Okay, so my husband and I have a almost 2 year old great dane. He is not socialized as he should be because during the first year and a month or two my father became very ill with cancer and eventually I lost him. Socializing our dane , Jet suffered. My problem is that now when i take him to the groomer for a bath if they put him in the back with all the other dogs kenneled around him he totally freaks out. He gets so worked up and afraid. Today they called me to come calm him down. I don't know what to do. I think he is at an age where it's too late really. How can I get him to be less afraid and more confident when I take him out? And when He is kenneled around a lot of other dogs, how can I keep him from freaking out? Thanks.
It is not too late.
Follow Lizzie's advice.
Begin socializing your dog in other situations.
Take your dog for long walks. Try different locations so he gains confidence in different situations.
Take him to a dog park.
Take your dog to the groomer for a visit. Go in the door and sit in the waiting area with him for a while. Give treats to reward good behavior.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com If he behaves in the waiting area, on another day try walking to the back area with him. Reward good behavior.
The following week put him in a crate in the back area for a few minutes. Reward good behavior.
Repeat on various days until the time can be increased and until he will settle down without you being there.
Keep training sessions to 10-20 minutes, then gradually extend the time. At any point he becomes anxious stop and try again on another day.
If you can't do it on your own hire an experienced canine behavior professional.
U Can try what lizzie told
You have two choices:
(1) Try one of those DIY (Do It Yourself) dog wash places that provide large walk in tubs, shampoos, water, towels, dryers. And a waterproof apron (they even clean up after you!) To see if he is calmer when it is just you and him and a tub. Wear old clothes. These places are dreadfully under-utilized by the public so it is very unlikely that there will be a crowd, and your dog will never be caged. The prices are Very Reasonable . There are groomers at these places, too, if you want to have the dog's nails trimmed, too, for an additional charge.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
(2) Ask your vet to prescribe a mild tranquilizer for grooming. Your vet knows what your dog is like, right? If not, then describe his behavior to the vet. Bring the dog with you, for weighing (necessary to prescribe properly) . It may take a time or two before you get the dosage exactly right, so don't despair. You need him CALM but able to stand and walk around. He will sleep it off later.
One, or maybe a combination of the two, will probably work for you.
So MANY dogs are difficult to handle that most groomers wish more owners would get the tranquilizers OR do it themselves, if it would keep the dog calmer.
