If a dog shows unprovoked aggression during grooming, what should you do?

• A. Stop grooming and leave the dog calm
• B. Decline service and recommend a vet
• C. Proceed with minimal handling
• D. Restrain the dog and continue

Answer: (B)

Safety comes first when a dog shows unprovoked aggression during grooming. That behavior can be a sign of pain, illness, fear, or past trauma, so it's not safe to continue grooming. The best course is to decline the service and encourage the owner to seek veterinary evaluation. A veterinarian can check for medical problems or pain that might be driving the aggression and guide next steps. Once medical issues are ruled out or treated, a plan with a trainer or behaviorist can be developed for safe handling and future grooming.

Trying to proceed with minimal handling or restraining could increase the bite risk and harm both the dog and staff, and simply stopping to let the dog calm down without addressing the cause doesn’t resolve the safety concern. Declining service with a vet referral protects everyone and sets up the right path forward.