Why Do We Still Groom Dogs Using a Noose?
As professional groomers, we are all trained to restrain dogs safely on the grooming table, and the most common method remains the grooming noose. But how safe is this practice? Does the noose prevent falls, and more importantly, how does it impact a dog’s physical and emotional well-being?
It’s time to re-evaluate how we restrain dogs during grooming. Let’s start by examining the safety of the noose and its effects on the dog.
What Is a Grooming Noose?
A grooming noose (or loop) is a simple tool designed to keep the dog in place. It fits over the dog’s head and attaches to the grooming table’s arm, acting as a restraint. The design is basic, often featuring a cam-lock clip at the back of the head to prevent the dog from backing out. Alternatively, modern biothane loops may use sliders, which, while more hygienic, can allow the dog to slip out if they raise their head. Alternatively some are designed as a slip lead to prevent the dog's head slipping out.
The noose should allow some movement of the dog’s head, but in practice, this restraint comes with several risks. If a dog panics and slips off the table, the noose can either come loose, allowing the dog to fall, or if tightened, cause serious neck trauma or, in extreme cases, strangulation.
How Do Nooses Affect Dogs Behaviourally and Physically?
When a dog leans forward, as often happens, it instinctively presses against the noose, creating discomfort. This is known as oppositional reflex, where the dog will push into pressure. This pressure can exacerbate anxiety, especially in dogs already prone to stress in unfamiliar environments like grooming salons.
Research into the effects of pressure on the throat is revealing. Pauli et al. (2006) investigated the impact of collars versus harnesses on intraocular pressure in dogs, concluding that collar use significantly increases intraocular pressure. They recommended that dogs with thin corneas or glaucoma wear harnesses instead of collars.
Furthermore, Kaufman (2007) found that pressure from a collar can cause severe neck trauma, with evidence suggesting that even a small amount of force (as little as 2g) can suppress nerve function by up to 50%. Considering that the spinal nerves run directly beneath the collar, prolonged pressure can have lasting consequences (Goody, 2013).
Although grooming sessions may be relatively short approx 1-2 hours, even brief exposure to pressure from a noose can be problematic, especially for dogs that regularly wear collars during walks. These dogs may already suffer from neck injuries, which we unknowingly worsen during grooming.
Misaligned Spines and Behavioural Issues
A study by Anders Hallgren in Sweden offers further insight, showing that 252 out of 400 dogs examined had misaligned spines. Alarmingly, 65% of these dogs also exhibited behavioural problems, compared to just 30% of dogs without spinal issues. Of those labelled as aggressive or hyperactive, 78% had spinal problems. These findings highlight a crucial link between physical and behavioural health, which is particularly relevant when handling difficult dogs on the grooming table.
The Discomfort of Restraints
The noose also prevents dogs from lowering their heads, which can lead to physical discomfort over time. Imagine standing in one position without moving for an extended period—it’s not comfortable for us, and it’s certainly not comfortable for dogs. Many of us fidget when standing in a queue, and dogs are no different when restricted on the grooming table.
Tracheal Collapse and Breathing Issues
Tracheal collapse is a common issue in middle-aged, small-breed dogs. The condition can range from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. In these dogs, using a noose during grooming is risky, as even mild pressure can trigger coughing and choking. Even dogs without this condition often experience throat irritation when pressure is applied to this sensitive area.
The Vagal Nerve – A Vital Consideration
One of the most critical structures affected by neck pressure is the vagal nerve. This nerve, running through the neck, controls essential bodily functions, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It also regulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s ‘rest and digest’ state versus the ‘fight or flight’ response.
According to Dr. Peter Dobias DVM, prolonged leash pulling can exert pressure on the nerves, causing a pins-and-needles sensation in a dog’s forelimbs, which can lead to excessive paw licking and increased limb sensitivity. Over time, jerking the neck can even lead to whiplash injuries (Dobias, 2020).
The Emotional Toll
If a dog is already accustomed to walking on a collar, it may have sustained some level of neck injury, and placing a noose on these dogs can worsen both physical and emotional stress. The noose not only compounds existing injuries but also heightens the dog’s anxiety, making grooming sessions more challenging for both the dog and the groomer.
What’s the Alternative?
Introducing the Just Think Dog (JTD) Safety Harness—a solution designed by groomers, for groomers, with a strong foundation in behavioural science and canine anatomy. This harness offers a kinder, more supportive way to keep dogs safe on the grooming table.
The harness slips over the dog’s head and features a padded chest plate that sits comfortably on the breastbone, providing balanced support. Quick-release side buckles make it easy to secure and remove, while an adjustable extender attaches to the H-bar for added safety. In emergencies, the quick-release clip allows for swift removal.
Currently available for small to medium-sized dogs, larger sizes and a softer version for tiny dogs and puppies are in development.
Conclusion
As the grooming industry evolves, so too should our tools and methods. The traditional grooming noose, while still widely used, presents significant risks to both the physical and emotional well-being of dogs. By exploring alternatives like the JTD Safety Harness, we can create a safer, more comfortable grooming environment that benefits dogs and professionals alike.
