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Grooming Woe's!

1K views 24 replies 16 participants last post by  MyMillie 
#1 ·
I thought I would start a thread about our "grooming woe's" as I didnt want to derail CanineK9's thread about a breeder :)

Having read missRV's and lostbear's posts made me feel for them so much about the perils of grooming some dogs :(..... Millie is the worst dog I have ever had trying to groom her, I know where it stemmed from, she had a really bad experience on her very first visit to a "professional" (I use that word loosely) groomer, but, to cut a long story short I now have a dog who HATES it, I feel I've been robbed of one of the joys of having a dog, for me, I LOVE this part of it, a cocker spaniel I had many years ago loved being groomed, he used to get all excited at seeing his grooming mat and gear bought out, he would spend all day on that table if he could, he would nod off and only wake when I ask him to move over for me to brush another side :D

But Millie :frown2:, she is terrible, so bad that I have to sneakily get her brush from the drawer when shes sat on sofa with me, it's like a military operation, I have to do it in a certain way and be quick :crazy: and she "fights" to get that brush out of my hand!.....
I have tried every trick in the book to make it a calm and nice experience for her, and me, but sadly I've failed, dont think now shes nearly a year and half old I'm ever going to succeed with it and get her to enjoy it :(

Would love to hear if anyone else has had a dog who hated being groomed but now loves it, or at least accepts it and how you achieved it, I've run out of ideas ....
 
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#2 ·
Kenzie used to hate being groomed too. She's gotten much better, to the point where she'll let me do it but she's still not all that thrilled with the process.

I did heaps of really small steps - one brush, treat. Then extended it to a few brushes, treat and so on and so forth. She'll now let me do the whole lot before I need to treat her, although I still sometimes treat her throughout the process.

Also, I found that changing what I was using to brush her had a big impact too - she really didn't like those pin brushes on her skin, even the ones with the balls on the end. I use a normal 'person' comb now and I think she prefers it because I can comb just the fur without scratching her skin.
 
#3 ·
I had a foster dog like this and it took alot of time and work! First of all I used the name and explain game. I taught him what the brush was and desensitised him to it, you have to be patient. By brushing him reluctantly and him resisting will not work and wil slow the process down. Show him the brush and treat him, and gradually gey closer to brushinh him, use the back of the brush first so its on him but you arent actually brushing and then move on if no reaction.
 
#5 ·
Do you groom her on a table? If I were you I would go back to absolute basics. I'd reintroduce her to the equipment, rewarding when she shows interest in the brush etc. Then begin to build very slowly from there, slowly beginning to brush her and gradually increase the length. Finlay used to be a nightmare but now he stands still as I groom him and is very tolerant. He certainly doesn't enjoy it though!!
 
#6 ·
How about one of those rubber gloves/mitts that go over your hand or a Zoom Groom - either might be better tolerated than a brush, at least until you get her used to it.

Harvey is another one who disliked being groomed, and typically is a breed who needs a lot of it! He's fine with it now, but I used to give him a frozen stuffed Kong to keep him busy whilst I did it.
 
#7 · (Edited)
My Millie its a good job you and I don't pass each other walking as people would be tutting at both of us with our scruffy girls. I'm glad its not just me that loves grooming as part of owning a dog, I used to love brushing my Rough collie and he would happily let me groom him. I used to think it was a bonding experience for dog and owner.

Alas with my schnauzer cross its a struggle and not a bonding experience although I am seeing some improvements as I did manage to groom her and strip out a lot of undercoat yesterday. The biggest problem is grooming her legs which she hates and as you well know schnauzer hair on the legs matts easily.

To help I have trained my girl to lay on her side as part of a trick so she doesn't just associate it with grooming. If she stays still and lets me brush her I give a treat. I do find she prefers a human comb and brush to the dog ones- I think her skin is quite sensitive to sharp brushes. My collie always preferred to be brushed with a Denman hair brush.

