What Does Fear Free Dog Grooming Actually Mean?

What is "Fear Free"?

Fear Free is a specialized pet care approach that prioritizes an animal's emotional and mental well-being alongside its physical wellness. It aims to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) by using positive reinforcement, cooperative handling, accurately interpreting body language, and allowing pets to have choices and control during their grooming sessions.

The certifications and continued education is provided by the Fear Free organization, founded by Dr. Marty Becker in 2016. They work tirelessly to provide education to pet professionals based on the latest in scientific research & information in order to benefit pets everywhere!

Canine Body Language - What To Watch!

The most important information we get during a groom is by watching the dog's body language. In the Fear Free system, different types of body language are categorized on the FAS Scale. This system gives a clear guide as to which signals mean to continue, slow down, change, or stop the service.

Like a stoplight, green means go, yellow means slow down or change what you're doing, and red means stop!

Some groomers have been taught that the behaviors described in the yellow and red sections are "bad" behavior. Instead, we know and recognize these behaviors as the dog's means of communication that they are scared, stressed, or overwhelmed. Correcting the dog in those cases does nothing but make the stress worse and confuses the dog. What actually works is meeting the dog where they are with compassion and a willingness to be flexible!

Grooming isn't One Size Fits All!

Two dogs getting the exact same haircut can have completely different experiences! Even the same dog on different days! Factors that go into this include:

• Age

• Previous grooming experiences

• Temperament

• Breed-specific tendencies

• Skin & coat condition

• Health

• Pain or physical discomfort

• How long the dog has been receiving professional grooming

A Fear Free approach allows for a fluid, individualized approach that allows for these differences and the necessary accommodations. We don't force Dog A to endure the same services as Dog B just because they are the same services!

What does a Fear Free grooming session look like?

We first start with the environment. Keeping a calm, quiet space is crucial for setting the dog up for success. Any unnecessary noise or stimulation could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back and pushes the dog into a higher state of FAS.

Handling the dog is done mindfully, deliberately, and gently. They're given time to adjust to every step we perform without the use of force. We watch for any changes in their body language and adjust our own approach accordingly. Sometimes this means a brief pause, breaking the part of the groom into intermediate baby steps, treats to boost their mood, or even skipping a particular step altogether.

The equipment used in grooming can be scary for dogs, too. They might be loud, make strange noises, or feel strange on their body. If a dog is unfamiliar with a particular tool, we introduce it slowly and thoughtfully, usually with lots of treats to create a positive association! If a tool simply cannot be used without causing excessive FAS, we switch to something else!

Most importantly, we NEVER rush an appointment for the sake of getting it done. Some dogs need a slower pace to get through a groom with their emotional health intact. No one likes to wait for a long time to get their pup back from the groomer, but understand that it's the extra time that contributes to a happier, healthier experience with grooming for a lifetime.

Does your dog hate grooming? Here's how a FF approach can help!

We hear this concern not infrequently! Sometimes a dog didn't get the best start with grooming, other times the dog may be inherently more anxious and prone to issues with handling. But whatever the reason, a Fear Free approach can help!

It takes TIME and PATIENCE, and it isn't something that will change in one session. We're working from taking the dog from well-set grooming-related anxiety to tolerating grooming, and from there to knowing they will be safe each time.

With high FAS dogs, sometimes the most successful appointment isn't the one where every cosmetic goal is accomplished. It's when they leave having experienced minimal FAS, even if that means skipping some steps!

Myths About Fear Free Care

Many people, even many groomers, believe certain myths about Fear Free care. Let's break them down!

Fear Free does not mean that a magical transformation will occur over one appointment. Change in emotional comfort takes time! Bringing a dog that hates grooming and expecting everything to be done perfectly the first time simply isn't realistic. But if you give us time over multiple sessions, we can get closer to that goal!

Fear Free does not mean that every dog will always eventually be perfect for grooming. Some fears are so heavily set in that they may never fully go away. Certain health conditions, such as osteoarthritis or canine cognitive dysfunction, can mean the service must always be a little different from the norm and may require further changes down the line. If a dog is on anti-anxiety medication for grooming, they aren't always able to be weaned off of it over time. And all of that is OKAY! The alternative - using force to push them through the groom regardless of their feelings - is not better for your pups. Respecting their boundaries is always the best choice.

Fear Free does not mean there are zero restraints. The difference is being selective in how, when, and why restraints are used. For example, the majority of dogs are fine wearing a grooming loop around their neck to keep them from falling off the grooming table or moving around too much, but some find it to be too aversive. Or there may be medical reasons to keep pressure off of their neck. That's why we have alternatives, from putting the loop under one front leg, to harness-style loops, and even skipping the loop and moving the table such that they aren't at as much of a risk of falling.

Fear Free does not mean difficult behaviors are ignored. They are treated as the communication from the dog that they are and respected accordingly!

Fear Free Over Time - Beyond One Haircut

A grooming appointment isn't just about today's haircut. Repeated experiences can influence how a dog feels about grooming in the future. A dog who repeatedly experiences overwhelming grooming sessions may become increasingly fearful or defensive. Conversely, predictability, patience, and positive experiences can help build trust over time!

Homework for Owners

When it comes to your dog's care, we are a team! There are so many things you can do at home in between appointments to help your dog become more comfortable with grooming.

• Handling paws gently

• Touching ears

• Brushing regularly

• Introducing grooming tools gradually

• Rewarding calm behavior

• Maintaining the coat so grooming doesn't become painful

• Keeping up with a consistent grooming schedule

As always, if you have any questions, you can ask us!

At Contoured Canine, Fear Free principles are incorporated into every appointment, because beautiful grooming should never come at the expense of a dog's emotional well-being!