Exercise: the cure for grooming anxiety.

A lot of it traces back to the COVID years. So many dogs got used to having their humans around 24/7. Life was quiet, predictable, and very “together”. Then suddenly everyone went back to work, school, travel, social lives… and the dogs were left thinking, “Hang on — where did my people go?” For younger dogs, it also meant they missed out on the usual early exposure to different places, sounds, and situations. Add in the general stress of busy post-pandemic life, and it’s no surprise that many dogs are more on edge than they used to be.

Research backs this up too. Behaviourists and vets have seen a huge spike in anxiety-related behaviours since 2020 — more vocalising, more clinginess, more unsettled energy, more “I can’t cope with this new thing right now”. Basically, our dogs have been riding the same rollercoaster we have. It’s not just the dogs either as a lot of owners have had to adjust with their own version of separation anxiety from their constant four legged shadow.

For groomers, this shows up in very real ways: dogs trembling as they arrive, resisting touch, getting jumpy around clippers or dryers, or simply finding it hard to settle on the table. An anxious dog’s heart rate is higher, their muscles are tight, and their tolerance drops quickly. At Bishop’s Bark we are all very aware of this and consider ourselves “experts” at nervous dogs (and owners).

A healthier routine for dogs and owners alike

The good news? There is something simple that helps enormously: exercise beforehand. A proper walk, a run around the park, or a good bit of play drains that nervous energy and helps the body switch into a calmer state. Just like we feel better after moving our bodies, dogs arrive far more relaxed and able to cope with grooming when they’ve had a chance to burn off the jitters first. All of our doggie day care dogs always get their grooms done at the end of the day. Everyone benefits from this. Their owners get a lovely clean and groomed dog at the end of the day and we get to groom relaxed happy pups. Win win!

At Bishop’s Bark, we always encourage a quick “walk, play, groom” routine before your appointment. It makes a world of difference to your dog’s experience — and to their haircut. If you can’t fit this routine in on the day of your groom consider speaking wit our dog walking / day care team to see if we could help you out.