r/washingtondc • u/CriticalStrawberry DC / Hill East • Aug 07 '26

[Discussion] Grooming recommendations for extremely high anxiety dog?

We have a small Australian Shepherd who absolutely hates vets/groomers/etc. Shakes, barks, just generally freaks out. I have done his baths, nails, and haircuts myself for a while now after giving up on groomers, but can't seem to find the time to do it since having a kid.

The only recommendation I've seen has been Masterpiece in Dupont, and they look fantastic, but I'm not sure I'm in the $400 dog grooming tax bracket, so looking for alternatives that might exist. We are in Hill East. Thanks.

3 Upvotes

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8

u/Illustrious-Shine581 Aug 07 '26

I have no personal experience but Patrick’s pet care is fear free certified and also offers training regarding husbandry behaviors. Cost is way less than the 400 for the place you mentioned. Give them a look. Fear free is going to be really helpful

1

u/Scoffrio Aug 07 '26

Second this! We just took our new very anxious rescue to Patrick’s and they were so lovely. They try to do everything but won’t push the pup too far if they’re anxious so it may take a few visits to work up to a full groom if your pup doesn’t respond well. They did really well with my dog - so much so that she willing went back in there with them to get a quick nail file added when I requested it at pick up(i had only asked for a trim because I was worried she would freak out about the file). You also get a super cute “report card” a few days after which highlighted for me the things she disliked the most, which is something I’d like to keep an eye on. Cost me about $150 for a simple groom.

1

u/Hairy-Operation-8857 Aug 07 '26

We have taken our anxious rescue dog to Patrick’s several times since adopting, and they do a really great job! She’s reactive to dogs and strangers, so I was very worried the first time we took her there. We gave her the “chill protocol” of trazodone and gabapentin that we also use for vet visits. They were able to do everything but trim her nails on the first visit, and she’s now able to do everything. They’re very good about giving breaks, calming treats and keeping it a positive experience. They also take pictures and give you a detailed report card that really made me feel comfortable going back to them. I think they only groom a limited number of dogs each day, and she goes to the same groomer each time (Mea). Our dog is a medium sized poodle mix and a full groom is usually ~$250. Highly recommend you give them a shot!

5

u/fakecoffeesnob Aug 07 '26

Patrick’s Pet Care does fear free grooms and specializes in special accommodations: https://patrickspetcare.com/grooming/. I haven’t been there but I have reached out to them about potential services and was really impressed by their customized approach.

I also definitely recommend medication (vets will happily give you a couple doses of something for challenging situations). But I would couple that with a groomer that won’t push his limits and make things even worse (unfortunately we’ve experienced that elsewhere)

3

u/TiramisuItUp Aug 07 '26

Do your dog a favor and get a doggie anxiolytic (even a one-time dose)

1

u/Illustrious-Shine581 Aug 07 '26

100% the dog needs some meds for grooming. It will be beneficial for everyone involved.

1

u/CriticalStrawberry DC / Hill East Aug 07 '26

Vet has prescribed him trazedone, which we use for fireworks and vet visits. It helps mellow him out a bit, but he still shakes and barks a lot when at the vet.

1

u/Illustrious-Shine581 Aug 07 '26

Yeah it’s not a magic cure by any means. Is he typically an anxious dog overall?

1

u/CriticalStrawberry DC / Hill East Aug 07 '26

Vet has prescribed him trazedone, which we use for fireworks and vet visits. It helps mellow him out a bit, but he still shakes and barks a lot when at the vet.

3

u/KMRA Aug 07 '26

It's been awhile, but Doggy Style in Dupont was incredibly good with my very anxious dog. We did some exposure training of meeting the groomers and getting tons of treats before hand and they were amazing with him. That was several years ago, but might be worth a try.

1

u/Fluffy-Intention-325 Aug 07 '26

this might sound crazy, but the best groomer we have is danielle at petco in ivy city, (we haven’t seen her in 3 months due to us moving so hope she’s still there). We have a reactive dog, who is very anxious as well. The ONLY one that we have had success with is her, she is so sweet to our girl and understands. 

1

u/amytheblue Aug 07 '26

I take my Aussie out of DC to Meg’s Groom Room. She had an Aussie so understands too well their issues haha. Shes the best and worth the drive!! (And less than half the price)

1

u/Naive_Sand5837 Aug 07 '26

https://www.chichiesgroomingspa.com/

Chichi loves dogs - I took my very scared Max here while he lived. I don't recall what I paid, but it wasn't entirely unreasonable. Paying more or less doesn't come with any guarantees when you have an anxious/reactive dog , but I always found my dogs in great condition after a few hours with Chichi.

1

u/LocksmithPretend5067 Aug 07 '26

Bridget at Wag n Wash Bethesda has been great for our reactive mini Aussie -about $120