Behavioral assessment of dogs during grooming salon visits

In recent years, an increasing demand for services provided by dog grooming salons has been observed. This trend is primarily associated with a shift in the role of dogs in human society. In the past, dog ownership was largely utilitarian in nature. Today, however, the role of the dog has evolved significantly toward that of a social companion. As companion animals, dogs are increasingly integrated into the structure of the family system. This shift generates not only a psychological need in caregivers to provide care and attention, but also a formal responsibility to ensure the welfare of the animal. Long-term selective breeding has resulted in the development of numerous dog breeds that require regular and often time-consuming grooming procedures, particularly among ornamental breeds, but also among certain working breeds. Maintaining the coat in proper condition is therefore an important component of animal welfare and, for many owners, an important aesthetic consideration. The final grooming outcome depends on the type of grooming procedure and the chosen clipping style, which directly influences the amount of time a dog spends in the grooming salon. Consequently, dogs may be exposed for extended periods to a range of potentially stressful and unnatural auditory, olfactory, tactile, and visual stimuli. The present study aims to characterize the behavior of dogs exposed to prolonged stress-related stimuli in the grooming salon environment.