Grooming appointments can be highly stressful for dogs, and reducing this stress requires appropriate preparation from puppyhood, careful groomer selection, and recognition of fear-related behaviour.
Grooming stress is a significant and underrecognised welfare issue. Dogs unable to escape aversive handling or frightening environments may suppress visible fear responses, appearing compliant while experiencing high levels of stress. Groomers using forceful restraint, noise, or punishment cause fear conditioning that worsens with every appointment. Fear-free grooming approaches that use positive reinforcement, allow dogs to have some control over the process, and recognise and respond to stress signals represent best practice. Owners play a crucial role by choosing groomers appropriately and preparing puppies through gradual positive exposure.