Diary of a Fear-Free Groomer: Vol. 1

Trigger warning: domestic violence

I had a great conversation with a client today about dogs who react strongly - to the point of lunging and snapping - when nail clippers appear.

I get it buddy, I get it.

For some dogs, nail clippers equal pain and fear

When I was in my 20s, a man I was seeing cut my stomach open with a utility knife just like the one pictured below. For a very long time after that, if anyone was holding a knife like this my fuse was extremely short.

At first, I’d just leave the area if I saw someone holding one. Over the years a few people have thought my fear was funny, and they lunged at me with one to see how I’d react. I instinctively reacted with violence to protect myself.

Over time I’ve figured out how to explain my fear to people, and politely ask them to put the knife down until I was gone.

It’s 25 years later and I am finally in a place where I can be around people using this type of box knife. But believe me when I tell you that even though I seem calm I’m watching closely, and I’m ready to act in ANY WAY to protect myself. Even today, even with people I wholeheartedly trust. It’s not you, it’s the knife.

Dogs who react to nail clippers with aggressive behavior have often had a painful or scary experience with them, so their reaction is to self-protect. Much like me with the utility knife.

For me, utility knives equaled pain and fear

For me: utility knife = pain

For those dogs: nail clipper = pain

It’s a learned association.

If your dog reacts aggressively to nail clippers or any other implements, understand that he’s terrified and willing to protect himself, just like me.

If your dog has any sort of difficulty with nail trimming, feel free to reach out. I can help.

No one likes to be afraid. Dogs are no exception.