My two year old poodle cross is petrified of the groomers ever since she was spayed a year ago. I think she associates the sound of the clippers with the fear of being at the vets for the spaying and the pain immediately after surgery. I had to use a different vets practice to our usual one due to lockdown restrictions and wasn’t very impressed. Her overall jumpiness has gradually got worse on walks and around grooming over the last few months since our other old dog had to be put to sleep. She was very bonded to him and he was a large breed so I think she felt safe and secure around him, especially on walks.
She lets me scissor cut her face, ears, front chest and front legs and feet. She loves being showered. But the second I even try to touch her back legs , tummy or tail or turn clippers on she air snaps out of fear. She shakes like a leaf, pants and I know would bite if pushed. The rest of the time she is so affectionate and loving. I’ve tried a muzzle and she somehow manages it get it off. She isn’t in pain and lets me stroke those areas when there isn’t scissors or clippers around.
I’m really at a loss as to what to do. I’m going to ring the vets and see if they’d be able to prescribe some sedation so that I can cut her fur properly. Is this something a behaviourist would help with?