How to Shave an Aggressive Dog

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How to Shave an Aggressive Dog

Hard

40 - 60 Minutes

2 Months

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Introduction

Dogs are rarely aggressive without a reason. If your dog is displaying aggressive tendencies during grooming and shaving, then chances are, she’s reacting due to fear. Unfortunately, some dogs have to undergo grooming to keep them happy and healthy, so it’s not always something you can skip for your dog’s comfort. There are ways, however, to keep both you and her safe while you get this necessary evil out of the way as quickly as possible. The clippers may be intimidating, but they don’t have to be the bane of your dog’s existence if you can help it.

Dog's Perspective

Grooming salons are full of strange smells, sights, people, and animals. No wonder it may put your dog into a perpetual state of fear. Not to mention, having a stranger poke and prod you all over may not be the most comfortable situation. Your dog likely isn’t snapping, growling, or biting to be mean, but because she is stressed out. Be understanding of your dog’s fears and limitations and work to ease them.

The Slow and Steady Method

Effective

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Scissors

Clipper

Step

Introduce the tools

This method is best for more mild cases of aggression and should begin with laying out the tools before you start grooming in order to introduce your dog to what they look and feel like. For shaving, this includes a pair of electric clippers and scissors for clean up. Let your dog see these tools clearly in front of him.

Step

Reward for investigation

Offer your dog treats whenever he shows curiosity towards the clippers and scissors, such as sniffing them, licking them, or even hovering near them. These tools should have positive associations with them rather than fear, so rewarding your dog for interacting with them in any way, shape, or form is important.

Step

Turn the clippers on

The next step is adjusting your pup to the noise that the clippers make, as this can be a scary thing. Turn the clippers on, but keep them far away, gradually moving them a little closer every few minutes, rewarding your dog with plenty of treats as you do so. Eventually, you should be able to press the clippers gently against your dog’s body without too much of a fuss.

Step

Go slowly

Once you can get the clippers against the fur, begin your shaving with the clippers in slow, gentle strokes. Take your time and take breaks as necessary, not rushing the process. If your dog responds well to your voice, continue to communicate with him in a soft voice, offering verbal praise when he is calm and behaving.

Step

Reward throughout

As you shave, continue to offer your dog plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. Small tidbits of food work best and the higher value the treats, the more likely it will be that your dog will be happy to eat while you shave.

The Protection Method

Effective

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Scissors

Clipper

Step

Use a cloth muzzle

Cloth muzzles are handy for quick use to prevent bites or snaps. For more seriously aggressive dogs, this can be a good option to prevent an incident from occurring and to protect you from harm if your dog attempts to bite. Get your dog used to the muzzle by treating her as you slip it on.

Step

Have an assistant

Have another person help by keeping a gentle hold on your dog to prevent her from thrashing around or turning to bite. They can do this by holding her on one side with an arm underneath your dog’s head and the other arm securing the body while you groom the other side, then switch when possible.

Step

Keep it short and gentle

Keep the clipping quick and gentle, using general movements without more pressure than is necessary. While breaks are good for dogs who are adjusting, going straight through as quick as possible may be a better option for dogs who are going to be stressed, regardless. Keep the amount of time that she is stressed as short as possible.

Step

Offer affection and praise

As you clip, have your helper offer pets along the head or behind the ears. They can also talk softly and quietly to your dog to provide reassurance. Positive contact and calming affection can help limit stress during the grooming process.

Step

Remove the muzzle when done

Once you’ve finished shaving and clipping, clean up anything that needs cleaning up with the scissors before setting your dog down away from the grooming station and removing the muzzle. Allow her time to decompress and relax on her own with a chew toy or another quiet activity. You may also choose to take your dog outside for a quick walk to relieve tension.

Caution & Considerations

Double check that your dog is not acting out because of an injury or illness. Some dogs may show aggression because of physical discomfort. Have her checked out by a veterinarian if this is a recent issue rather than one that has been recurring.
Cloth muzzles should only be used on a temporary basis. Never keep a cloth muzzle on any longer than is absolutely necessary.
If your dog absolutely cannot calm down during a shave, consider talking to your veterinarian about sedation or medication. These can help get your dog into a much more manageable state so you can get grooming out of the way.
Be careful if you decide to tie your dog to one spot using her leash. Thrashing around or running away may cause damage to your dog’s throat or neck.
Never punish your dog for growling, as this is a warning sign that a bite may be coming next, giving you enough time to back away and de-escalate. A dog that doesn’t growl is much more likely to bite without giving you a warning first.
Always keep an eye on your dog’s stress signals to determine when you need to give her a break.

Conclusion

Being prepared before grooming a fearful or aggressive dog is key and will help your dog adjust much better to a potentially stressful environment. With positive reinforcement, short breaks, and enough attention to her limitations, your dog can endure being shaved and groomed with minimal stress to both you and her. Remember to show patience and understanding and your dog will return the favor with love, trust, and affection.

How to Shave an Aggressive Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Slow and Steady Method

The Protection Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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