Dog Handling & Grooming Training: How to Help Your Dog Stay Calm for Grooming

1 day ago

6 min read

Grooming isn't just about making your dog look good.

For many dogs, grooming involves being touched in areas they may not normally enjoy, standing still for extended periods, having their paws handled, hearing unfamiliar sounds, and being around grooming equipment.

For some dogs, that can be a lot to handle.

That's why handling training is such an important part of raising a confident, cooperative dog.

At Hustle Up Dog Training in Surrey, we believe dogs should learn to be comfortable with everyday handling—not just basic obedience. Being able to calmly accept having their paws, ears, face, body and coat handled can make grooming, veterinary visits and everyday care much easier.

And we have some exciting news for our clients.

Mobile Dog Grooming Is Coming to Hustle Up Dog Training

On October 8th, 2026, professional mobile dog groomer Leevi will be joining us at our training facility for a full day of private grooming appointments. Her business is The Pup Shop Mobile Dog Grooming.

Instead of making another trip across town to a grooming salon, clients will have the opportunity to book their dog in for a one-on-one grooming appointment right here at the facility.

Leevi generally works from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the final dog accepted at 4:00 p.m.

She recommends approximately five dogs per day so each dog can receive the attention they need.

If there is enough demand, additional grooming days can be scheduled.

Meet Leevi, Our Mobile Dog Groomer

Leevi brings more than grooming experience to her work.

She lived in Mexico for 20 years, where she was heavily involved in dog rescue. Since returning to Canada, she has continued fostering dogs and remains involved with rescue work.

She also works with Renacer Contigo, a rescue organization in Cancun, Mexico, that helps bring dogs to Vancouver.

As a professional groomer, Leevi particularly enjoys working with dogs that may need a quieter, more private grooming experience.

Grooming Nervous Dogs

Not every dog enjoys a busy grooming environment.

Some dogs become nervous around unfamiliar people, sounds, other dogs, dryers, clippers or the general activity of a busy salon.

Leevi specializes in working with nervous dogs and prefers a quiet, private, one-on-one approach whenever possible.

That makes her a particularly good fit for dogs who may benefit from a calmer grooming experience.

Large Dogs Are Welcome

Have a big dog?

That's no problem.

Leevi especially enjoys working with gentle giants, and large dogs are welcome.

Whether your dog is a small companion or a very large breed, grooming should be approached with patience, appropriate handling and attention to the individual dog's comfort.

Why Handling Training Matters

A dog doesn't automatically understand that having their nails trimmed, paws touched or face handled is normal.

These are behaviours we need to gradually teach.

Handling training helps your dog learn that being touched and examined doesn't necessarily mean something bad is about to happen.

Your Dog's Paws

Dogs may need their paws handled for:

Nail trimming
Cleaning
Checking for injuries
Removing debris
Veterinary examinations

Start by calmly touching your dog's paws for short periods.

Reward calm behaviour with praise, affection or whatever reinforcement works best for your dog.

Gradually increase the amount of handling rather than immediately expecting your dog to tolerate a full nail-trimming session.

Your Dog's Ears

Dogs need to become comfortable with having their ears handled and examined.

Gently touching around the ears and rewarding calm behaviour can help make future cleaning and veterinary examinations easier.

Never force a dog through handling when they are showing significant fear or distress.

Your Dog's Face

Grooming often involves working around a dog's eyes, ears, muzzle and face.

This can be an especially sensitive area.

Teach your dog gradually that gentle handling around their face is normal.

Short, calm sessions are generally more useful than trying to accomplish everything at once.

Your Dog's Body

Brushing requires a dog to accept someone moving a brush across different areas of their body.

Practice gently touching and brushing your dog in short sessions.

Pay attention to areas that your dog finds particularly uncomfortable and work gradually.

Grooming Is a Training Exercise

One of the biggest mistakes owners can make is thinking about grooming and training as two completely separate things.

They're connected.

Your dog needs to learn how to:

Stand calmly
Stay in one place
Accept handling
Remain relaxed around equipment
Allow their paws to be touched
Allow their ears and face to be handled
Tolerate brushing
Accept new people
Recover from unfamiliar experiences

These are all forms of handling training.

