Friends of the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center,
As the guardian of an adventurous Pomeranian, I am no stranger to frequent grooming for Mishka. Her double coat alone requires a fair amount of brushing and up keep, but she is also a big fan of trolloping through the mud, splashing into lakes or oceans, and then rolling enthusiastically in the sand—classic dog things I’m sure many of you can relate to!
This month, I wanted to share some practical guidance on grooming and how to set your dog up for life long success.
Grooming is about much more than appearances. Routine care like brushing, nail trims, bathing and ear cleaning plays an important role in skin health, comfort and early detection of problems like skin masses or infections. Regular brushing is especially important for double-coated dogs (like Mishka). It helps prevent painful matting, reduces shedding and supports healthy skin by distributing natural oils.
Just as importantly, how grooming is done can shape how your dog feels about being handled for the rest of their life, both at home and in medical settings.
Cooperative care is a term used to describe teaching dogs to voluntarily participate in handling through gradual exposure at the dog’s pace, paired with positive reinforcement. This approach emphasizes choice, predictability and rewards rather than force or restraint, which can cause fear, anxiety and stress. Dogs that feel safe and in control are far more likely to tolerate and even relax during grooming and veterinary care.
These skills are best learned when a dog is a puppy or before they’ve had negative experiences. That said, if a dog already finds grooming stressful, counterconditioning is also possible. Counterconditioning means teaching your dog a new, positive association with something they previously found aversive, and pairing them with something they love (often food).
Some simple ways to start building cooperative grooming skills at home include practicing gentle handling of paws, nails and ears when your dog is already relaxed, pairing grooming tools with treats before ever using them, and allowing your dog to investigate brushes, clippers, or the bathtub at their own pace.
Each exposure should be paired with small, frequent rewards. Keep sessions short, predictable and always end on a positive note.
With both cooperative care and counterconditioning, the goal is to start well below your dog’s stress threshold. Stopping early while things are still going well is a success. Pushing past a dog’s comfort level can make the next session more difficult or even cause setbacks.
Learning your dog’s early signs of stress is essential. These may include lip licking, yawning when not tired, freezing, pulling away, or showing the whites of their eyes. Ideally, grooming practice should stay fun and low-pressure. If your dog shows signs of stress, it’s a cue to pause, offer a break and plan the next session with even smaller steps. Reading and responding to your dog’s body language helps build trust and sets the foundation for long-term success.
If your dog requires professional grooming beyond what you can comfortably do at home, you may want to look for a Fear Free certified groomer. While these groomers may not be available in all regions, they use techniques designed to reduce stress and support cooperative handling, making them an invaluable resource for both dogs and guardians. They can also help guide you through your dog’s specific needs and offer tools to support continued progress at home.
That said, many excellent groomers prioritize behavioral health even without Fear Free certification. Finding a groomer who respects your dog’s comfort, communicates openly and aligns with your training goals can make a meaningful difference and ultimately make grooming safer and easier for everyone involved.
One of the great things about cooperative care is that these same concepts can and should extend beyond grooming. They can be used to prepare dogs for veterinary visits, including handling, exams, injections and even procedures like blood draws. Many dogs can be taught to voluntarily offer behaviors such as a chin rest or calmly standing for brief restraint, which can dramatically reduce stress.
At Fear Free veterinary practices, or any practice that prioritizes behavioral health, you can often schedule “happy visits” to practice these skills in a low-pressure, positive environment.
If grooming has become stressful for either you or your dog, or you would like more guidance on cooperative care training, reach out to your veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist, or a qualified trainer who uses humane training methods.
As always, thank you for being a Riney Canine Health Center member. We look forward to catching up with you next month!
Dr. Aly Cohen
Extension veterinarian
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center
Additional Resources:
Fear Free Directory to locate a certified professional near you: https://directory.fearfree.com/
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