Change grooming from a chore to a shared moment of connection and calm.
For many dog owners, grooming is a stressful experience for both owners and pups. But with the right attitude and products, your at-home grooming experience can go from a chore and a stressor to something beautiful - a calming, caring ritual that builds your relationship with your dog.
At Soulmates, we believe grooming is more than a maintenance task. It is a sensory experience - nurturing, gentle, luxurious, and intentional. Here are some tips for a curated routine that raises your at-home grooming into a ritual that feels like a spa experience.
1. Set the Mood
Before you even pick up a brush, consider the environment. Dogs can pick up on energy, sounds, and smells. Find a quiet space where your dog already feels safe. Consider a cosy bathroom or sunny spot near a window.
Enhance the ambience:
- Dim the lights or use natural light
- Play a soft instrumental soundtrack or dog-calming playlist (yes, those exist!).
- Light a pet-safe, calming candle, or use a diffuser with lavender or chamomile essential oil. (Make sure they are pet-safe and approved by your veterinarian).
2. Use Gentle, High-Quality Products
The coat and skin of your dog deserve the same treatment you might demand from a luxurious full-service salon. Harsh and synthetic shampoos can strip natural oils and irritate the skin, especially in those dogs that are sensitive by nature.
Opt for products that have:
- Organic ingredients like oats, aloe vera, and coconut oil
- Hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formulas
- Subtle, subtle scents—no fragrance bombs
You could even try a calming shampoo with a nourishing leave-in conditioner for silky softness and long-lasting freshness.
3. Create a Slow, Predictable Rhythm
Dogs tend to flourish in a routine, so make sure to do grooming at the same time each day, after a walk or meal and when the dog is already calm. Move slowly, deliberately and purposefully and most importantly, avoid sudden changes in pressure or direction.
You can start with a soft-bristle brush; this way, you can detangle fur and remove some loose fur without a lot of rucking and raking. Then, you can wash and get either a light towel-dry or a light pet dryer with little noise. And as always, when working with fur, remember to always go in the direction of the fur as if you are petting the dog.
4. Incorporate Touch and Trust
Build connections as you progress through the process. Speak calmly and softly, using a low, soothing voice. Explore small circular motions on your dog's ears, shoulders and spine. Touch helps calm your dog, enhances trust and deepens your bond with your dog.
Pro Tip: A warm, plush grooming towel or post-bath cuddling blanket can provide a sense of warmth and can help trigger a comforting routine for grooming time, indicating it can be safe and positive.
5. Reward and Reinforce
End every session on a high note. A soft, grain-free treat or a favourite chew toy can reinforce the experience as something pleasurable. You might even consider a few moments of quiet cuddle time together—no distractions, just connection.
Make sure all of your sessions end on a positive note. Something to consider is a soft, grain-free treat or favourite chew toy. Providing something pleasurable at the end of each visit can help to ensure the dog has a pleasant association with the visit. You could also follow that with a few quiet moments with your dog, just a little cuddle time distractions you and your dog!
Final Thoughts
A relaxing grooming ritual is a way to show care, comfort, and connection. It can become one of the best things you do every week, a spa-like break for your pup that conveys love with every stroke.
Explore our curated collection of luxurious grooming essentials so that everyday grooming can become a ritual your dog will look forward to.
