Behavior & Training
Grooming isn’t a natural process for dogs, and since we can’t explain it to them, some pets find it confusing or stressful. That’s okay—reactivity, anxiety, or even aggression are more common than most people realize, and it’s nothing to feel ashamed of. With the right approach, patience, and teamwork, dogs can learn to feel safe and confident during grooming.
We believe every bark, growl, or snap has a reason behind it. That’s why we focus on understanding the “why” behind the behavior instead of just managing the reaction. Many of our clients have seen huge improvements by combining at-home practice, training, and stress-reduction with consistent, positive grooming experiences.
Behavioral struggles rarely stop at the grooming table—they often show up at the vet, in the car, or at the park, too. That’s why we recommend working with a trainer alongside grooming. Lowering your pet’s overall stress makes every experience, not just grooming, more manageable.
Here in this section, we’ll answer the most common questions we get about behavior and training, and we’ll share helpful articles, guides, and real success stories from pets we’ve worked with.
How do I get my dog used to nail trims?
Getting your dog comfortable with nail trims starts the moment they come home. The first step is making sure they’re comfortable with their feet being touched. Separately, working on basic obedience cues like sit, stay, leave it, and give paw gives them the foundation to cooperate during handling. Nail trims should always be a regular, positive experience—paired with high-value rewards like treats, toys, play, or praise.
It’s important that grooming is never associated with scolding or negative experiences. If your dog already shows anxiety with nail trims, the way you handle it is especially important. Done right, they’ll learn nail trims are just another normal part of life.
We’ve put together resources for both puppies learning nail trims and older pets who already struggle with anxiety.
How do I get my dog used to brushing?
It’s a very similar process to nail trims: introduce brushing slowly, pair it only with positive experiences, and be consistent. Some pups need time and patience to adjust. If your dog is especially averse to brushing, we may recommend adjusting their haircut style so brushing is less of a daily necessity until they’re more comfortable with the process.
Helpful Resources
When should I start getting my puppy used to grooming? (move to puppy section-- change to Why doesn't my dog like grooming?)
The best time to start is as soon as they come home—whether that’s 8 weeks or 8 years old. All pets need to get used to at least the basics of grooming to stay healthy and happy. A good breeder will often introduce grooming before your puppy even arrives, but even if you have a rescue, it’s still possible to make it a positive experience with the right approach.
The most important thing is patience. A puppy’s first 4–5 sessions often shape how they’ll feel about grooming for the rest of their life. At Fluff It! we believe in taking a patient, personalized approach and collaborating with you to create the best plan for your pet.
How can I help reduce my dog’s anxiety during grooming?
There are many ways to help! Remaining patient, choosing a groomer who is equally patient, and providing obedience training to reduce anxiety or reactivity all make a big difference. Another key is exposure training—keeping your pet on a regular schedule with the same groomer so the process feels familiar and predictable. We’ve also created in-depth resources with specific tips to make grooming day easier for both you and your pup.
Should I stay during my dog’s grooming?
Most often, the answer is no. In the majority of cases, pets do better when their parent isn’t present. Being in the room can cause confusion with commands, heighten anxiety, or even lead to protectiveness. Grooming works best when your dog can focus fully on their groomer, who provides a calm and confident environment.
That said, there are rare situations—like severe aggression—where an owner’s presence may be safer.
Important Note: Due to our insurance policies, owners cannot stay inside the grooming van during services. Watching through a window is permitted if necessary, but please keep in mind it can still be distracting and may prevent us from completing certain services.
For more info: Why it’s better if you don’t stay—but sometimes it’s okay [link].
What do you do if my dog tries to bite during grooming?
If a pet attempts to bite, we have several safe options such as muzzles or protective cones. We always start with the least restraint possible and only move up if needed. For pets with severe aggression, we may collaborate with your vet and trainer to create a plan that includes medication, training, and regular grooming. Our goal is always to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and cared for.