Many dogs panic when they hear or feel dog clippers because they associate the noise, vibration, restraint, or a previous unpleasant experience with danger. The good news is that, with patience and gradual desensitization, most dogs can learn to tolerate or even relax during clipping.
Why are dogs afraid of clippers?
To us, dog clippers are just another grooming tool. To your dog, however, they can seem unpredictable, noisy, and intimidating. A dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than ours, so the buzzing sound that seems mild to you may sound much louder and more alarming to them.
The vibration of the clippers can also feel strange against the skin, especially if your dog has never experienced it before. Combined with being asked to stand still or being gently restrained, it’s easy to understand why some dogs become anxious.
