Many of us look forward to a day at the spa. There’s nothing like sitting back and relaxing while someone else does our nails or our hair! What about dogs? Do they feel the same way about going to the groomer?
The answer to this question depends on your particular dog. Dogs tend to enjoy what they’re most used to. If your pooch has been visiting the groomer since he was a young pup, chances are, he enjoys going. This is also likely to be the case if he has been visiting the same groomer!
If your dog has never been to the groomer before, or if he’s skittish and fearful around strangers, he isn’t likely to enjoy his time at the grooming salon. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring him. It just means that he might need a little training before he goes.
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Training your dog to sit on command gives you a way to get your dog under control quickly. If he is sitting by you, he can’t be doing anything you don’t want him to do. Train your dog when he is alert but not overly excited. Start by getting down to your dog’s level and hold a food treat in front of him to get his attention. Raise the treat up and over his head so he has to lower his rear end to follow it. Say your dog’s name followed by the SIT command. As soon as your dog’s rear end touches the floor, give him the treat and lots of praise. Practice this and start delaying the treat so your dog is sitting longer and longer. Gradually reduce and then eliminate the treat so your dog obeys your command for your praise alone.