How to Calm a Great Dane Before Grooming
Medium
10 - 40 Minutes
1 Week
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Fortunately, your Great Dane does not need a lot of grooming, at least not frequently, because there is a lot of real estate to cover! Great Danes are short and smooth-haired and usually only require brushing a few times a week and more thorough grooming every few weeks, to address ears, feet, and other soiled areas and to trim hair when and where necessary. If your Great Dane is a chill kind of fellow, this is no problem. If he is a little more high strung and energetic, calming your rather large friend before grooming may be necessary so you can adequately inspect all his nooks and crannies to remove dirt and extra hair and check for conditions that need to be addressed.
An excited or agitated Great Dane is going to be difficult to work with and calming him so he cooperates when you groom him is going to be necessary. Because let's face it, you probably can't outmuscle him like you can a Toy Poodle!
Dog's Perspective
Great Danes can be very relaxed, or very energetic and high strung, depending on the individual dog. A high energy, large dog, in an elevated mood, who is excited about a new situation can be very difficult to work with, especially if you need him to stay still while you groom him. This is frustrating for you, and frustrating for your Great Dane. Taking steps to calm your big beautiful friend prior to grooming will make the experience much more pleasant for everyone concerned.
The Calm Mood Method
Effective
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Step
1
Familiarize with tools
While your Great Dane is eating or while you are petting him, run grooming tools over him so your dog has a positive association with tools and is familiar with them.
Step
2
Communicate intentions
Don't surprise your Great Dane. Let him know what you're doing and when grooming time is.
Step
3
Be calm
Be gentle but firm, and approach your Great Dane with confidence and calmness. Do not raise your voice but be clear and assertive in your commands when preparing for grooming.
Step
4
Burn off energy
Take your Great Dane for a long run and play with him prior to grooming to burn off excess energy.
Step
5
Choose your time
Prepare for grooming in the evening when your Great Dane is more relaxed. He may be more excitable in the morning after a night's rest.
The Calm Environment Method
Effective
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Step
1
Pick neutral location
Pick a location that does not have a negative association for your Great Dane, if he has previously become agitated when grooming.
Step
2
Make a comfy spot
Make a comfortable spot for your Great Dane with a blanket and chew toy where you are going to groom him.
Step
3
Use music and scent
Diffuse lavender or another calming essential oil prior to grooming and play soothing music.
Step
4
Massage
Pet and massage your Great Dane before grooming, talk to him soothingly.
Step
5
Be organized
Be prepared with grooming tools and products nearby so you don't have to interrupt grooming to go get items, allowing your Great Dane to become agitated or anxious.
Caution & Considerations
- Make sure your Great Dane has secure footing while being groomed as Great Danes can slip and injure their hips easily.
- Do not rush through grooming your Great Dane, as this will create an excitable situation which will create problems next time you go to groom your dog.
- If using aromatherapy, make sure you use a calming scent that is non-toxic to dogs.
- Keep sessions short if your Great Dane becomes agitated so you or your dog do not get injured in a power struggle.
Conclusion
Grooming your Great Dane can be a challenge if your dog is moving around, trying to leave or is generally excited and anxious. Burning off extra energy before grooming can be helpful, as can being prepared so you don't have to interrupt preparation to get grooming items. Work confidently and calmly and do not surprise or rush your Great Dane when getting ready to groom. If you project a calm demeanor, it will rub off on your dog. Make grooming a quiet, enjoyable time for both of you, and future grooming sessions will require less preparation to create calm for your dog.
