Any advice on how to groom a frighten dog?

Question

I have a malti-poo and she hates being groomed, and I am thinking about trying it myself. Please see why on my blog at http://www.homeandlifestyledesign.com/2014/01/do-you-groom-your-dog.html

Moxie · Answer

put a muzzle on her so you don't get bit and just do a little and then give a treat; over time maybe her opinion of grooming with change?

Carole · Answer

What sort of brush do you use? If it is too stiff or the bristles are sharp perhaps that is why she does not like her legs brushed? Less hair on the legs than the rest of the body? Just a complete guess.

Carole · Answer

Just looking a little further at your blog - I think perhaps someone was a bit rough brushing her or nipped her skin with clippers at some point. Might explain her fear. This would be enough to make her very scared in future. I would not hold her down at all, but use a very soft brush - like you would use to brush a babies hair - until she gets used to being brushed without painful consequences. If you give treats as you go, she may see it as a more positive experience. I cannot see her changing her attitude to being brushed if you grip her tightly when doing so. It reinforces that brushing is something unpleasant to be struggled against. I would avoid clippers or anything that makes a buzzing noise till she is more comfortable with being brushed. Good luck.

Rob Wilson · Answer

I have a Maltese and she comes home from groomers shell shocked sometimes. One cut her ear once, so needless to say we never went back there. You should only use the straight metal comb on her, they don't like the metal bristles and there skin is too sensitive for that. Give her messages, and make her feel comfortable and just do a little clipping at a time.  Until she gets use to it again.

Siff S · Answer

Check out Cesar Milan here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zJJ7cvj0xw

Jody D · Answer

Start with a baby brush, Set it next to her while you 'cozy' at your normal times. let it just sit next to you ever time for awhile til she gets used to it. Work your way up til it touches her. then a stroke with praise and a treat. She obviously had one bad experience and I would advise against the muzzle as that will increase her anxiety just be patient and do little bits at a time the way you would with a child

Louetta Waters · Answer

I would give a couple of brushes then a little bit of a treat..just a tiny bit..just touch her at first then start gently touching her then a treat building up to brushing

Carol Harris · Answer

try gently brushing her at random time, not just when its time to bath her or groom her, just to cuddle and love her, give her treats. When I get the brush my collie comes running she loves the attention. Also it could be your groomer, some groomer are just like hair stylist, they shouldn't be doing it. Good Luck.

Christine · Answer

I have a Malti-poo also.She didn't like her fisrt groomer,but is happy with her new one.
I say to shop around.Its less stress on you and she will benefit from SPA day.

Carol Harris · Answer

@Patty, when I first got Molllie, she had been neglected and abused, so I even had to cut knots of fur off of her, so I kind of made a game out of brushing time, got her really happy about it, and love on her a lot, and when I got done, would always give her a treat, she loves it now and she's not afraid. Just be patience with her, kindness and being gentle will win her over, good luck.

Joy Schwartz · Answer

Hi Patti,
I have a recue wire hair fox terrier.. I couldn't even get him to come and snuggle with me. I have never sent him to a groomer. I think it is wonderful, your wanting to do it yourself. 
The kitchen sink I have faces the yard and has been a wonderful distraction for his bath which I do during the day. Anytime I get an opportunity I use a wide tooth comb on him. He is also feet sensitive. Always start at the ends and work your way back to the roots. 
Since you dog also has hair, a comb and a scissor is the way I started. Never do the entire dog at one time. Do one area at a time.. and then praise, praise, praise. I always tell him how pretty he is during and after each session. Some sessions are long and others are short. Don't worry about mistakes.. hair grows back. He doesn't like his head to get wet, so I use a wash cloth like with a child. I wet his hair with it, and then I rinse the same way and then using a cup also. As far as shaping the hair, find a dog book for the breed involved and then work toward the look you like best. Trial and error. Enjoy your baby.

Carol Harris · Answer

@Patty, that's what I would do too, if you wanted to you could also look up on the computer on how to groom this breed of dog. I think you're on the right track. She is a little doll. They also make a spray conditioner for dogs that help with tangles. And you are welcome.

Christine · Answer

I understand it.The first groomer had too many dogs running around and the dryer made Ellee nervous.I was blessed to find an older lady.She does Ellee alone now there is mo other dogs around.So its better.I wish you lick.

Valerie · Answer

Is there any possibility of an underlying skin condition that might make it sensitive when the skin is touched? Otherwise I would agree that it would be best to slowly get her used to smaller brushes and to continue cuddling and giving her lots of encouragement.

Jennifer Rowse · Answer

Hello Patty, I have a French Bulldog, and I must clip her nails, bath her and clean her ears. The simple trick I use is to have one of my daughters giving her little treats through the clipping and ear cleaning, we also encourage her and speak gently to her. She has come to sort of look forward to the process due to the treats and all the extra special attention. After she is bathed I wrap her in a towel and snuggle her to comfort her, then she always gets something yummy when it is all over with and a hearty 'GOOD JOB, Chelsea!' At the end.

Joy Schwartz · Answer

When you get better at it, that's when I used an electric groomer. I bought a great tool, as it had wonderful reviews.. I use it on his underside and rectal area... I still have to trim his head with a scissor. The tool is Andis..I got it from PetSmart but you can shop around. They make a small model that will work for your baby.

Cher D · Answer

benadryl.... this is what i have to give to my dog... the vet advised...as you see the pic to the left that is my baby

Carol David · Answer

The little treat hidden under a towel helps my Cavelier King Charles stay less focused on the blow dryer and what I am doing as I brush her. It does take a little longer that way, but I think it's worth it. Usually I will break one larger biscuit into smaller pieces so I don't over-feed. For clipping, I started out with wide-toothed comb and scissors till she was ok with that and then I went to the clippers which, of course, take less time. She responded well to all of this, along with lots and lots of loving praise! Nail clipping I do with her on my lap, holding her paw firmly but gently. If she is having a particularly hard time with this, I may only clip nails on 2 paws and do the others in a day or two. One big thing for you to remember-- just love her through everything and relax. Perfection will come as you both get used to the routine! BTW she is a sweetie!

Patty Rumaker · Answer

I want to thank everyone for such helpful advice. I am finding it is a slow process, but I think we are making progress. She doesn't seem as afraid during bath and drying time. Still having issues with brushing the front legs and paws - but it is getting better. The baby brush idea was absolutely great - sometimes she will let me basically pet her with the baby brush on her feet and not pull them back. It is getting better. I haven't yet tried any cutting of hair. We shall see. She might start looking like a little disheveled if I don't speed things up - but I don't care right at this moment - as I think it is more important that she becomes comfortable.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Hi Patti,

Do it with love! Slow and combine it with cuddles and fuss + rewards!

Any advice on how to groom a frighten dog?

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Any advice on how to groom a frighten dog?

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