Professional Diploma in Dog Care, Grooming

& Nutrition

Doggy body
language
Module 1 Lesson 4

Summary Notes
 2 www.shawacademy.com

Contents

3 Introduction

4 Lesson outcomes

5 Reading a dog’s behaviour

9 How to approach a dog

13 Handling a dog while grooming

15 Conclusion

15 Additional resources

16 References

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

3 www.shawacademy.com

Lesson outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Identify behavioural signs

• Approaching a dog correctly
• Read a dog’s body language
• Handle and groom temperamental and disabled dogs

Practical lesson outcome .

You will be able to identify behavioural signs of aggression, fear, anxiety, as well as the correct method of approach.
You will learn how to handle and groom temperamental and disabled (blind and deaf) dogs.

Introduction
Dogs have a language of their own, which allows them to communicate their emotional state and intentions to those
around them. Although they use sounds and signals, it is mostly with their body language that they connect and send
information, such as whether it is safe to approach them. Are they anxious, edgy and ready to snap? Reading and
understanding their body language will allow you to make a more informative connection.

As Deborah Bull said, “Body language is a very powerful tool.”

Apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through body actions, not speech and that applies to
dogs as well. Welcome to your fourth lesson called “Doggy body language”. We will unlock the secrets to understanding
their body language and the right way to handle them.

Did you know?

Female dogs are more likely to greet other dogs by smelling the snout/muzzle first, while males go for the anogenital
region

Reading a dog’s behaviour

As their human counterparts do, dogs also use their body language to communicate their emotional state and their
intentions to others. If you would like to enter the dog grooming industry, being able to read their body language is key to
determine how and when to interact. As a dog owner, it will also be beneficial to understand your canine friend’s body
language to comprehend what he is trying to tell you.

Dogs have different personalities and can express fear, aggression, discomfort and happiness in various ways. There are no
set of rules for interpreting body language. It is important to deduce what the individual body parts tell us about the dog's
demeanour.

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

4 www.shawacademy.com

Dog body language

Ears
A dog’s ears are good for more than just hearing. How he presents his ears, can designate his feelings.
• Perked up ears overall indicate attentiveness and activity engagement. He might also be hearing an unfamiliar
sound, be intrigued or on alert
• Pinned ears straight back as flat as they can possibly go depicts a terrified dog. When the ears are just loosely
pinned back and down, your dog is being submissive

Eyes
You have probably heard the saying “The eyes are the window to the soul”, this is also true when it comes to dogs. Dogs
can display soft eyes and hard eyes.
• Soft eyes are when the dog’s eyelids are relaxed. This portrays a happy and relaxed dog. You have probably seen
those eyes before when scratching behind the ears or belly
• With a hard stare, the dog looks intently at an object. He may be guarding it aggressively. When dogs feel stressed,
they will pointedly look away and avoid eye contact

Tails
People often misinterpret tail wagging. Tail wagging indicates emotional arousal, either excitement or frustration. Let us
have a look at some different tail wags.
• A low hanging tail wag can mean he is scared, unsure or super excited
• A high stiff wagging tail indicates he might be unsure, but not submissive. When the body stiffens and he stares at
another dog or a human with ears up, be careful
• A loose wagging (not really high nor low) Indicates he is comfortable and friendly

Did you know?

A recent study on tail-wagging showed that dogs tend to wag more to the right when they feel positive about something,
like playing with there owner. Tails will wag more to the left when they are faced with something negative and the
helicopter tail-wag(when the tailspins in a circle) indicates that the dog is very happy.

Reading a dog’s body language as a whole

To read the body language as a whole, the following imageries will be discussed
Freeze
When a dog freezes it could either mean he is scared or
guarding something, such as food or toys. He might
bite so be careful

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

5 www.shawacademy.com

Rolling over
Rolling over generally suggests submission, but if the
tail is gently wagging and the mouth is slightly open,
he is probably comfortable and asking for a belly rub.
Some might ask for attention by rolling over, but then
become fearful, defensive and feeling unsafe. Do not
hover over the dog. Give him space to change position

Playful Bow
The rear end of the dog is up while the front legs
stretch out forward, head straight ahead and possible
wagging of the tail. This is an invitation to play

