Grooming is essential for many breeds but can be a significant source of fear and stress for dogs if not introduced appropriately, affecting welfare and the human-animal bond.
Grooming that involves restraint without desensitisation causes fear responses that may generalise to all handling. Dogs experiencing grooming as a negative event show elevated stress hormones, struggle, and may bite. This fear is iatrogenic - caused by the grooming process - and is largely preventable through gradual positive introduction. The long-term welfare cost of a dog that fears all handling is significant. Groomers who use positive handling methods provide better welfare outcomes and are safer for both dogs and handlers.