Imagine heading into a spa day only to be faced with bright lights, buzzing tools, and strange hands tugging at your hair. That’s how many dogs experience grooming — especially those with long coats that demand extra care. While grooming is essential for coat health, hygiene, and comfort, it can be a significant source of anxiety for long-haired dogs.

Grooming stress can manifest in many ways — trembling, hiding, growling, or even physical illness. For owners, it creates a challenging cycle: the more stressed your dog gets, the harder it becomes to maintain their beautiful coat. But grooming doesn’t have to be a battleground.

This blog walks you through how to reduce grooming anxiety in long-haired dogs, create a calm routine, and make grooming sessions something your dog can actually look forward to.

Understanding Grooming Anxiety

Recognising the Signs

A person gently holds a happy, curly-coated dog, both enjoying a sunny moment together. The dog's tongue hangs out playfully.

Not all dogs express stress in the same way. Common anxiety signs include:

  • Tucked tails or ears pulled back
  • Excessive panting or drooling
  • Avoidance behaviours like hiding or resisting touch
  • Growling, whining or barking
  • Sudden toileting accidents

If you notice these during grooming, it’s time to change your approach.

Why Long-Haired Dogs Are More Vulnerable

Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese, or Afghan Hounds require more frequent and intensive grooming. This means:

  • More frequent brushing, increasing exposure to stressful tools
  • Mat removal, which can be painful if done improperly
  • Tugging and handling, especially around sensitive areas

As such, long-haired dogs can quickly associate grooming with discomfort — unless their experience is handled gently and with patience.

Preparing Your Dog Emotionally and Physically

Start Early, Go Slow

If you’ve got a puppy, introduce grooming tools early. Let them sniff and explore brushes, combs, and clippers before using them. For adult dogs, begin with short, positive sessions rather than jumping into full grooming routines.

  • Begin with just a brush for a few minutes while praising and rewarding
  • Increase duration gradually as your dog builds tolerance
  • Touch sensitive spots like ears, paws, and tail gently between sessions

Set a Predictable Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Grooming should happen:

  • In the same spot every time
  • At a consistent time of day
  • With the same tools and sequence, so nothing feels unpredictable

Consistency makes it easier for your dog to anticipate what’s next, lowering anxiety.

Creating a Calming Grooming Environment

Choose the Right Space

A calm space is half the battle won. Your grooming area should be:

  • Quiet and away from household traffic
  • Well-lit but not glaring
  • Comfortable temperature-wise (not too cold, not too hot)
  • Non-slip, especially if you’re using a grooming table or bathroom floor

You could even invest in a dedicated dog grooming station, which provides familiarity and security.

Add Soothing Elements

Calm their senses with:

  • Soft background music (classical or instrumental)
  • Aromatherapy using dog-safe essential oils like lavender
  • A calming presence – your relaxed tone and patience matter most

If your dog tends to bolt, use gentle restraints like a grooming loop — but only when necessary, and never as punishment.

Tools and Techniques That Minimise Stress

Brush Selection for Comfort

Using the wrong brush can make grooming painful. Instead, pick based on coat type:

  • Slicker brushes for removing tangles in thick double coats
  • Pin brushes for delicate, long strands like those on a Maltese
  • Detangling combs with rotating teeth for a gentle glide

Regular brushing helps avoid painful mats — but brushing incorrectly can cause more harm than good.

Detangling Without Drama

Mats are inevitable — but yanking them out isn’t the answer.

  • Use a dog-safe detangling spray to soften the area
  • Hold the base of the fur to avoid pulling the skin
  • Work in small sections, gently teasing mats apart
  • Reward breaks frequently

If mats are severe, don’t hesitate to consult a professional groomer.

Positive Reinforcement is Key

Use Rewards Throughout the Process

A fluffy dog happily chews on a bone while a hand offers it another treat, set in a cozy home environment.

Treats shouldn’t only come at the end of a grooming session. Reward your dog throughout:

  • After brushing a leg
  • Once they’ve let you handle their ears
  • When they stay calm while you trim around the eyes

This builds positive associations and teaches your dog that cooperation brings pleasure, not punishment.

Speak Gently, Move Slowly

Avoid loud commands or sudden jerks. A calm, slow approach tells your dog there’s nothing to fear. Avoid forcing compliance — if your dog shows signs of stress, pause and offer comfort.

Managing Specific Grooming Tasks with Care

Ear Cleaning

Dogs often dislike ear handling. Use:

  • Warm, damp cloths or vet-approved solutions
  • Cotton wool, never cotton swabs
  • Gentle strokes — no rubbing or pressure

Keep sessions short and sweet, building trust gradually.

Nail Trimming

One of the biggest anxiety triggers. Make it easier by:

  • Getting your dog used to having their paws touched
  • Using grinders or scissor-style clippers, depending on breed and nail hardness
  • Trimming a little at a time to avoid the quick

Praise after each paw and never rush the process.

Knowing When to Take a Break

Pushing through a session when your dog is clearly stressed can backfire. Watch for signs of overwhelm:

  • Rapid panting or restlessness
  • Sudden disinterest in treats
  • Flattened posture or trembling

Take breaks. Let your dog walk around, get a cuddle, or just relax before resuming. One session doesn’t have to cover everything — grooming should be sustainable, not traumatic.

Professional Help: When and Why

Hiring a Sensitive Groomer

Sometimes, grooming at home isn’t the best route, especially if your dog has trauma or extreme matting. A qualified groomer trained in handling anxious dogs can:

  • Work faster and more efficiently
  • Know safe restraint and calming techniques
  • Help desensitise your dog over time

Always meet groomers beforehand, ask about their anxiety protocols, and start with an observation-only visit if needed.

Vet Assistance

For dogs with deep-seated fear or aggression, a vet can:

  • Rule out medical causes for pain-based reactions
  • Recommend anxiety aids like calming supplements or pheromone diffusers
  • Provide mild sedation options if grooming is impossible, otherwise

Supporting Long-Term Grooming Comfort

Track Progress Over Time

Keep a journal of your dog’s grooming experiences:

  • How long do sessions last
  • What worked or triggered stress
  • Improvements in tolerance

This helps you build a grooming plan tailored to your dog’s unique temperament.

Keep Health in Mind

Pain makes grooming worse. Always watch for signs of:

  • Skin irritation
  • Ear infections
  • Joint stiffness or arthritis

Healthy dogs are less likely to resist handling. You can also enhance coat condition with supplements like fish oil, making grooming both easier and more enjoyable.

Conclusion: Building Trust Through Gentle Care

Helping your long-haired dog feel calm during grooming is one of the kindest things you can do as an owner. It takes patience, empathy, and consistency — but the payoff is a happier dog and a more harmonious grooming experience.

By transforming grooming into a predictable, soothing routine and listening closely to your dog’s signals, you’re not just managing a task — you’re building trust. Whether you’re gently brushing out tangles, cleaning delicate ears, or just holding their paw with patience, your dog learns that grooming isn’t something to fear.

Ready to build a grooming routine that works for both you and your pup? Start with one change at a time and stay consistent. Your dog’s wagging tail and stress-free eyes will thank you.