Anxious
An anxious dog normally displays a lowered head,
partially pulled back ears, stretched-out neck and
tucked-in tail. Other common features are yawning,
lip-licking or whale eyes (showing the white of the
eyes)

Fearful
A fearful dog displays extreme signals, sometimes
whines, growls and might even bare teeth in self-
defence. This dog may turn aggressive quickly if
threatened

Aggressiveness
An aggressive dog will plant his paws firmly on the
ground, taking in a territorial stand. His ears will be
pinned back and with head stiffened, he will stare
straight ahead. He will bear his teeth, growl and snap
his jaws. Another indication of aggression is that his
hair on the back of his neck will stand up

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

6 www.shawacademy.com

Submissive and dominant

The dog at the bottom of the image is displaying
submissive behaviour and not threatening. Submissive
behaviour is a choice and not forced. When in the
submissive position, a dog might lick the other dog or
human to display passive intent. The dog standing is
presenting a dominant position by leaning over the
other dog. Dominance is not a behaviour choice but a
dynamic between two dogs

Types of dog anxiety

In the previous slide, we debated some signs of a nervous dog. The various types of anxiety among dogs will now be
discussed.

• Separation anxiety presents when a dog is unable to be alone on his own or without his owner. Train your canine
friend from a young age to be able to cope without you
• Fear of loud noises- Loud noises for example fireworks and thunderstorms can trigger anxiety. Dogs often become
anxious even if sensing an approaching storm
• Change of environment. Even the simplest of changes in his environment can trigger anxiety. This could be going
to the groomer or vet or bigger environmental changes like moving homes
• Anxiety from being in a shelter. Rescue dogs may exhibit anxiety when placed in a crate at the groomers or vet.
This is due to the memories of spending time in a shelter and experiencing the lingering fear of abandonment
• Dog breeds prone to anxiety. Some breeds prone to anxiety are the Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies and
smaller breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Bichon Frises, King Charles Spaniels, Greyhounds, Havanese, and many toy
breeds

Common signs of anxiety in dogs

It's important not to dismiss behaviour that we sometimes consider normal.
Here is a list of common signs of anxiety in dogs:
• Continuous barking or howling when the owner is not home
• Excessive drooling and panting
• Pacing
• Shivering
• Cowering in the corner
• Digging
• Escaping the yard
• Destroying furniture
• Self-harm by intense licking and chewing at the legs or paws
• Not eating
• Urinating more frequently
• Inability to settle down

Some other subtle signs of anxiety are:

• Lip licking
• Whale eyes (showing white of the eyes)
• Lifting paws
• Looking away, no direct eye contact

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

7 www.shawacademy.com

How to treat anxiety

The following methods can be used to treat anxiety:

• Improve your dog’s exercise routine- Anxiety can cause an excess of energy. Play with your dog or go on long
walks. This will tire and de-stress him, reducing the risk of anxiety
• Music therapy- I have tried and tested this method and it really works. By playing some calming music during an
anxiety attack will calm him down. The music eclipses the sound that is bothering them. There are various
anxiety-reducing sound clips available on YouTube
• Calming coats or anxiety wraps- A calming wrap distributes pressure over the dog’s back and sides making it feel
like a hug. It is said that gentle pressure releases endorphins
• Supplements- There are various supplements available on the market in treating anxiety. Ask your veterinarian to
recommend a suitable product
• Using a home defuser is like an aromatherapy treatment for dogs
• Isolation- Sometimes a time out in a safe, quiet, low lights, calming environment can do wonders

Enter the following link into your search bar and watch a video of Cesar Millan giving advise on how to fix separation
anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmVSLqCh-RI

Cause of aggression
Aggression is a form of behaviour. It is important to understand the overview of aggression in dogs to protect yourself
against dog attacks or bites. You will learn how to “read the room” to identify when it is safe to groom an aggressive dog.
Previously in this lesson, we debated some signs of aggression.

The causes which will be discussed are:

• Resource Guarding- This dog acts aggressively when he is trained to guard an item (his home or a person ) or
obsessed with a certain element (his favourite toy). The reaction can range from a simple growl to a full-on attack.
• Food-Food could lead to aggression as mentioned above. This can easily occur during feeding time with a group
of dogs if not trained properly
• Leash aggression- Is caused by frustration due to the inability to interact with other dogs, whether it be a social or
non-social encounter. Leash aggression (resource aggression) can occur when protecting his owner. Training your
dog to interact with other dogs from a young age is very important
• Fear- When faced with a scary situation, nervous dogs can turn into aggressive dogs
• Social aggression- Having more than one dog in a home can lead to a dog pack forming. In other words, there
might be a hierarchy in your household, that you are not even aware of. Sometimes the dominant dog just needs
to remind the others of their place in the pack with a nip or by displaying an aggressive behaviour
• Pain- An injured dog might snap at you, when in pain or scared. Be careful when handling an incapacitated dog.
Older dogs can suddenly act hostilely because of experiencing pain or discomfort

Truth or a myth?
Are there distinct dog breeds that are prone to aggressive behaviour?
This is a myth! There is no such thing as an aggressive dog breed. The only biological factors that can affect aggression are
their sex and age. A spayed female will be less aggressive than a poorly socialised, unneutered, sexually maturing dog.

The best solution to handling or preventing aggressive behaviour will be to train your dog correctly from a young age.
Address the situation immediately, as soon as visible signs are exhibited.

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

8 www.shawacademy.com

Here are some tips in preventing aggression development:

• Train your dog to socialise with humans and with other dogs
• Watch out for resource guarding and address the situation immediately
• Positive reinforcement training
• Don’t reward dominant behaviour
We will delve deeper into this subject later in the lesson.

Dogs with disabilities/ special needs

Every dog deserves to be loved even a three-legged or blind one. In the following slide, we will discuss the different types
of disabilities that dogs can have and I will introduce you to some brave special needs animals.

Dogs with disabilities can be classified in the following categories:

• Hearing-impaired or deaf- Some dogs are born deaf others become deaf due to an accident or injury or because of
old age. We will discuss how to handle a hearing impaired dog later in this lesson
• Vision impaired or blind- Dog can become blind due to some diseases like Glaucoma or Cataracts or version
impairment can occur because of old age, just like humans
• A physical disability- Dogs can be bored without eyes, hearing impairment or even missing a limb. The best you
can do is to love that dog unconditionally
• Disability due to previous injuries-Dogs can start a life of being disabled on account of previous accidents that
may have occurred for example a car accident or enduring physical abuse that may have led to the amputation of
a limb or brain damage
• Neurological issues, for example, Epilepsy and Cerebellar Hypoplasia- Cerebellar Hypoplasia is a condition where
the cerebellum of the brain can not send a message to the muscles to allow balance and coordination in the dog.
Signs of Cerebella Hypoplasia are a lack of coordination and stiff “ toy soldier” leg movement. This condition can
be present from birth

Animals with disabilities are no different from other animals, they just require a bit more attention and care. We will now
have a look at some animals which did not allow their disabilities to stand in their way of living a normal life.

Meet Kenny the white tiger. Due to inbreeding Kenny is

recorded as the first Down’ Syndrome white tiger but
sadly not the last. Kenny, unfortunately, passed away in
2008 but his adorable face continues to draw attention to
the horrors of wildlife breeding

Oscar the blind cat was born with a condition called

microphthalmia which prevents the eyes from developing.
He has developed quite a fan base on social media and
still today his owners is sharing all his daily adventures to
the world, just proving that animals with disabilities can
live and enjoy a normal life

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

9 www.shawacademy.com

Sheba was born with a congenital defect that affected her

to walk on her front paws. She was rescued from a kill
shelter by loving parents, Jackie O’Sullivan and Stacey
Silverstein, the owners of Rescue Dogs Rock in New York
City. They will take Sheba to gets splits and teach her how
to walk on her front paws again

Oscar the bionic cat- Due to an accident, Oscar lost both

his back legs but was replaced with leg implants. Today,
Oscar is living a happy, healthy and “normal” cat’s life

How to approach a dog

We can all agree that at some point the “doggy cuteness” was just too much and we were tempted to disregard all rules.
But don’t, it can lead to wrong behaviour and bites. In the following slides, we will discuss the right method when
approaching a dog for the first time.

How to greet a dog for the first time

Ask permission from the owner if you may approach and pet his dog. Should the answer be no, there is a good reason for
that. Should permission be granted, make use of the following steps:
• Don’t approach the dog, let him come to you. They will do so when they feel comfortable
• Avoid direct eye contact- Dogs experience direct eye contact from a stranger as antagonism
• Do not crouch over the dog- Crouch side-ways beside him so that you are on the same level. This will seem like
less of a threat
• Keep your body relaxed- Smiling or slowly blinking your eyes will signal to the dog that you are not a threat.
• Don’t let your body face the dog- This could be mistaken as a signal of challenge. Always turn your body away
from him
• Speak in a soft voice - High-pitched vocalizations might lead to an anxious bite, as the dog can get spooked
• Present your hand for investigation- If the dog shows interest by sniffing you with a relaxed posture, slowly offer
your hand for exploration
• Let the dog decide- The dog will let you know if it wants more interaction or not. Respect his decision
• Deaf and blind dogs- Take extra care to not make sudden moves around them. Be patient and take your time
• If the dog backs away- If he backs away during the interaction, immediately stop what you are doing

Enter the following link into your Google search bar and watch the video of how Cesar Milan, a world-famous dog trainer
talk about how to approach a dog. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y_yFRHasAc

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

10 www.shawacademy.com

Take note of the illustration by Dr Sophia Yin, where she compares humans and dogs when it comes to inappropriate
meeting techniques. Take note of the illustration by Dr Sophia Yin, where she compares humans and dogs when it comes
to inappropriate meeting techniques.

Image 1) You’d probably feel threatened if someone randomly walked up to your car and stuck their hand through the
window and so do dogs. When you see a cute dog in a car, stand at a safe distance and just admire him without touching it,
as you will then have entered his threat zone and a bite is imminent.

Image 2) When you see an adorable dog, don’t run up to them and start petting. How would you feel when a stranger did
the same thing to you.
Approach slowly while watching the dog for body language signs.

Image 3) Don’t just reach out and touch a strange dog. First ask the owner for permission, as they know their pet well
enough to say yes or no.

Image 4) It is rude to stare. Dogs feel the same about that as we do. If the owner gives permission, avoid approaching head-
on, direct eye contact and staring. Instead, approach offset or sideways with a peripheral vision.

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

11 www.shawacademy.com

Image 5) Some kids have phobias about clowns or certain types of people. Similarly, some dogs fear specific types of
people or people wearing or carrying particular objects. If the dog shows signs of fear or discomfort avoid petting and just
admire from nearby.

Image6) Some interactions are just not appropriate and disliked by a dog. Most of them don’t like being hugged or held
tightly. Just pet them gently.

How not to greet a dog for the first time

We have all been guilty of one of these mistakes when greeting a dog.
Let us take note of how not to greet them:
• Neglect to ask permission from the dog’s owner
• Crouch over the dog to pet it
• Put your face up to his face
• Quickly approach the dog making high-pitched vocalizations
• Walk up behind the dog to enthusiastically rub his or her cute little rump
• On approaching a dog you look directly at it with your arms extended, while clapping your hands or clicking your
fingers right in his face, saying “who’s a good boy”
• Touching a cute dog while it is sleeping
• Believe you are the dog whisperer and you can forego the formalities that ordinary humans should observe

How to approach a nervous dog

Like humans, not all dogs are social butterflies. Some are naturally anxious and does not like interacting with other dogs
or humans. Some spook easily that might result in a nervous bite.

Let’s discuss some strategies on how to approach a nervous dog:

• Don’t bow or loom over them- The dog is already anxious and stressed. A human towering over him will not help
the situation
• Get down to the dog’s level- You will seem like less of a threat when on his level and can even lie down next to a
very apprehensive dog in order to calm him down
• Turn Sideways- As mentioned before, it is always a good idea to approach a dog sideways. He might feel
pressurised If you approach him face-to-face
• Avoid direct eye contact- Direct eye contact intimidates an uneasy dog
• Speak softly and with a gentle tone -Your tone of voice can affect his behaviour. Speak calmly and reassuringly as

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

12 www.shawacademy.com

a harsh or loud tone of voice will make him more restless

• Never punish a nervous dog- It only worsens the situation and could even lead to the dog biting you due to
increased anxiety levels

Helpful tips from a top dog trainer

I am sure you have all heard the name Cesar Millan. He is one of the world’s most famous dog trainers and “speaks” their
language.
Here are some tips from Cesar on how to deal with a nervous/fearful dog:
• Do not reward a fearful dog by comforting it. Negative behaviour will develop when our uneasy canine friend are
rewarded when behaving in a restless manner
• Dogs imitate human behaviour. When you handle him in a calm but assertive manner it will assist him in
overcoming his fear
• Dogs have four instinct responses; fight, flight, avoidance or surrender. Fearful dogs will normally abandon or flee
the confrontation. Our aim is for him to surrender by accepting the circumstances without a strong reaction
• The owner must lead by example in affirming that ”I am in charge and everything will be okay” thereby getting the
dog to capitulate, which is what we are aiming for
• When you are fearful, your dog will be fearful too- Remember dogs learn by imitating. If we are anxious or uneasy
about a certain sound, object or situation our dogs will also be restless and nervous. Dogs need a leader to take
control
When confronted with an aggressive dog
It is never a good idea to approach an aggressive dog.
Let us discuss what to do when confronted by a hostile dog:
• Try to remain calm- Never run as this triggers the animal’s instinct of hunting. He will come after you and believe
me, it is a race you will not win. When alone, slowly move backwards and never turn your back on an edgy dog
• Should you find yourself on the ground, go into a fetal position, cover your head with your arms and keep your
fingers curled in a fist
• Once again avoid direct eye contact
• When a dog bites you do not hit him, as this will only aggravate him to accelerate the attack. Try to place an
object between you and the dog
• Try not to scream as this will only increase the ferocity of the attack

What to do when bitten:

• Wash your wound with antibacterial soap and water
• If the bite is serious go to the doctor
• If you have not had a tetanus shot before, get one immediately. This will protect you against contracting rabies or
any other underlying diseases that the dog might have been carrying

We can unconsciously ignite aggression in a dog. Earlier in this lesson we mentioned a few steps to prevent aggressive
behaviour, we will now delve deeper in that subject. By implementing the following steps we can prevent hostility from
developing:

• Do not remove food or toys- Never take away a dog’s food while he’s busy eating or toy whilst his playing with it
• Avoid your dog from roaming free or off a leash
• Avoid playing “tug of war” as this may trigger aggression
• Avoid “wrestling/roughhousing” with its owner in the dog’s presence. He might mistake this as an attack and
pounce to protect his owner
• Neuter or spay your dog- When neutered the dog will be less territorial and protective, besides the fact that it’s
also good for their health
• Socialize your dog- Teaching your dog to socialize from a young age will reduce antagonism when meeting new
dogs
• Have a variety of toys for all your dogs- They don’t normally like to share

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

13 www.shawacademy.com

Enter the following link into your search bar and watch the video where Cesar Millan helps an overly aggressive dog.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTYSmgSzdko

How to approach a special needs dog

We have deliberated the methods on how to approach a dog for the first time and how to approach fearful and aggressive
dogs. The question now is how do we approach dogs with special needs:
• Ask the owner’s permission first- This is a very important step especially for dogs that are without certain senses
• On approval from the owner, place your hand in front of the dog’s nose so that he can smell you. This contributes
to awareness, especially in blind or deaf dogs
• Don’t force interaction- If the dog backs away after capturing your scent, do not force him to interrelate but
respect his decision
• A dog will indicate whether he would like to interact by taking the first step in approaching you. Gently pet him
and scratch under his chin and on his chest

Handling a dog while grooming

Standard handling while grooming
I will start by explaining the process and overall handling of a dog when grooming and demonstrate the procedure in more
depth in lesson 7 and 8.

• Remove the dog from the crate with a leash and lead him to the grooming table where you will conduct the pre-
grooming assessment
• If it is a small dog and you can lift it, bend down by using your knees not your back and wrap one arm between his
front legs and the other arm between his back legs. By doing this you have full control over the dog and he won’t
be able to jump out of your arms. Place the dog on a non- slip grooming table or area. If it is a large dog rather do
the pre-grooming assessment on the ground. We will discuss the pre-grooming assessment in lesson 5. Let’s
watch a quick demonstration video
• Once the pre-grooming assessment is completed it is time to brush him out. Get the dog into a standing position
by placing your hand under his belly and lifting him up. A belly belt, leash and a grooming noose can be used to
assist with this
• While grooming always have one hand on the dog
• Talk to him in a soft, soothing voice reassuring him that you are in control and know what you are doing
• After the dog has been brushed out, lead or carry him to the bathing area. Always use a leash and a collar. If you
are grooming at home using the same method but make sure that there is a non-slip mat in the bath and where
you are standing
• Once the dog has been washed it is time for drying. Always make sure that the dog is secured while drying by
using leashes and strips. Start the dryer at a low speed and temperature and increase progressively
• When ready for grooming introduce the dog to the grooming equipment slowly. I will demonstrate this method to
you with a quick video
• During the grooming process give the dog little breaks and cuddles to make the process more enjoyable
• After grooming reward the well-behaved pup with a healthy treat

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

14 www.shawacademy.com

Grooming an aggressive dog

Aggressive dogs need to be groomed as well. Let us take a look at how to handle them when grooming.

• Keep them separate- Groom aggressive dogs separate from other dogs
• Muzzle before removing from the crate- In severe cases ask the owner to do so
• Always make sure that he is safely secured throughout the grooming process and can’t escape
• Try to keep grooming sessions short but frequent until he gets used to the process
• Be patient and firm- Working on an aggressive dog takes time. You need to gain his trust and be patient
• Hold the face away- Always remember to keep your face and the dog’s face away from each other. Assure that
you are out of his biting range, at all times
• Use an assistant- An assistant can hold the dog firmly but gently while the other continues grooming
• Reward- After the grooming session reward him with a snack

*Tips: Muzzles come in different sizes so make sure that you use the correct size, that it is always properly secured and
won’t be able to come off.

How to groom a nervous dog

How to groom a nervous dog:

• Introduce yourself -By using the method introduced in the previous video
• Play before grooming – Ask the owner of the nervous dog to first take him for a walk or play with him before
coming to the parlour. This will tire him out and make grooming easier
• Play soft music-It will help both you and your furry client to relax by playing soft, calming music during the
grooming process
• Take breaks- Let the dog take a break or two when he becomes too edgy and nervous
• Know when to stop- Should the dog’s level of anxiety increase to cause concern, rather stop and re-schedule for
another time. Frequent visits to the groomer assist the dog in getting used to the groomer, grooming space, smell
and process
• Stay calm and patient- A dog imitates human behaviour and can sense if you are frustrated or agitated. The
recommendation would be to take a break, breathe and recollect yourself
• Reward the pup

How to groom a dog with special needs

We have spoken about dogs with special needs and how to approach them. Let's take a look at how to handle them during
the grooming process.

• Let owners sign an indemnity form- Grooming dogs with special needs or senior dogs holds a high risk for any
groomer. They experience the grooming process far more intense than the average dog.
• Identify condition- Before grooming ask the owner about any underlying conditions so that you can be prepared
when an incident occurs
• Provide comfort- Try to keep the dog as comfortable as possible. If he has only three legs or is very old, give
frequent breaks. Mobile groomers are perfect for special needs and senior dogs because they are groomed in a
familiar environment and in the comfort of their own homes
• Let the dog know you are there- Always have one hand on the dog at all times, especially with blind or deaf dogs.
This will reassure him that you are there
• Groom frequently for shorter periods- These dogs can’t stand for too long, My advice would be to groom them
more frequently and for shorter periods of time
• Adjust your grooming technique- In some cases you would need to adapt your normal grooming technique to
provide comfort

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

15 www.shawacademy.com

Conclusion
Well done for reaching lesson 4. Let us take a look at your progression status.
During this lesson, you learned to identify behavioural signs of aggression, fear, anxiety, as well as the correct method of
approach. You also gained knowledge on how to handle and groom temperamental and disabled (blind and deaf) dogs.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this lesson, dogs communicate through their body language. I hope that you would
be able to listen, hear and understand when he speaks to you. Building a relationship with a dog lasts forever even if he is
not physically with you anymore. That special relationship will live in your heart forever.

