Grooming for anxious dogs, Colorado Springs Calm grooms for nervous dogs

Some dogs dread the groomer. We give them a quiet time of day, a groomer they know, and as many breaks as they need.

A freshly groomed dog at Zuzu's Pet Spa.
A red merle Aussie and a little white dog in the tub, mid-bath at Zuzu's.

Nervous and anxious dogs

Grooming is a lot for some dogs

Think about it from your dog's side. Water, a table, loud dryers, strangers touching their feet and face, other dogs barking, and you just left. Some dogs love it. Others shake, freeze or try to hide. None of them are bad dogs. They just need a groomer who slows down and earns their trust.

A small dog in a bandana on the grooming table at Zuzu's.

Nervous and anxious dogs

What we do differently

  • We book nervous dogs at a quiet time of day
  • We keep them away from dogs we know are barkers
  • They see the same groomer every visit, so they can build a relationship
  • They get breaks whenever they need one
  • They're dried by hand while we brush, never in a cage dryer
  • We groom muzzle free by default

That last part matters more than people think. A dog who sees the same face every time has one less new thing to worry about.

A Pomeranian with a pink bow at Zuzu's.

Nervous and anxious dogs

The same groomer, every time

Trust is built one visit at a time. When your dog comes back to the same person, that groomer already knows what they like, what scares them and where they don't want to be touched. Dey is known for calm, low stress grooming. Micaela is patient with nervous dogs and with big dogs that worry. Tell us who your dog does best with.

A happy Bernese Mountain Dog at Zuzu's.
★★★★★
He's always despised nail trims and grooms but we finally found a groomer he trusts and loves.
Kendra H., Google review

Nervous and anxious dogs

Signs your dog is stressed

Dogs tell us how they feel long before they pull away. We watch for lip licking, yawning, a tucked tail, freezing in place, turning the head away, or shaking. When we see those signs, we stop, give your dog a break and let them settle before we go on. Pushing a scared dog through a groom only makes the next one harder.

    A freshly groomed dog at Zuzu's Pet Spa.

    Nervous and anxious dogs

    Before the visit

    • Take a long walk first so your dog has burned off some energy
    • Skip a big meal right before
    • Practice touching their paws, ears and face at home, with treats
    • Bring treats if your dog has favorites. Treats are welcome
    • Ask your vet whether a natural calming supplement could help
    • Keep the goodbye short and calm. A long goodbye tells your dog something is wrong
    A freshly groomed dog at Zuzu's Pet Spa.

    Nervous and anxious dogs

    Tell us everything

    When you book, tell us what scares your dog, any bad experiences at past groomers, and any medicine they take. The more we know, the better we can plan the quietest possible visit.

    Questions

    Nervous and anxious dogs questions

    Can you groom a dog that's scared of the groomer?

    Yes, in most cases. We go slowly, take breaks and keep your dog with the same groomer so each visit gets a little easier.

    Do you use muzzles?

    We groom muzzle free by default. Dey in particular is known for calm, muzzle free grooming.

    Can I stay with my dog?

    No. Most nervous dogs actually settle faster once their person leaves. We text you about 15 minutes before they're ready.

    My dog hates nail trims. Can you help?

    Yes. Nails are the hardest part for a lot of dogs. We hold the feet gently, go slowly and stop for breaks.

    Will my dog ever get better at grooming?

    Most do. A quiet time of day, the same groomer and regular visits teach a dog that grooming is safe. A lot of dogs who started out scared now walk in wagging.

    Address
    3336 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
    Hours
    Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM
    Get directions
    A German Shepherd, freshly groomed, standing at Zuzu's.

    Your dog's next groom is one call away

    (719) 472-4427Call to book

    Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM

    Call to book · (719) 472-4427