Dog aggressive at groomers-help

krlyr

I don't buy into the dominance thing. Yes, dogs have a social structure amongst themselves but a dog that doesn't like being bathed, being dubbed as dominant? The dog is probably just scared and each time it's body language is ignored (as I imagine there have been subtle signs - like the showing his teeth, it's a warning before a growl) it has to step up its game and the behaviour escalates.
I would recommend trying another groomer who will not force a dog through a groom when showing obvious signs of being unhappy/distressed, like snapping at them and showing his teeth. It may be that she's a great groomer, hence the recommendations, just not that familiar with dog body language or behavioural issues - afterall, she's a groomer not a dog behaviourist. I would find someone who is not only recommended for their grooming but for working with nervous dogs too. And as mentioned, I'd go back to the basics and get him really comfortable with seeing grooming tools, being touched lightly all over, then using the tools on him.
You could look at products or supplements designed to calm dogs down. DAP sprays or collars, herbal supplements like skullcap & valerian, Rescue Remedy, or even a vet product like Zylkene (I think there's a new, similar product, that works better on one-offs than Zylkene, could be worth asking the vet)
Similar concept to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni7Z1VZV9ew

pulliptears

hethmar wrote: »

Can you have a groomer come to your home?

That made mine worse, he could see me, his toys, his bed etc. He was more stressed in his own environment than he ever was in the groomers lol

My Vet recommended a lovely girl (In Stoke, don't know where you are OP?) who groomed 'problem pups' so I started taking him there, after a few visits he was 100% better and when I bath him at home he's as good as gold now, even happily sits while she trims his nails.

Have a word with your vet, they may know of someone similar? Also try a few drops of Bach's rescue remedy in his water too, great for calming them down a little.

pinkcandyflossprincess

my shih tzu (rip) sadly was like this, the vet prescribed sedatives for him to take before groomers but sadly they were no good for him as they work on dogs temperment so a big dog may take it and it can work etc but it wasnt guarenteed to work on all dogs.
in the end i had to use doddgy clippers on him and do it myself, it was kinder in the end as he hated groomers full stop, they couldnt muzzle him because of his snout and he pulled it off and would go for them, i tried a few and he just wouldnt have it at all:(
he hated his bum end touched and would bite if you attempted to go near so in the end it would be me and the ex one cuddling and calming and the other with the clippers.
my other shih tzu was however totally different and had a long coat as she loved the fuss so who can tell what goes on in their doggy minds:(

pulliptears

pinkcandyflossprincess wrote: »

my shih tzu (rip) sadly was like this, the vet prescribed sedatives for him to take before groomers but sadly they were no good for him as they work on dogs temperment so a big dog may take it and it can work etc but it wasnt guarenteed to work on all dogs.
in the end i had to use doddgy clippers on him and do it myself, it was kinder in the end as he hated groomers full stop, they couldnt muzzle him because of his snout and he pulled it off and would go for them, i tried a few and he just wouldnt have it at all:(
he hated his bum end touched and would bite if you attempted to go near so in the end it would be me and the ex one cuddling and calming and the other with the clippers.
my other shih tzu was however totally different and had a long coat as she loved the fuss so who can tell what goes on in their doggy minds:(

Funny things !!!!$ lol. My Mum has one who just loves being groomed (he's as miserable as sin normally), he even waits by the door to have his paws wiped if he comes in with wet feet.

When I was a child we had a Yorkie who came home from the groomers as a pup with cuts and clumps of fur missing. From that day on whenever we put him in the car he'd cry and howl, probably assuming he was going back there. Whatever they did to him stayed with him all his life and whenever he went in the car on holiday etc we had to sedate him.

System

sorry for not replying,christmas crept up!
i have decided i am going to try to groom him myself for the time being.
i will keep asking round for recomendations and go from there.
we tried him in the shower with my kids helping,which he seems to prefer to the bath.
i am trying to put him on table and groom and trim a few easy bits!
short sessions.
he is obviously not keen,but tolerates me with some biting but not snapping if you understand.
it will be a long haul to get him happy with the process and a few
dodgy haircuts i.m sure!