Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 2/9/2012

Question
I took my 8 month male Maltese puppy for his 2nd visit to the groomer. I requested a puppy cut not too short since i live in southwest florida and the temps are already in the 70's -80's. My puppy prior to the visit was very playful and was always excited to go outside for leashed walks in our gated community or to the county sponsored dog park. Prior to the groomer he was very active in the "small dog park" with lots of playmates.  Never shy or timid. After the cut which I felt was too short, he went from full Maltese puppy hair to almost no hair on his body he now is timid, very submissive, does not want to walk, takes about 5 steps and then drops his butt to the ground. He walks in a very submissive crouch, all when outside.  In the house he is a little better and still antagonizes our 18 yr old cat whenever he can.  I am worried about his outside behavior,  any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  His appetite is good and stools when I can keep him out long enough are normal. He plays with me as always, but once outside the house completely changes to fearful and submissive. THANK YOU...

Answer
NEVER USE THAT GROOMER AGAIN.  Bad groomers are notoriously responsible for serious behavioral problems in dogs.  I don't know how long this behavior has been present: days, weeks, but he was harmed during the grooming process (he must have had razor burn from so short a cut).  It's possible he was also abused: unfairly "disciplined" for reacting to the pain and this might have occurred with other dogs present.  If the groomer then roughly loop leashed him and led him somewhere, this might account for his behavior on leash ("very submissive crouch, all when outside" -- in other words, not in his "safe" environment).

Use positive reinforcement only to address this.  Carry high value treats (hot dog bits, cheese bits).  Do NOT attempt to comfort the dog or soothe the dog (this is actually construed as "reward" by a dog).  Wait for him to take the next step no matter how long it takes and then give him a treat.  His behavior at the dog park is a result of his serious psychological "demotion" caused by an abusive grooming experience.  If you consistently, patiently reward every step outdoors, and then raise the threshold for reward (two steps, four steps, ten steps), he should soon go back to being comfortable and happy outdoors and you can re-introduce him to the dog park.  Before doing that, report back using followup feature so I can see original question/answer.

From NOW ON, ask for references from a groomer and check them carefully.  BE PRESENT DURING THE FIRST TWO TO THREE GROOMINGS.  If a groomer won't allow that, FORGET THAT GROOMER.  Your dog will (I have no doubt) have a serious fear reaction to the next grooming.  You must find a groomer who understands that her peers are capable of doing serious behavioral damage and have the patience to work SLOWLY and CALMLY with this dog, even if the grooming session has to be done on different days.