CHALLENGING SITUATIONS
Managing Aggression
GEORGINA COVINGTON
RAZ
When an older dog becomes difficult to groom
Raz is a 12-year-old Miniature Poodle who Georgina has groomed for many years. As he’s aged, his behaviour during grooming has changed significantly, turning what was once a fairly straightforward groom into one that requires careful handling, flexibility and a very different idea of what makes a successful finish.
Georgina talks through her approach to keeping the groom as short, safe and comfortable as possible, including adapting the order of the groom, choosing equipment carefully, minimising unnecessary handling and restraint, and knowing when a beautifully finished groom simply isn’t the priority.
Key points
Rule out pain first
A significant change in an older dog’s behaviour warrants a veterinary check, particularly where pain, injury or age-related changes may be contributing.
Work with the dog in front of you
Rather than following the usual grooming sequence, Georgina works through Raz according to what he can tolerate at that moment, avoiding unnecessary repositioning and making use of calmer periods when they appear.
Comfort before perfection
The goal for Raz is maintenance: keeping him comfortable, knot-free and manageable until his next appointment. Perfect Poodle feet, immaculate scissor work and a beautifully finished tail can take a back seat.
Short and regular
Raz is groomed every six to eight weeks, helping avoid the additional handling and discomfort that would come with dealing with an overgrown or matted coat.
