their owner leaves. I don't let that bother me too much.

You can help a dog feel more comfortable by licking and yawning (yes, I know I beat this one to death. But it works.) Play soothing music. Rub a hand towel over them before the bath and toss it in their cage. It makes the cage smell like home.

I always greet the dog by name, with a happy but not overly excited voice. "Hi Spot. Are you ready to get fluffed and puffed?" When I take the dog back to the grooming room I usually say something like "OK Spot, lets go make you beautiful." Dogs may not understand the words, but they seem to get the joke.

Watch your body language. Watch your tone of voice. A shaking, hyper dog needs a soft, calm tone of voice. A shy dog who's hanging back needs a soft, encouraging voice. A dog who's being a bully or barking needs a firm voice.

I don't allow a dog to bark without correcting him. I usually bang two pans together to get his attention, then firmly tell him SPOT! That's ENOUGH! And most of them will stop barking after two or three times. Then I tell them what a good dog they are.

And as much as we want all the dogs to enjoy coming in, we have to accept that some of them never will. But you can't really judge if they're enjoying themselves by how they behave when they walk in the door. Sometimes it's all for Mom's benefit. By that, I mean Mom has taught or encouraged them to act that way.

[sheilabgroomer]

Erin, I truly believe that w/some dogs you will never be able to get them to get over the shaking and acting like they are going to their execution. It sounds like you are doing all you can to have a low stress environment. A lot of these little guys are quite the actors too. They get positive reinfocement from mom or dad when they act like weenies so they do it all the time. Have you ever noticed that quite often they stop the martre act as soon as the parent leaves? I tell a lot of parents to look throught the window after they walk out so they can see how their pup really acts!!! Lots of them are suprised at what good little thesbians their pups are!

[stacie-gotg]

Just to let you know its not just you and going to your salon. When i walk into peoples homes many of them shake, hide and run from me. Its only after the bath many will calm down. Stress for the groom is normal even when done in the home. For the barker, why dont you put a towel or blanket over the cage. I had a lab pee all over the floor the other day just so happy to see me. Tail wagging and all.

[pamperedpups]

Forgot to mention... I also use ComfortZone spray.

[Mary1980]

Wow Helly....you gave alot of great tips. It seems like you have complete control in your shop! Not a bark out of place.

[Sweetpea]

That's the main reason I decided I wanted to be mobile, so it's way less stress. The last shop I worked at was chaos! Don't have much advice but just wanted to say that it's really nice how much you care about the dogs that come into your shop. Some people I've worked with don't even take into account how the dog feels, they just wanted everything catered to the groomers needs and wanted the dog in and out, not much thought went into their comfort. Good job and good luck!!!

[sheilabgroomer]

Helly, I took your advice about yawning and licking my lips and I think what it did mostly was make my bather think I lost my marbles....lol.... I was grooming this wacko Sch that comes in every two weeks. Sam is one of those nutty little girls that goes freako if you do the least little thing she doesn't like. Well after I got her snapped into the GH I stood in front of her yawning and licking my chops when all of a sudden I hear Ronnie say, "what in the hell are you doing"? Made me feel rather foolish even though I explained to her what I was doing. Oh well my "girls" already think I am nutsy so I may as well confirm their opinion..lol

[Helly]

Sheila, don't worry about what your girls think. Just keep trying it. You wil notice a difference. Not on every dog, but on a lot of them. If you see the dog start to lick too, you'll know you've made a connection.

[pamperedpups]

You know, I think I do the yawning bit without even thinking about it... since I seem to yawn all day, anyway. When lunch time rolls around, I also start licking my lips! LOL

[hairdevil]

probably true, but too funny

Helly, I took your advice about yawning and licking my lips and I think what it did mostly was make my bather think I lost my marbles....lol.... I was grooming this wacko Sch that comes in every two weeks. Sam is one of those nutty little girls that goes freako if you do the least little thing she doesn't like. Well after I got her snapped into the GH I stood in front of her yawning and licking my chops when all of a sudden I hear Ronnie say, "what in the hell are you doing"? Made me feel rather foolish even though I explained to her what I was doing. Oh well my "girls" already think I am nutsy so I may as well confirm their opinion..lol

Sheila! That was too funny..I was sitting here eating my dinner,reading along..read what you said and spit my spagetti out! rofl I can't ever imagine me doing that to a dog, it might work, but for cryn outloud! It would make me feel like that movie...gorillas in the midst (which I cry everytime I see) when she was imitating the gorillas...was too funny! I know you have to communicate on their level, but I do draw a line! Im not going to hike my leg and pee on them to show them I boss either so dont try to talk me into that one! rofl

[pamperedpups]

What about humping, hairdevil? LOL

[sheilabgroomer]

What about humping, hairdevil? LOL

Why would I want to hump hairdevil.....rofl....sorry couldn't resist. This thread has definatly gone downhill from the subject Erin started...lol...Sorry about that Erin, you can tell who the "children" on this board are (guilty)...lol

[diamienono]

Wow Helly....you gave alot of great tips. It seems like you have complete control in your shop! Not a bark out of place.

That is because she beats all her dogs lol. Just kidding. Helly is the almight wise groomer.