How to Calm an Akita Before Grooming

Home
Grooming
How to Calm an Akita Before Grooming

Medium

10 - 20 Minutes

1 Day

Need regular grooming services?

Browse Wellness Plan Options Browse Wellness Plan Options

Introduction

Keeping your Akita pup well-groomed is part of being a good pet parent. The only problem with this is that Akitas have a well-earned reputation for resisting any kind of grooming. However, since they shed virtually every day of the year, you need to brush your pup every day to help keep his coat manageable. But what do you do when he won't calm down enough for you to be able to groom him? Here we present two ways you can achieve this and make grooming your Akita a lot easier.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog cares far less about being groomed than you do. In fact, he probably doesn't care much at all. But the one thing you can count on is your Akita is not going to be happy about the whole ordeal and is not likely to stand still for it unless you take the time to train him.

The Tired-Out Pup Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Nail Clipper

Clipper

Step

Choose your time

Every dog has certain times of the day where they are calmer than at others. Typically, this is later in the afternoon and in the evening as their day is running down.

Step

Provide a calm environment

Dogs tend to react to their environment. Choose a nice, quiet area in your house to groom your dog in and keep then number of people around you while you are working down to one assistant.

Step

Go for a walk

There is nothing calmer than a nice tired pup. The best way to accomplish this is to take your Akita out for a nice long walk and finish up with a little playtime. The more tired your pup is, the less fussy he is likely to be.

Step

Introduce the tools

Start by having all of the tools you plan to use laid out within reach of your grooming spot. Bring your Akita over to them and give him plenty of time to sniff them, look at them, and get used to them. Pick them up and handle them where your pup can see it. The more used to seeing them he is, the less they are likely to bother him.

Step

Go slow

Whether you are brushing his coat, trimming it, giving him a bath, or cutting his nails, you need to take your time. You should never be in a hurry; the more time you take and the calmer you remain, the more likely it will be that your pup will behave the same way.

The Desensitization Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Step

Start with a tired pup

Take your pup out for a nice long (30 to 45 minutes) walk to tire him out. The more tired your pup is before you start the grooming session, the better. Try to schedule your grooming sessions for later in the day as well to take advantage of the fact he is likely to already be winding down.

Step

The touch

The best way to desensitize your pup is to spend a lot of time touching him. This means every inch, including his private areas and his paws. Dogs typically hate being touched in these areas. Start out by just gently touching these spots.

Step

The massage

Once your pup seems calmer and more comfortable with being touched, move up to the next step. Start massaging him from top to bottom and stem to stern.

Step

Bring out the brush

Bring out the slicker brush and start gently running it through your pup's coat. Go nice and slow, giving him time to get used to the feeling.

Step

Play some music

One last thing you might add to the picture is some nice, calming music while you work. Your pup is just as sensitive to the sounds and the effects it has as you are.

Caution & Considerations

If for any reason you think your Akita might snap at you, consider using a muzzle while you groom him.
Take your time, do not rush your pup. It will take him some time to calm down at first.
Always choose a quiet area of your home for grooming.
Give your pup plenty of time to get used to the tools you will be using. Remember, he is probably scared of them.
If you have to use shears to cut mats out or trim his coat, be sure you use sharp round-tipped safety shears to reduce the risk of injuring your dog.

Conclusion

The reason your pup is anxious about being groomed is more than likely because he is scared of the tools and has not had time to get used to the process. The best way to calm him down is to take your time and keep working with him at his pace until he becomes completely comfortable with it.

How to Calm an Akita Before Grooming

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Tired-Out Pup Method

The Desensitization Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides