by Elsebeth DeBiase,
BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S
Coastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner
In the 1902 short story, "The Cat That Walked by Himself," Rudyard Kipling wrote, "When the man woke up, he asked, 'What is the wild dog doing here?' And the woman replied, 'His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but the First Friend because he will be our friend forever and always.'" Dogs have walked alongside humans as helpers and companions for thousands of years, cultivating a unique relationship. Early dogs learned to interpret human body language and form emotional attachments with us, allowing them to adapt to society and bond with humans for generations. In our busy modern world, it is easy to take for granted that dogs love us. Setting aside time to strengthen meaningful bonds with our dogs is important; grooming is one way to achieve this.
Home Grooming to Build Bonds
Grooming one's dog is more than vanity, a necessary haircut, or even cleanliness; it is about connection. It should be a quiet time to show admiration and compassion and foster mutual trust. Trust is the foundation on which great, lasting bonds are built. Positive repeated grooming interactions will help cement trust between caregiver and canine. The purpose of bonding is to form connections to improve cooperation, thus enhancing the well-being of both dogs and humans. Our relationship with dogs is mutually beneficial. Humans seek companionship, emotional support, and assistance in protection, farming, and service work. At the same time, dogs depend on us for their care, security, and affection.
Grooming based on Trust
Like humans, dogs are individuals with unique personalities, making each relationship-building experience different. While many dogs are trusting, others, especially rescue dogs with complicated pasts, can be wary and feel unsafe in new environments. The feeling of being safe is a cornerstone of trust. To help dogs feel secure, patience, understanding, and knowledge of canine behavior are crucial. Tips for building trust during grooming sessions include:
Learning to Speak Canine - Observing your dog's body posture from nose to tail and looking for tension is a good way to start. Dogs communicate with their bodies, using body posture and facial expressions to give us cues about how they are feeling. Still, these signals can be fleeting and overlooked. Muscle tension, stiff movement, and facial expressions can indicate an uncomfortable dog. A calm or content pooch will have a relaxed or neutral body posture, a facial expression free from tension, and ears and tail carried in its natural position. To learn more about canine body language, visit http://fearfreehappyhomes.com/video/dog-body-languages-101/.
Communicating with Body Posture- Dogs use keen observation skills to determine how other animals and humans feel by watching body posture and facial expressions. Research shows that dogs understand human smiles, frowns, and even follow a person's gaze. Maintaining a relaxed posture, speaking quietly and slowly, and using calm, gentle movements will put your dog at ease. To learn more, visit http://fearfreehappyhomes.com/video/what-can-your-body-communicate-to-your-pet/.
Keeping it Predictable—Dogs do best in environments with a routine. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes each day to practice home grooming. Be sure to keep your interactions consistent, using a calm, gentle approach, and plenty of praise.
Keeping it Positive—Offer praise, treats, or a favorite toy for desirable behavior, however small. Consistent rewards will help create a positive association with grooming and you as the groomer.
Starting Slow—If you are unsure of how your dog will react, start small. Set up a distraction free grooming area with a non-slip surface or mat. Spend quiet moments in this space feeding delicious treats. Incorporate petting using slow strokes on the chest or along the shoulders and spine, working up to more sensitive areas such as the feet, ears, and tail. Petting, brushing, and combing can be stress-relieving for you and your dog.
Grooming is essential for health and comfort, and with the right approach, it can be a great way to spend quality time with your dog for years to come. Happy Grooming!
Note: Stori, Elmer, Matilda and Heinrich are Elsebeth’s dogs. If you have not already, please read our cover story about our Downeast Dog News contributors.