What is the safest restraint technique for grooming a small dog with high energy?

• A. Use a calm, supportive hold with a non-slip surface and helper if needed, keeping sessions short and positive.
• B. Restrain tightly with a firm grip.
• C. Leave the dog unsecured to move freely.
• D. Use a crate for the entire session.

Answer: (A)

When a small dog is high-energy, safety comes from controlling the dog without increasing fear or physical risk. The best approach is a calm, supportive hold while keeping the dog on a non-slip grooming surface, using a helper if needed, and keeping sessions short and positive. A calm, steady touch helps the dog feel secure without squeezing or pinching, which reduces the chance of resistance or injury. The non-slip surface prevents sliding off the table, lowering the risk of falls or sudden jolts that could hurt the dog or the groomer. Having a helper available when needed allows one person to support and position the dog while the other works, making restraint safer and more controlled for a lively, energetic animal. Keeping sessions brief and ending on a positive note helps prevent over-arousal, builds trust, and makes future grooming easier. In contrast, a tight grip can cause pain and fear, leaving the dog more anxious or reactive; leaving the dog unsecured creates obvious safety hazards on a grooming table; using a crate for the entire session can cause excessive stress and impracticality for ongoing grooming tasks.