And the earlier you start, the easier it can be to build these behaviours.

Puppy Handling Training Starts Early

If you have a puppy, don't wait until their first major grooming appointment to introduce them to grooming-related handling.

Start with short, positive experiences.

Introduce the Grooming Tools

Let your puppy see and investigate brushes, combs and other grooming equipment.

You don't need to immediately start grooming.

The goal initially is simply to help the puppy become familiar with the objects.

Practice Standing Still

Ask your puppy to stand calmly for a few seconds.

Gradually increase the amount of time.

Handle the Paws

Touch each paw gently.

If your puppy stays calm, praise them and continue.

Keep the sessions short.

Touch the Ears

Gently handle the ears and gradually build your puppy's comfort.

Practice Brushing

Start with a few gentle strokes.

Over time, gradually increase the duration.

The objective is not to force your puppy to tolerate grooming.

It's to teach your puppy that grooming and handling are normal parts of life.

What If My Dog Hates Grooming?

If your dog already struggles with grooming, don't assume they're simply being stubborn.

There can be many reasons a dog finds grooming difficult.

They may be:

Nervous
Sensitive to touch
Unfamiliar with grooming
Frightened by equipment
Uncomfortable with restraint
Protective of their body
Overwhelmed by a busy grooming environment
Experiencing pain or discomfort

The solution isn't always to simply make the grooming session happen.

Instead, look at what your dog is communicating and work on the underlying issue.

For dogs with significant fear, aggression or handling sensitivity, professional behavioural or veterinary guidance may also be appropriate.

How Real-World Dog Training Helps With Handling

At Hustle Up Dog Training, we focus on helping dogs behave in the environments where their owners actually need them to behave.

That includes more than sitting, staying and walking nicely.

Your dog also needs to learn how to navigate everyday experiences.

Grooming is one of them.

The same foundation that helps your dog remain calm during a grooming appointment can also help with:

Veterinary visits
Nail trims
Brushing
Bathing
Ear cleaning
Harness and collar handling
Being touched by family members
Being handled by professionals
New environments

That's why handling training should be considered part of everyday dog training, rather than something you only think about when grooming day arrives.

Book a Grooming Appointment at Hustle Up

If your dog is due for a groom, Leevi will be offering private mobile grooming appointments at our training facility on:

October 8, 2026

Appointments will generally run between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with approximately five dogs accommodated throughout the day.

Because Leevi specializes in nervous dogs and enjoys working with large breeds, this is a great opportunity for clients who would prefer a quieter, more individualized grooming experience.

Appointments are limited.

Contact Hustle Up Dog Training to inquire about booking your dog's grooming appointment. You can text or call Brad at (250) 317-9889 to secure your dog's spot!

Keep Your Dog Grooming-Ready Between Appointments

Professional grooming is only part of the equation.

What you do at home between appointments matters too.

Brush Your Dog Regularly

Regular brushing can help prevent tangles and mats from developing.

Leevi's biggest grooming pet peeve is matted dogs, and prevention is much easier than trying to deal with severe matting later.

Your dog's coat type will determine how frequently brushing is needed, so learn what is appropriate for your individual dog.

Continue Handling Practice

Don't only handle your dog's paws, ears and body when you need something done.

Make calm handling part of everyday life.

A few minutes of relaxed handling can go a long way toward helping your dog become more comfortable with routine care.

Keep Sessions Short

You don't need to turn every handling session into a major event.

A few calm minutes can be more productive than pushing your dog beyond their comfort level.

For more information you can read more here: Let's Talk Dog Grooming! How To Groom a Dog at Home.

Grooming, Handling & Training Go Hand in Hand

A well-trained dog isn't simply a dog that knows how to sit on command.

A well-prepared dog should be able to navigate the everyday experiences that come with living alongside people.

That includes grooming.

It includes veterinary care.

It includes being handled.

It includes new environments and unfamiliar people.

Teaching your dog to remain calm and cooperative during these experiences can make life easier for you, your dog and the professionals who care for them.

And that's what real-world dog training is all about.