Most dog owners and groomers have issues when they do not know how to use a dog grooming loop. Often this means a lot of trial and error, which will make the dog even more anxious.
To help deal with that, these are the steps one should follow when using the loop:
- Put your dog on the grooming table so you can easily get them into the loops.
- Since the loop comes with two different loops, insert one loop through the neck and the other through the hind leg.
- Do not miss out on the loops because the dog will keep moving around, which beats the whole point of the grooming loop in the first place.
If you are keen to find out more about using a dog grooming loop properly and how to handle your anxious pup during grooming, read on further.
How To Use A Dog Grooming Loop
If you have an anxious dog, you know just how much some activities can prove challenging to do. One of these activities is grooming your dog. Whether you choose to do it yourself or go to a groomer, you might need to find a grooming loop.
When you hear that a dog is on a loop, you can assume that it is being hurt. If you take a closer look, the dog is being protected. Without the grooming loop, the dog would keep moving around and might get injured when the groomers work on them.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Getting Bitten or Injured
While most dogs are anxious and maybe cower, some dogs become aggressive. If you feel like the dog is likely to be aggressive, these are the measures you can take to protect yourself:
- Pull the clamps on the groomer’s loop all the way, so that the dog is securely held.
- Face the dog away from you as you fasten them on the loops and the harness so that it does not get a chance to bite you.
- As you tie the tether tight, ensure there is space between the harness and the dog. Since you will need it tighter, the space should not be more than two fingers.
- Pull the tether slowly and ensure the dog is securely held in place before working on it. You can release the tension slowly as you work on it but start with a firm grip.
Reasons Why You Should Use the Dog Grooming Loop
While it seems like common knowledge, some people have no idea why groomers use the dog loop. As such, most people let the dogs move around freely, which means more work for the groomer. Here are the main benefits of the grooming loop.
Ensures a Cleaner Grooming Session
One of the reasons people use grooming loops is to ensure the dog stays still and does not splash water around. At the end of the grooming session, the amount of mess the groomer has to clean up is significantly reduced.
Safe for the Pet
The other reason a grooming loop would be suitable for your pet is it ensures its safety. There is no risk that your dog will chew through the harness. You also do not have to worry that the loop will eat into your dog’s skin since it is thick enough.
You can rest easy know that your dog will be safe during the entire session.
Heavy-duty Clips
The loop comes with strong enough fasteners. Since they come in various sizes, you can be sure that your dog will be safely secured. The dog will also not experience any discomfort as much as the loop will firmly hold it down.
Durable Cables
Since the cable goes around the dog’s body, it helps when it is durable enough. The cables that come with the loop are strong and do not fray even after they contact water. You will get years of use out of it before you need to replace it.
It Is Hands-free
Working on a dog that keeps moving can be dangerous for both of you. You have to worry about holding the dog down simultaneously as to how to get work done. The loop helps deal with the situation.
It firmly holds the dog in place so you can use both your hands when grooming it. In doing so, it reduces the risk of accidents for you and the dog.
Working with a dog as a groomer can get intimidating at some point. You have to ensure that the dog stays safe and that you get all the problem areas. It also ensures you groom the dog in record time without any injuries and trauma.
How to Handle Anxious Animals as a Groomer
Very few dogs easily accept to be given a wash down or be groomed. While these are a favorite for many, you can be sure that there will be a couple of scared and aggressive dogs every other time. When this happens, it helps to be prepared.
- Talk to the dog calmly and do not rush to put them on the grooming table. The experience the dog will have is almost dependent on you and how you treat it. Let the dog get accustomed to the new surroundings before you put it on the table.
- The dog’s attitude towards you will start from the moment you take it from its owner. Do not forcefully pry the dog away from the owner but instead let the dog warm up to you. Doing so builds a level of trust between the two of you.
- If the dog gets aggressive as you are using the harness, speak to it calmly but firmly. It will act as a grounding voice for the dog. Keep talking to the dog as you put it in the loop, and it will calm down as time goes by.
- Monitor the dog’s behavior when you start grooming them. If it has any sensitive areas, you will see how it reacts to either the sheers or your hands. Be gentler in those areas so that it does not feel threatened and start to attack.
- Do not leave the dog alone on the grooming table. It might wiggle around and either get free or get hurt on the loops. Ensure that when you put the dog on the grooming table, you stay with them until you finish grooming it.
- Pay all your attention to the dog while grooming it. Do not stop to answer your phone, read a message, or even talk to someone else in the room. It will make the dog anxious again and harder to control.
- Wear the proper grooming attire. That way, you will not be dodging the water and the fur, and you can hold on to the loop tightly when working on the dog. The wrong attire will mean you keep moving around, which will frighten the dog more.
Wrap Up
While your groomer might have their loop, getting your own is a great idea. You get to choose a size you feel is comfortable for your dog. The dog can even get used to wearing it before you take it to the groomer.
Most anxious dogs will fight the loop if they have never used it. Having the dog wear it at home helps get rid of some of this anxiety.
