How to Calm a Dog for Grooming: Simple Tips for Nervous Dogs

Dog grooming for a fearful dog begins at home as you slowly desensitize the dog to having his paws held and familiarize him with the tools. It’s all about building the dog’s trust.

Published: November 6, 2026

Dogs need to be groomed. A lot of dogs hate grooming, and how to calm a dog for grrooming is an important life skill. — Many dogs become nervous at the idea of being groomed, so start by getting him used to having different parts of his body touched, like his paws, and rewarding him. Credit: MilkyWay | Getty Images

Grooming an anxious dog is challenging. You know the dog must be groomed, but if grooming is stressful for the dog, it’s going to be even worse for you. You don’t want to damage the relationship you have with your dog by forcing him to be groomed. I get it. I have been there. It’s hard for dog parents to see their dogs feeling anxious about something that can help them feel better overall.