11/06/2026
Velma has always had big feelings about dryers. The first time I groomed her the mere sight of one was met with lots of barking and worry.
We soon figured out that in Velma’s eyes a hairdryer in a stand on the table was a (mostly) harmless inanimate object, but in my hand it was something scary.
Yesterday for the first time I was able to hold it for her entire blow dry and I couldn’t be prouder of this brave girl!
Here are some of the things I do to help Velma feel safer:
* A quick clip to get the bulk of her fur off before her bath, then towel dry her as much as possible- less blow drying needed.
* Use the lowest setting on the dryer for now, next goal is to slowly increase the speed.
* Keep the stand handy to go back a step if she starts to show signs of stress.
* The table stays low to the ground and Velma is unrestrained, she’s free to hop off for a break if she needs to.
* Calm words of praise (and of course some treats!) once she was dry, progress is rewarded, not just perfection!
💖
