The Grooming Room

09/12/2025

08/26/2025

Unwanted Behaviour or Unseen Pain?

Pain is one of the most overlooked causes of unwanted behaviour. Before we label, or train, we must ask: Could this be pain?

Dogs rarely vocalise pain directly. Instead, they show subtle shifts in behaviour—like withdrawal, irritability, or reactivity—that may be misinterpreted as training issues or simply unwanted behaviour.

Studies from Glasgow University and the development of the Glasgow Pain Scale highlight that behavioural signs are often the primary indicators of pain.

Pain is a major contributor to behavioural issues Professor Daniel Mills (University of Lincoln) and others have shown that pain is either the direct cause or a significant exacerbating factor in many cases of unwanted behaviour. In clinical reviews, pain was implicated in 28% to 82% of behaviour cases depending on the population studied.

Behavioural changes are often the first sign of pain. Dogs may not show obvious physical symptoms, but subtle behavioural shifts—such as increased reactivity, avoidance, or changes in social engagement—can be early indicators of discomfort.

Common pain-related behaviours include:

• Sudden aggression or reactivity (growling, snapping)
• Reluctance to be touched or approached
• Sudden aggression or reactivity
• Restlessness, pacing, or excessive licking
• Withdrawal or reduced social engagement
• Changes in appetite, sleep, or toileting
• Avoidance of walks or equipment
• Hyperarousal, excessive mouthing or vocalisation
• Repetitive behaviours like pacing, guarding, or licking surfaces
• Changes in sleep, toileting, or eating patterns

Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent culprit: A 2012 study found that 75% of aggressive dogs had underlying musculoskeletal pain, often from hip dysplasia or elbow osteoarthritis.

Unwanted behaviour isn’t always a training issue—it’s often a welfare one. Pain changes behaviour, and recognising that is the first step toward helping, not correcting.

08/03/2025

07/29/2025

Just a heads up that August is almost full!

07/23/2025

Zoey

07/17/2025

Levon's first groom

07/03/2025

July is almost full!
If your dog needs in this month, please book now to avoid disappointment! 🐕

06/12/2025

Heads up for booking:
We're taking time off beginning of July and mid August.

06/09/2025

We have a few spots left this week!
Text us to book!

05/16/2025

Every year, about 100,000 dogs die because they ride in the back of trucks. And that’s just the number of dogs that die—even more get badly hurt.

Truck beds don’t protect dogs from the weather. On hot days, the metal floor can get so hot it burns their paws or skin. If a dog is left in the sun without water or shade, it can get heatstroke very quickly.

Even though dogs might look happy with the wind in their faces, dirt, dust, and other stuff in the air can hurt their eyes, ears, and lungs.

Never tie your dog to the truck bed. If the dog falls or jumps out, it could get strangled by the leash. This can happen in an accident or even if the dog just tries to jump out.

If your dog has to ride in the back of a truck, put it in a crate. Make sure the crate is tied down tightly so it can’t move around or fall out. This will help protect your dog from the wind and weather.

Keep your pets safe! 💙

05/01/2025

Calling all garage sale enthusiasts! 📣 📣

We will be out at the White City Community Garage Sale this Saturday May 3rd offering nail trims for $10.00!

All proceeds will go towards the Wascana Dog Club!

Cash only! 16 Kingsmere Ave, White City

04/16/2025

We now have availability on Tues, Wed and Thurs next week!
Send us a message to book!