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While there are many dogs who love being pampered, some of our canine companions can go berserk when they see the scissors. But trimming your dog’s face isn’t just a great way to keep them in tip-top shape—it’s a vital part of responsible dog ownership, especially for smaller breeds. Routine grooming sessions keep you connected to your dog’s overall health so you can examine their face, coat, body, and paws for any problems. Don’t lose hope if your dog wiggles, hides, bites, or runs away when you’re trying to trim their face—there are ways you can make the ritual a lot more positive for both you and your dog.

Why Won’t My Dog Let Me Trim Their Face?

Your dog may hate getting trimmed around the face for a lot of reasons. Remember that dogs have good memories. So, they’ll have remembered previous scary or painful experiences, especially negative experiences that happened when they were a puppy.

Pay attention to how your dog reacts before, during, and after trying to trim its face. For example, do they react negatively to a certain motion? If your dog is flinching every time you get near them with the trimmers, they’ve likely off had an awful experience while being trimmed in the past.

Some dogs become anxious when someone is working around their face. This could be because they have anxiety or perhaps, they find new experiences scary. It’s also possible that your dog has had a history of abuse that you don’t know about. Rescue dogs, in particular, may often have a fear of abandonment and could be reacting negatively because they simply don’t trust you. If your dog is biting when being trimmed, it may be because they don’t enjoy the experience of getting their face trimmed, they’re scared or have been abused.

It’s also possible that your beloved dog could have had a bad grooming experience in the past. For example, someone could have nicked their skin or went too fast, pulling their hair as a result. And, of course, there are some dogs that just don’t have the patience. They’ve got so much energy to burn and won’t want to sit still for a minute. Regardless of the reason, it’s still possible for your dog to learn to tolerate getting its face trimmed.

How To Trim Your Dog’s Face If They Hate It

As Your dog can’t tell you why they hate getting their face trimmed, it’s important to treat them respectfully and as gently as possible.

It can be easy to get frustrated or angry when you’re having a difficult time trimming your dog’s face. But the more frustrated you are, equally your dog will get just as frustrated, making the process more difficult. It’s important to show your dog lots of love and patience.

Load up on treats to give your dog before lifting the trimmers. Don’t hesitate to give your dog a treat every couple of seconds. After all, you want to give them a reason to cooperate.

Creating a relaxing environment is important for making the process easier. Make them comfortable by placing them on something soft, like a folded towel or on a bed. You also need to keep them in a contained space where they can’t dash off when they want, like a patio or porch.

Always start by giving your dog a treat. Let them investigate the scissors first to introduce them to your dog.

Start by working on a small section at a time. Focus on the sections that are easier to do, that may not bother your dog as much. As you move onto another small section, offer more treats.

If your dog is impatient, try doing shorter sessions. Make sure to praise your dog as you continue to work around their face, then stop after a few strokes.

Be very patient as you’re trimming them, constantly praising them at the same time.

If your dog is starting to tolerate it more, you can use a treat to reposition them so you can get to better angles.

You may only be able to get small sections at a time when you first start trimming your dog. But that’s okay! The goal is to show your dog that this is a positive activity.

For dogs who hate sitting still for any length of time, you may have better luck trimming around their face after an energetic activity like a long walk or agility training.

Remember, every time you’re grooming your dog, the goal is always to build trust with them. You want to make every grooming session a positive memory to reinforce that.

Does Your Dog Show Aggression While Being Trimmed

If your dog is biting or growling while you’re trying to groom them, then this should never be acceptable and will often require professional intervention. If your dog is biting you or acting aggressively, consider getting in contact and work with a trainer to curb the fear and aggression.

You may also need to work with a groomer who is versed to deal with aggressive dogs. They may even team up with other groomers to restrain your dog so everyone can stay safe.

Could My Dog Have A Medical Issue?

It may be time for a vet check-up to rule out any potential medical conditions that could be causing discomfort or pain somewhere on your dog’s face. Something that you wouldn’t think of, such as infected ears, could cause your dog to jerk when you’re close to those sensitive spots.

Even though your dog may hate having the scissors used on them, it’s an important part of pampering a dog. Hopefully, in time, your dog will grow to tolerate or even love getting trimmed.

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