Handling
Before any grooming procedure is carried out, it is important to understand the correct way to handle a dog. Grooming should be a pleasurable and rewarding experience for both dog and groomer, and should not be seen as some torturous experience that the dog begins to dread! Body language is the key: the ability to understand basic dog signs will make you a better handler.
Remember the five freedoms when working with dogs and cats:
• Freedom from fear and stress
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom to express most normal behaviour
In the salon the third freedom (freedom from hunger and thirst) may not apply, except water must be available if required.
Introducing a dog to grooming and handling
A dog’s natural instinct is to protect its feet and belly. Dogs need good feet
to chase and catch prey to survive and an open belly usually means death. It is therefore advisable to begin grooming other areas of the dog first. If any unfamiliar animal goes for, or touches these areas, the dog will assume it is being attacked. In the case of pets, handling the dog all over its body on a daily basis of small ten-minute sessions will increase its trust in you. Introduction of grooming tools should be done with a steady approach and consideration. If the puppy tries to bite or scream, pause, but continue to hold the puppy gently but firmly. If you immediately release the puppy when it screams it will learn that this is the way to stop the process. Also, for very active dogs, it is advised to exercise them first before bringing them to the salon. This way, they are easier to handle resulting in a better trim.