Additional resources
• Cesar Millan giving advise on how to fix separation anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmVSLqCh-RI
• Cesar Milan talks about how to approach a dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y_yFRHasAc
• Cesar Millan helps an overly aggressive dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTYSmgSzdko

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION

16 www.shawacademy.com

References
• Modern Dog magazine. 2020. How To Read Your Dog's Body Language. [online] Available at:
<https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/how-read-your-dogs-body-language/415>.
• The Spruce Pets. 2020. This Is How To Read Your Dog's Body Language Like A Pro. [online] Available
at: <https://www.thesprucepets.com/reading-your-dogs-body-language-1118279>.
• American Kennel Club. 2020. Understanding Dog Body Language: Decipher Dogs' Signs & Signals.
[online] Available at: <https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-read-dog-body-
language/>.
• Best Friends Animal Society. 2020. Dog Body Language. [online] Available at:
<https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-body-language>.
• Tractive Blog. 2020. 8 Tips On Understanding And Treating Anxiety In Fearful Dogs. [online] Available
at: <https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/fearful-dogs-expert-bettina-specht-tells>.
• Abc.net.au. 2020. Should You Cuddle A Crying Dog? Signs Your Pet Is Anxious And How To Treat It -
ABC Life. [online] Available at: <https://www.abc.net.au/life/signs-your-dog-is-anxious-and-how-to-
treat-it/10952390>.
• Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics and Videos. 2020. Aggression In Dogs:
Signs, Causes, Types, And Solutions. [online] Available at: <https://petcube.com/blog/dog-
aggression/>.
• Keller & Company. 2020. How Do You Approach A Deaf/Blind Dog?. [online] Available at:
<https://kellerscause.wordpress.com/2017/04/17/how-do-you-approach-a-deafblind-dog/>.
• Prudent Pet Insurance. 2020. Mental Disorders In Dogs | Prudent Pet Insurance. [online] Available at:
<https://www.prudentpet.com/blog/mental-disorders-dogs/>.
• GoPetFriendly.com. 2020. How To Greet A Dog - 11 Tips To Help You Pass The Sniff Test. [online]
Available at: <https://blog.gopetfriendly.com/11-tips-for-greeting-a-strange-dog/>.
• Dr. Sophia Yin. 2020. Preventing Dog Bites By Learning To Greet Dogs Properly. [online] Available at:
<https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/preventing-dog-bites-by-learning-to-greet-dogs-properly/>.
• The Spruce Pets. 2020. Tips For Approaching A Fearful Or Aggressive Dog. [online] Available at:
<https://www.thesprucepets.com/approaching-a-shy-scared-dog-1117432>.
• Cesar's Way. 2020. What To Do About A Fearful Dog | Cesar's Way. [online] Available at:
<https://www.cesarsway.com/what-to-do-about-a-fearful-dog/>.
• Cbsnews.com. 2020. If Aggressive Dog Threatens You, Know What To Do. [online] Available at:
<https://www.cbsnews.com/news/if-aggressive-dog-threatens-you-know-what-to-
do/#:~:text=1)%20First%20get%20the%20%22OK,even%20come%20closer%20to%20you.>.
• Cbsnews.com. 2020. If Aggressive Dog Threatens You, Know What To Do. [online] Available at:
<https://www.cbsnews.com/news/if-aggressive-dog-threatens-you-know-what-to-
do/#:~:text=1)%20First%20get%20the%20%22OK,even%20come%20closer%20to%20you.>.
• WagWalking. 2020. How To Groom An Aggressive Dog. [online] Available at:
<https://wagwalking.com/grooming/groom-an-aggressive-
dog#:~:text=Never%20end%20a%20grooming%20session,groom%20to%20end%20the%20session.
&text=Snug%20the%20dog's%20back%20end,or%20neck%20collar%20and%20lead.>.
• Roscoe's Bed + Bark. 2020. How To Keep Your Dog Calm While Getting Groomed | Roscoe's Bed +
Bark. [online] Available at: <https://www.roscoesbedandbark.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-dog-
calm-while-getting-groomed/>.
• Dogs, G., 2020. Grooming Senior & Special Needs Dogs | Handicapped Pets Blog. [online]
HandicappedPets.com. Available at: <https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/grooming-tips-for-
senior-dogs/>.

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DOG CARE, GROOMING & NUTRITION