Gail Fisher, All Dogs Gym & Inn - The perfect place for pets and their people

Most dog owners are well-aware of the common sounds and sights that have meaning to your dog. The sight of a leash likely sends him into an ecstatic dance at the door. The sound of the cupboard where the dog treats are kept, brings dogs from a deep sleep two rooms away. In other words, sights and sounds have pleasant associations. Imagine if your dog danced for joy when you pick up your dog’s nail clipper or blow dryer. While this may seem farfetched, you can create a pleasant association for your dog.

For dogs afraid of the dryer, last week I recommended getting them used to it by simply having it around while the dogs are eating and the like. The next step is to condition a positive association like -the sound of the cupboard opening. This happens through simple repetition.

Once your dog is used to the sight of the tool you’re trying to desensitize to, turn on the dryer, for example, (on low setting, no heat), and rapidly reward your dog with treats. Don’t touch your dog with the tool yet. Just turn it on and hold it away from her while you reward with many small, tasty treats. Do this with a blow dryer, a clipper, a Dremel nail grinder, click a nail clipper and the like. The idea is to get your dog to enjoy the sight and sound of the tool.

Work in short spurts, just a minute or two each day—every day. Once your dog looks happy when you pick up the hair dryer or clipper, as if she’s saying, “I know what this means . . . I get treats!” you’re ready for the next step. With the tool unplugged so you can’t accidently turn it on, gently massage your dog with the tool as you reward. Start at a part of her body that isn’t sensitive, such as hip, shoulder, or back. If you’re trying to acclimate your dog to a nail clipper start at the shoulder, and work down her legs to her feet, rewarding all the way. Don’t rush. Take your time and use loads of small treats. The trick to any desensitization program is going slowly with repetition, repetition, repetition.

Next, combine touch with sound. With the tool turned on (low, if possible), and the business end pointing away from the dog, hold the non-business end of the tool against your dog’s hip or shoulder as you give loads of treats. This is to get your dog used to the feel. If you’re using a Dremel, cover your dog’s hair with a towel to keep the coat from getting caught up and twisted. (And use only a battery powered Dremel, not an electric one!). Again, repeat this every day for a very short period of time.

And finally, you’re ready to begin using the tool for “the real thing.” If it’s to trim your dog’s nails, cradle a foot gently, trim or grind the tip of one nail. Give your dog a treat, and take a break. Play a game with your dog, then do another nail—just the tip, followed by a treat, then quit. That’s it for today. Tomorrow, do another two nails, then maybe three the next day, always interspersed with loads of treats, play and fun.

Follow this same desensitization program with dogs afraid of the dryer. With your dog on leash, start at their rear, briefly brushing with air blowing on their back or thigh, reward and take a break. By slowly desensitizing your dogs to each aspect—the environment, position, sight, sound, smell and feel of the tools, you should be able to groom your dogs without stress—for either of you.

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Copyright © Gail T. Fisher, 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.alldogsgym.com For permission to reprint this article or suggestions for future topics, please contact us.

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