Exercise: the cure for grooming anxiety

Understanding the rise in dog anxiety

In the years since COVID, dog anxiety has become one of the most common challenges faced by owners and groomers alike. The causes are layered and behavioural specialists point to several key shifts. During the pandemic, many dogs became accustomed to constant company. When owners returned to work, those dogs were suddenly left alone for longer periods and struggled to adjust. Reduced exposure to new people, noises and environments during that time also limited social learning, particularly for younger dogs. Add in busier post-pandemic lifestyles and rising household stress, and it’s easy to see why many dogs are more anxious than before.

Veterinary and behavioural studies support this observation. A global review in DVM360 found anxiety-related behaviours in dogs increased by up to 700 percent between 2020 and 2022. Another study published in Animals (MDPI, 2023) documented a sharp rise in attention-seeking, vocalisation and separation-related behaviours in post-lockdown households. In short, dogs are feeling the pressure of disrupted routines just as people are.

For groomers, anxiety shows up in very tangible ways. Some dogs shake as they arrive, others resist being touched, and a few vocalise or snap during trimming. Physiologically, an anxious dog’s heart rate rises, muscles tense and tolerance for restraint plummets. That makes grooming longer, harder and more stressful for everyone.

Fortunately, the antidote is simple: exercise. Vigorous play before grooming drains nervous energy, releases endorphins and triggers the body’s natural calming mechanisms. Just as humans feel more relaxed after a workout, dogs that have had a solid run or social play session arrive calmer and more compliant. At WOOOF, we encourage owners to make this part of their pre-appointment ritual – think “walk, play, groom”.

Sydney: best off-lead parks near WOOOF Surry Hills

For WOOOF’s Surry Hills clients, there are three excellent off-lead options all within easy reach of the salon. Sydney Park in Alexandria is one of the city’s largest green spaces and features extensive designated off-leash zones, open rolling lawns and even a dog-friendly water area. The City of Sydney confirms dogs are permitted off-lead at all times within these zones. It’s a favourite for high-energy breeds and confident dogs who love to run and socialise. More information can be found at cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au and sydneydogparks.com.au.

Closer to the salon, Prince Alfred Park sits right on the Surry Hills fringe. It offers a central grassy expanse where dogs can be off-lead throughout the day, according to the City of Sydney’s official register of dog parks. This park is ideal for a quick session before or after an appointment, with water stations, shade and city skyline views. Because it is unfenced, it suits dogs with reliable recall and owners comfortable in busy urban settings. Further details are listed on sydneydogparks.com.au.

For something slightly quieter, Alexandria Park provides another spacious off-leash area bordered by mature trees. The official City of Sydney site lists it as a designated off-leash park, with playgrounds and sports areas excluded. It’s a good balance between space and accessibility – a place to let dogs unwind without the intensity of Sydney Park’s crowds. Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for current rules and updates.

Together, these three parks give every Surry Hills dog the chance to burn off energy and arrive at WOOOF calm, centred and ready for their grooming experience.

Canberra: where to play before a WOOOF Manuka appointment

For WOOOF clients in Canberra, two exceptional off-lead parks stand out. Yarralumla Dog Park, just a short drive from Manuka, is a fully fenced facility with separate zones for large and small dogs. It’s listed by the ACT Government as an official off-lead area under Dogs: Recreation with My Dog. This makes it ideal for anxious or young dogs still learning recall. With ample shade and parking, it’s a safe, structured way to decompress before a salon visit. Details are available at cityservices.act.gov.au and canberradogwalks.com.au.

For those in Canberra’s north, Inner North Dog Park (O’Connor) offers a large fenced exercise area with separate zones for different dog sizes and temperaments. It’s well known among local owners for its relaxed atmosphere and easy parking, and is identified as a designated off-lead space in ACT’s public listings. More information can be found at dogslife.au or canberradogwalks.com.au.

Both parks offer secure, social environments that help dogs shake off excess energy and lower stress before grooming. Regular visits to these spaces also build social confidence, which reduces long-term anxiety around handling and other dogs.

A healthier routine for dogs and owners alike

Making exercise part of the grooming routine doesn’t just create calmer dogs – it strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. A quick park session before each appointment transforms grooming from a source of stress into a predictable rhythm: play first, pamper second. For groomers, this means smoother handling, shorter appointments and happier clients. For dogs, it builds resilience and confidence over time.

At WOOOF, we see grooming as one part of a dog’s overall wellbeing – alongside exercise, nutrition and affection. When clients make that short park visit part of the ritual, their dogs arrive happy, relaxed and ready for a positive experience. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest fix – a good run and a wagging tail – is also the most effective.