Can I stay with my dog during grooming?
If your dog finds grooming difficult, you might wonder whether being allowed to stay would help them feel more comfortable.
At From Scruffy to Fluffy in Yeovil, owners are welcome to stay. For some dogs, having their familiar person nearby can make a real difference — and Beau is a lovely example.
Beau’s story
Beau used to really struggle with being groomed. He is a sensitive dog who can become very anxious, particularly when his feet and legs are being handled. He also finds being away from his mum, Tracy, difficult.
For Beau, grooming needed to take account of both those worries.
With Tracy staying to reassure him, plenty of patience and lots of treats, we can now achieve a full groom. That is lovely progress for a dog who used to find the experience so difficult.
It doesn’t mean every part is suddenly easy for him. I still need to pay attention to how he is coping, work at his pace and give him time when he needs it.
Why being away from you can make grooming harder
Grooming involves much more than having a haircut. There are unfamiliar sounds, smells, equipment and different parts of the body being handled.
If a dog also struggles with being separated from their owner, they may already be feeling anxious before grooming begins. That can make it harder for them to cope with everything else.
This can help explain why a dog may accept brushing or handling at home but struggle during a grooming appointment. The surroundings, the person handling them and the absence of their owner can all change how the experience feels.
Does having an owner stay help every dog?
Every dog is different. Some settle well with their owner nearby, while others find it easier to relax once their owner has left.
I look at the individual dog and how they respond. Having an owner stay is one option we can use alongside gentle handling, breaks, rewards and a pace the dog can manage.
You don’t need to feel embarrassed about asking to stay, or worry that your dog “should” be able to cope without you. Tell me what they find difficult so we can work out what helps.
Building confidence takes time
For dogs who find grooming worrying, progress may come through shorter appointments, gentle practice at home and regular visits.
The aim is to make each experience manageable and gradually build familiarity and confidence. What we can achieve will depend on how the dog feels on the day.
Beau’s progress shows how much understanding a dog’s individual needs can help. Having Tracy there is an important part of what works for him.
If you’re looking for behaviour-led dog grooming in Yeovil, you’re welcome to get in touch with From Scruffy to Fluffy to discuss your dog’s needs. Owners are welcome to stay, and appointments can be booked online through the website.
At From Scruffy to Fluffy in Yeovil, owners are welcome to stay. For some dogs, having their familiar person nearby can make a real difference — and Beau is a lovely example.
Beau’s story
Beau used to really struggle with being groomed. He is a sensitive dog who can become very anxious, particularly when his feet and legs are being handled. He also finds being away from his mum, Tracy, difficult.
For Beau, grooming needed to take account of both those worries.
With Tracy staying to reassure him, plenty of patience and lots of treats, we can now achieve a full groom. That is lovely progress for a dog who used to find the experience so difficult.
It doesn’t mean every part is suddenly easy for him. I still need to pay attention to how he is coping, work at his pace and give him time when he needs it.
Why being away from you can make grooming harder
Grooming involves much more than having a haircut. There are unfamiliar sounds, smells, equipment and different parts of the body being handled.
If a dog also struggles with being separated from their owner, they may already be feeling anxious before grooming begins. That can make it harder for them to cope with everything else.
This can help explain why a dog may accept brushing or handling at home but struggle during a grooming appointment. The surroundings, the person handling them and the absence of their owner can all change how the experience feels.
Does having an owner stay help every dog?
Every dog is different. Some settle well with their owner nearby, while others find it easier to relax once their owner has left.
I look at the individual dog and how they respond. Having an owner stay is one option we can use alongside gentle handling, breaks, rewards and a pace the dog can manage.
You don’t need to feel embarrassed about asking to stay, or worry that your dog “should” be able to cope without you. Tell me what they find difficult so we can work out what helps.
Building confidence takes time
For dogs who find grooming worrying, progress may come through shorter appointments, gentle practice at home and regular visits.
The aim is to make each experience manageable and gradually build familiarity and confidence. What we can achieve will depend on how the dog feels on the day.
Beau’s progress shows how much understanding a dog’s individual needs can help. Having Tracy there is an important part of what works for him.
If you’re looking for behaviour-led dog grooming in Yeovil, you’re welcome to get in touch with From Scruffy to Fluffy to discuss your dog’s needs. Owners are welcome to stay, and appointments can be booked online through the website.