20/04/2026
When a dog resists during grooming, it’s not always about behaviour or emotional safety. Sometimes it’s how movement feels in their body.
A learning session with , understanding how spinal and limb conditions show up in everyday movement, especially during handling and grooming.
Some practical ways this looks in practice and at home:
𝟭) 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁
Resistance isn’t always behavioural or about emotional safety. It can be a response to pain or strain, like pulling a paw away or refusing certain positions. Factoring this in means not working through resistance and helping prevent further strain.
𝟮) 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Not all conditions are obvious. Subtle signs like reduced mobility, uneven weight shifts, or unsteady balance can sometimes come from underlying discomfort, and are worth paying closer attention to, including a check-in with a vet or rehab professional.
𝟯) 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Dogs with chondrodystrophic builds (like Dachshunds and Corgis) tend to carry more load through the spine. Supporting the body to keep the spine neutral, avoiding arching or twisting, helps protect the spine from unnecessary strain.
𝟰) 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
Conditions like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, osteoarthritis etc. affect how movement feels. Being aware allows for adjustments in handling to respect movement and load limits, and in setting up support like anti-slip surfaces or added body support where needed.
Thank you Ralph and Josephine for so generously sharing your knowledge and helping us deepen how low-stress care is practiced through supporting physical comfort 🐾🩵
