How to Calm a German Shepherd Before Grooming

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How to Calm a German Shepherd Before Grooming

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

German Shepherds are very popular family pets. They are intensely loyal, well mannered, and protective. They have short coats, which cuts down the number of times you need to groom them each month. However, you should still plan to groom your Shepherd once a week if for no other reason than to remove the dust from his coat and check him over for injuries. If your dog seems to be a bit tightly wound it can make grooming more than a bit challenging for both of you. Keep in mind, getting angry at your dog will only make the problem worse, not better.

Dog's Perspective

German Shepherds are highly intelligent and sensitive dogs. But being groomed isn't an entirely natural process for a dog, so unless you train your dog to relax during grooming the task could be a nightmare. Take your time and let him get used to the whole process, then the two of you can enjoy grooming time as bonding time.

The Younger the Better Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Step

From the first time you bring him home

From the moment you bring your German Shepherd home, you and everyone else in your family should spend time gently touching him all over, playing with him, rubbing him, and getting him used to being handled. The more time you can invest in doing this at an early age, the easier it will be when he is old enough to need grooming.

Step

All tired out

A tired pooch is an easy one to deal with. Before you set out to groom him, take him for a nice long walk. Let him pee or poop, run around, bounce, jump, and essentially tire him out to the point where he really doesn't have the energy to fuss.

Step

Finish the job

Once you get back home, go ahead and spend a little time playing with your dog to make sure he is good and tuckered out.

Step

To the grooming cave

Take your pup into the room you plan to use for grooming and then let him see the tools you plan to use. Then give him plenty of time to get used to them before you try to groom him with them.

Step

Easy does it

By now your dog should be nice and calm, ready for you to start grooming him. Just remember to go slow and use gentle short strokes at first. The more time you take, the calmer he will remain and the easier each grooming session will go.

The Rub and Smell Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Step

Let's go for a walk

Hook your dog up to his leash and take him out for a nice long walk. Shepherds are high energy dogs; you need to burn off this energy or you may find him hard to manage at grooming time.

Step

Create your grooming spa

Choose a room with an easy to clean floor. Turn on a little calming music to help keep your pup quiet.

Step

Add a calming aroma

The smell of lavender essential oil has a calming effect on dogs just as much as it does humans. Add a few drops of oil to a diffuser before you go for a walk, this will give it time to permeate the room.

Step

Give a body rub

Time to give your dog a nice all-over body rub to help relax him and prepare him for grooming.

Step

Take your time

Take your time, make sure you rub every inch of Jessie's body before you break out the brush. Chances are good that he will simply see the brush as an extension of your hand. Even more important, he will probably learn to relax and enjoy the experience.

Caution & Considerations

Even if your dog has a short coat that doesn't need much in the way of grooming, especially when he is a puppy, you should still start as early as possible to get him comfortable with the process.
If you groom once a week, it will help remove dust, dirt, and some parasites from your dog's coat.
Grooming time also gives you a chance to examine your dog for signs of injury, cuts, fleas, ticks, and skin conditions.
Grooming his coat weekly will also help to distribute his natural oils, helping to keep his coat nice and shiny.
Lastly, let your dog set the pace. Take your time and he will soon get used to the whole process.

Conclusion

While your Shepherd might be a bit on the fussy side for the first few attempts at grooming, it will get easier over time. Keep working with him, touching him, rubbing him, and massaging him. This will go a long way towards making grooming time a lot more fun for both of you.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Reba

German Shepherd

2 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Reba

German Shepherd

2 Years

Reba just doesn't like the grooming process even when tired out and gets agitated, what's the best thing to do.

4 years ago

Reba's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Thank you for the question. Are you grooming Reba at home or going to the groomer? If at home, keep the sessions short. Do a little bit of grooming every day and always give praise and a treat afterward. Use pet wipes in the place of a bath now and then, too. When snuggling with Reba, take the opportunity to gently handle the paws to desensitize them. If you are going to the groomer, enlist one who specializes in dogs that are fearful or agitated. Begin with a few visits to the groomer, just to get to know them and maybe Reba will happily accept a treat and like going there. Then, short sessions can begin until a sense of comfort sets in. Good luck with beautiful Reba!

4 years ago