Why do some dogs fight, freeze, bark, bite, pull away, or shut down during professional Dog Grooming?

In this episode of Beneath The Canine Coat with Michelle Knowles & Sasha Riess, we break down two real cases of reactive dogs and explore what changes when we stop calling them “difficult” and start asking what the behavior may be communicating.

We discuss:

• why reactive behavior is information, not simply disobedience
• how fear, stress, pain, sensory overload, and past experiences can influence the dog
• why stillness does not always mean the dog feels safe
• how force and excessive restraint may increase resistance
• how the Dog Groomer’s own nervous system can influence the interaction
• practical ways to create more safety, communication, and predictability
• why rehabilitation is different from simply getting through the appointment
• how trust can be rebuilt over time

This is not about letting the dog control the grooming appointment.

It is about developing the observation, skill, and professional judgment to recognize what may be happening before automatically trying to suppress the behavior.

The behavior is not the problem.
The behavior is information.

If you work with dogs who freeze, fight, bite, bark, resist handling, or shut down during grooming, this episode is for you.

Go deeper into canine stress, behavior, communication, and what may be happening beneath the reaction:

https://www.plhschool.com/stop-calling-them-difficult

Beneath The Canine Coat with Michelle Knowles & Sasha Riess is created for professional Dog Groomers who know there is always more happening beneath the coat.

Free Masterclass: Stop Calling Them Difficult