Top Tips for Grooming an Anxious or Wriggly Dog

Grooming a dog who’s anxious, nervous, or simply can't sit still can be a real challenge—even for the most seasoned pet parents and groomers. But with the right techniques and a little extra patience, you can transform the experience into something more positive for both you and your furry client.

Whether you’re a professional groomer or doing a quick tidy-up at home, here are some top tips for grooming dogs that need a gentler, more thoughtful approach:

Keep Calm and Use a Soft, Gentle Tone

Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals. They pick up on our energy faster than we might realise. If you’re tense, stressed, or frustrated, chances are your dog will be too. That’s why it’s so important to approach grooming with a calm, confident presence.

Speak in a low, soothing voice and move slowly and deliberately. Praise your dog often—especially when they cooperate, even in small ways. By being the calm in their storm, you’ll help them feel safer and more secure during grooming.

Take Time to Desensitise

Anxious dogs often fear the unknown, especially when it involves clippers, scissors, or loud dryers. Instead of rushing them through processes they’re uncomfortable with, take the time to desensitise them.

Let them sniff the tools, watch you handle them, or even just hear the sound from a distance. For example, turn the clippers on near them—but don’t touch them to the dog just yet. Allow them to become familiar with the sound and vibration first. Reward calm behavior with treats or affection. This process might take several sessions, but it’s worth it to build trust and reduce fear.

Never Force It

Forcing a scared or wriggly dog through a grooming session only reinforces their anxiety and increases the risk of injury—for both of you. If your dog shows signs of stress (trembling, lip licking, whining, trying to flee), take a step back.

Break the grooming process into shorter sessions. A nail trim today, a brush out tomorrow, a bath later in the week. These smaller, more manageable steps can help build a positive association with grooming over time.

Use the Right Restraints for Wriggly Dogs

When it comes to keeping a squirmy dog safe and still, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Here are a few tried-and-true restraint systems that can help:

• BioThane Belly Band: This comfortable, easy-to-clean band helps keep the dog standing and in place during grooming. It has underbelly padding which provides extra support and comfort. It’s especially helpful for dogs who like to sit down mid-groom!

• Grooming Hammock: Ideal for smaller dogs weighing up to 13 kilos, grooming hammocks gently suspend the dog from the grooming bar, limiting their movement and allowing easy access to legs, paws, and sanitary areas. Plus, many dogs actually find the sensation calming.

• Groomers Helper Restraint System: This professional-grade setup adds an additional restraint point in front of the head, which reduces the dogs bite radius by 90%, and allows for hands-free grooming. Perfect for stopping head-droppers, spinners, and biters—so you can groom safer, faster, and with more control.

Used correctly, these restraints are not only safe—they’re incredibly helpful in reducing stress and allowing for a smoother grooming experience.

Every dog is different, and some simply need more time, patience, and care when it comes to grooming. With the right mindset, tools, and techniques, you can turn grooming from a stressful event into a bonding experience that builds trust and confidence.