References
Pauli et al (2006) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16611932/
Kaufman (2007) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451943X19301334
Goody, (2013) Dog Anatomy
Anders Hallgren https://banshockcollars.ca/pdf/back_problems.pdf
Peter Tobias https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/dog-throat-injury-from-leash?_pos=3&_sid=6a079bc65&_ss=r
It’s time to re-evaluate how we restrain dogs during grooming. Let’s start by examining the safety of the noose and its effects on the dog.
What Is a Grooming Noose?
A grooming noose (or loop) is a simple tool designed to keep the dog in place. It fits over the dog’s head and attaches to the grooming table’s arm, acting as a restraint. The design is basic, often featuring a cam-lock clip at the back of the head to prevent the dog from backing out. Alternatively, modern biothane loops may use sliders, which, while more hygienic, can allow the dog to slip out if they raise their head. Alternatively some are designed as a slip lead to prevent the dog's head slipping out.
The noose should allow some movement of the dog’s head, but in practice, this restraint comes with several risks. If a dog panics and slips off the table, the noose can either come loose, allowing the dog to fall, or if tightened, cause serious neck trauma or, in extreme cases, strangulation.
How Do Nooses Affect Dogs Behaviourally and Physically?
When a dog leans forward, as often happens, it instinctively presses against the noose, creating discomfort. This is known as oppositional reflex, where the dog will push into pressure. This pressure can exacerbate anxiety, especially in dogs already prone to stress in unfamiliar environments like grooming salons.
Research into the effects of pressure on the throat is revealing. Pauli et al. (2006) investigated the impact of collars versus harnesses on intraocular pressure in dogs, concluding that collar use significantly increases intraocular pressure. They recommended that dogs with thin corneas or glaucoma wear harnesses instead of collars.
Furthermore, Kaufman (2007) found that pressure from a collar can cause severe neck trauma, with evidence suggesting that even a small amount of force (as little as 2g) can suppress nerve function by up to 50%. Considering that the spinal nerves run directly beneath the collar, prolonged pressure can have lasting consequences (Goody, 2013).
Although grooming sessions may be relatively short approx 1-2 hours, even brief exposure to pressure from a noose can be problematic, especially for dogs that regularly wear collars during walks. These dogs may already suffer from neck injuries, which we unknowingly worsen during grooming.
Misaligned Spines and Behavioural Issues
A study by Anders Hallgren in Sweden offers further insight, showing that 252 out of 400 dogs examined had misaligned spines. Alarmingly, 65% of these dogs also exhibited behavioural problems, compared to just 30% of dogs without spinal issues. Of those labelled as aggressive or hyperactive, 78% had spinal problems. These findings highlight a crucial link between physical and behavioural health, which is particularly relevant when handling difficult dogs on the grooming table.
The Discomfort of Restraints
The noose also prevents dogs from lowering their heads, which can lead to physical discomfort over time. Imagine standing in one position without moving for an extended period—it’s not comfortable for us, and it’s certainly not comfortable for dogs. Many of us fidget when standing in a queue, and dogs are no different when restricted on the grooming table.
Tracheal Collapse and Breathing Issues
Tracheal collapse is a common issue in middle-aged, small-breed dogs. The condition can range from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. In these dogs, using a noose during grooming is risky, as even mild pressure can trigger coughing and choking. Even dogs without this condition often experience throat irritation when pressure is applied to this sensitive area.
The Vagal Nerve – A Vital Consideration
One of the most critical structures affected by neck pressure is the vagal nerve. This nerve, running through the neck, controls essential bodily functions, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It also regulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s ‘rest and digest’ state versus the ‘fight or flight’ response.
According to Dr. Peter Dobias DVM, prolonged leash pulling can exert pressure on the nerves, causing a pins-and-needles sensation in a dog’s forelimbs, which can lead to excessive paw licking and increased limb sensitivity. Over time, jerking the neck can even lead to whiplash injuries (Dobias, 2020).
The Emotional Toll
If a dog is already accustomed to walking on a collar, it may have sustained some level of neck injury, and placing a noose on these dogs can worsen both physical and emotional stress. The noose not only compounds existing injuries but also heightens the dog’s anxiety, making grooming sessions more challenging for both the dog and the groomer.
What’s the Alternative?
Introducing the Just Think Dog (JTD) Safety Harness—a solution designed by groomers, for groomers, with a strong foundation in behavioural science and canine anatomy. This harness offers a kinder, more supportive way to keep dogs safe on the grooming table.
The harness slips over the dog’s head and features a padded chest plate that sits comfortably on the breastbone, providing balanced support. Quick-release side buckles make it easy to secure and remove, while an adjustable extender attaches to the H-bar for added safety. In emergencies, the quick-release clip allows for swift removal.
Currently available for small to medium-sized dogs, larger sizes and a softer version for tiny dogs and puppies are in development.
Conclusion
As the grooming industry evolves, so too should our tools and methods. The traditional grooming noose, while still widely used, presents significant risks to both the physical and emotional well-being of dogs. By exploring alternatives like the JTD Safety Harness, we can create a safer, more comfortable grooming environment that benefits dogs and professionals alike.
References
Pauli et al (2006) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16611932/
Kaufman (2007) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451943X19301334
Goody, (2013) Dog Anatomy
Anders Hallgren https://banshockcollars.ca/pdf/back_problems.pdf
Peter Tobias https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/dog-throat-injury-from-leash?_pos=3&_sid=6a079bc65&_ss=r