The Groomer’s Emotional State: How Your Mood Shapes the Dog’s Behaviour

Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard
8 hours ago
3 min read

By Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard – Pour Groomer Connexion

Introduction

In grooming salons, we often talk about the dog’s behaviour, stress levels, socialisation, or past experiences. But one essential element is frequently overlooked: the emotional state of the groomer.

Yet, a growing number of studies in animal behaviour show that dogs are extremely sensitive to human emotions. They perceive our micro-expressions, our breathing, our gestures, our tone of voice, and even our muscular tension.

In grooming, this leads to a simple but crucial truth: your mood directly shapes the dog’s reaction, sometimes even more than your technique.

A Dog Reacts to Your Body Before Reacting to Your Hands

Dogs read body signals far more finely than humans do. Even before you touch the animal, it has already “read” your posture, your level of tension, and your movement rhythm.A groomer who is stressed, rushed, irritated, or anxious will unintentionally transmit these signals to the dog, who interprets them as potential danger.

A simple change in breathing (faster, shallower, tighter) is often enough to raise a sensitive dog’s alert level.

In contrast, a calm groomer—present, breathing slowly, moving fluidly—immediately lowers the dog’s vigilance.

You are the emotional regulator of the session.

How Your Mood Affects the Dog in Concrete Ways

Your emotional state translates into observable behaviour in the animal. Groomers often notice:

1. Groomer stress or agitation → Dog hypervigilance

The dog turns its head, pulls on the lead, pants heavily, or becomes hard to stabilise.

2. Irritation or impatience → Increased defensiveness

The dog freezes, growls, air-snaps, or tries to escape.

3. Muscular tension → Muscular tension in the dog

The dog stiffens its body, making clipping, handling, and even brushing more difficult—and more dangerous.

4. Calmness and fluidity → Cooperation

A composed groomer induces slower breathing, muscular relaxation, and greater acceptance of handling.

In grooming, the dog synchronises. It literally takes its emotional cues from you.

Why Dogs Perceive Our Emotions: The Science Behind It

Animal cognition studies show that dogs can:

recognise human facial expressions
differentiate stressed vs. calm vocal tones
sense changes in human heart rhythm
synchronise their cortisol levels with their familiar human partners

This phenomenon is called interspecies emotional synchronisation.

It results from thousands of years of co-evolution, combined with the dog’s emotional and physical dependence on human behaviour.

In the grooming salon, the groomer becomes the dog’s temporary reference figure—meaning the animal aligns with your internal state.

Your Breath and Your Gaze: Your Most Powerful Tools

Two elements influence dogs enormously, often without us realising it:

1. Your breathing

Slow, deep, relaxed breathing activates your parasympathetic system; the calming system.The dog, tuned into your rhythm, responds in the same way.

2. Your gaze

A direct, fixed, intense stare can be perceived as a threat. A soft, intermittent gaze with gentle blinking encourages relaxation.

These micro-signals often matter more than technique.

Emotional Preparation Before Each Session

Here is a simple routine to use between dogs:

Take 3 deep breaths and release your shoulders
Soften your face and jaw
Slow your rhythm and movements
Adopt an open, stable posture
Greet the dog without pressure or expectation

These 20 seconds can transform the entire session.

How to Stay Centered During Difficult Groomings

Difficult dogs challenge the groomer’s emotional regulation. Here are a few strategies:

Name your internal state: “I’m tense, I slow down.”
Avoid sharp movements; keep a steady rhythm.
Take micro-pauses, breathe, reset your energy.
Adjust the grooming plan instead of forcing.
Remember the dog is not “being difficult”, it is reacting to its perception.

Your emotional presence often determines the success of the session.

When the Groomer’s Stress Becomes Dangerous for the Dog

A groomer who is irritated or under pressure is more likely to make:

overly fast movements
excessive pressure
painful manipulations
technical mistakes (cuts, burns, pulling)

The dog, in return, becomes:

more agitated
more unpredictable
harder to maintain
more likely to bite

The groomer–dog emotional duo must be stable to guarantee safety.

Conclusion

A groomer does not only shape the coat—they shape the emotional atmosphere. Your energy, posture, and presence directly influence how the dog experiences grooming.

By caring for your own emotional state, you: