Does your dog dread the groomers? Tips from the experts on how to make the experience less stressful for your pup

Is taking your dog to the groomer always a struggle? Many pet owners have been there. While we might imagine it as a relaxing spa day, some furry friends would rather take a rain check.

We spoke with expert dog groomer, Gabriel Feitosa (@gabrielfeitosagrooming), to gather their advice for helping nervous pups feel more at ease the next time they go to the salon. Feitosa, who has over 21 years of professional grooming experience, shares his knowledge with his 4 million followers across Instagram and TikTok to help pet owners better care for their dogs.

Start ’em young

Introducing puppies to grooming early is one of the best ways owners can prevent stress down the line, Feitosa notes.

“If your dog is a puppy, please bring them to get groomed as soon as possible, even if their coat isn’t matted,” he urges. There’s no need to start with advanced services—“even if it’s just a bath visit, practicing early really helps.”

Preparing your pup for the sensory experience of grooming

For older dogs, there are ways to help them get comfortable with the grooming experience at home. Feitosa suggests using an electric toothbrush to simulate the sensations and sounds your dog will encounter at the groomer’s.

“Touching the electric toothbrush to the paws, nails, and behind the ears while the pup is at home in a comfortable environment helps desensitize them to the noise and vibration of tools like clippers and nail grinders,” he explains.

Treat them!

Just like humans, dogs can benefit from a little incentive. Feitosa encourages owners to bring some of their dog’s favorite treats to their grooming appointments.

“Groomers don’t usually give their own treats to pups in case they have dietary restrictions,” he notes, so it’s up to the owner to provide them.

For food-motivated dogs, treats can be a powerful tool for positive reinforcement after the session.

Consistency is key

Letting your dog build a bond with their groomer can also help ease anxiety. Feitosa explains that groomers who see the same dog regularly can “develop a relationship and make the puppy more comfortable.” Consistency allows the professional to learn what works best for your dog, recognize their limits, and respond to their emotional cues—making the experience smoother for everyone involved.

Feitosa explained a few of the techniques that he employs when working with a nervous dog to make them feel more at ease while in his care.

“We give them a little break in between baths and haircuts so they don’t have to stand for a long time,” he said, adding that he ensures that “the grooming area is quiet without other dogs running around." Additionally, groomers must be mindful of their mood and the energy they bring into the salon. “Dogs are reactive to our mood and energy,” and “keeping ourselves [...] calm and focused helps the pup respond well and behave for the grooming appointment.” Finding a groomer that you can trust that can provide a calm space for your dog, will be key if they tend to be nervous around new people and experiences.

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