I have been using the Mars coat king to strip and trim her coat which she seems quite settled with I also use a stripping knife for her face. She is quite happy for me to do this it brushing and combing she hates particularly on her legs.

I decided not to use a groomer again. I know she was very matted when we took her on and the groomer had to shave her almost bald in places. The groomer seemed very good, but my dog was quite stressed after. Not surprising with the state she was in.


I enjoy working on her slowly to build her confidence plus with her strange coat. Local groomers want to clip and she looks awful because her undercoat is pale grey and very soft her top coat is wirehaired grey and black. A friend who is a groomer says she has the most unusual coat she has ever seen.

The only issue today is yesterday I was finishing her off and gave her some pieces of biscuit instead of her normal dog treats. Today she is itching because she is allergic to wheat and in my idiotic rush to finish I forgot. Stupid, stupid me.
 
#8 ·
Alfie has never been fond of grooming and given the choice he runs off and gets his toys and runs out of the way. Obviously he does need to be brushed from time to time!:)

I can't use a table as I wouldn't be able to get him up on it, but I do find that changing the location of brushing helps. By that I mean I will take him into the bathroom for a good brush as it is a smaller space so he cannot run around it and there are no toys or distractions. He also knows that I mean business if I take him in, so he will sulk and make mumbling noises to himself, but he will sit and stay for a good brushing.

If it is a quick brushing I just run the brush over in whatever room and also for a bit longer then a quick brush I get someone to give him some freshly cooked meats while I brush him.

Hope something helps.
 
#9 ·
My Millie its a good job you and I don't pass each other walking as people would be tutting at both of us with our scruffy girls. I'm glad its not just me that loves grooming as part of owning a dog, I used to love brushing my Rough collie and he would happily let me groom him. I used to think it was a bonding experience for dog and owner.

Alas with my schnauzer cross its a struggle and not a bonding experience although I am seeing some improvements as I did manage to groom her and strip out a lot of undercoat yesterday. The biggest problem is grooming her legs which she hates and as you well know schnauzer hair on the legs matts easily.

To help I have trained my girl to lay on her side as part of a trick so she doesn't just associate it with grooming. If she stays still and lets me brush her I give a treat. I do find she prefers a human comb and brush to the dog ones- I think her skin is quite sensitive to sharp brushes. My collie always preferred to be brushed with a Denman hair brush.

I have been using the Mars coat king to strip and trim her coat which she seems quite settled with I also use a stripping knife for her face. She is quite happy for me to do this it brushing and combing she hates particularly on her legs.

I decided not to use a groomer again. I know she was very matted when we took her on and the groomer had to shave her almost bald in places. The groomer seemed very good, but my dog was quite stressed after. Not surprising with the state she was in.

I enjoy working on her slowly to build her confidence plus with her strange coat. Local groomers want to clip and she looks awful because her undercoat is pale grey and very soft her top coat is wirehaired grey and black. A friend who is a groomer says she has the most unusual coat she has ever seen.

The only issue today is yesterday I was finishing her off and gave her some pieces of biscuit instead of her normal dog treats. Today she is itching because she is allergic to wheat and in my idiotic rush to finish I forgot. Stupid, stupid me.
Her legs are the biggest problem for me too :(....

WOW! Thanks Everyone, you've all given some really wonderful advice and a few ideas I haven't tried :)....I will try the change of brush like McKenzie said, those pin brushes are awful, I have the one with the bobbles on but she still hates it, but I thought this was the only thing I could use on Millie's fuzzy fur on her legs :eek: I think I'm going to get the brush that missRV suggested on another thread, and maybe the fact it doesnt have an handle on might work on the psychology side of it too :)

I think I'm going to cook some tasty liver, chop it in very small pieces and start all over again from scratch with a new brush, take deep breaths and take it slowly.....:D
 
#10 ·
Not quite the same in the traditional sense of "grooming" but my Alfie was the world's worst for having his nails cut. I literally couldn't get near him and he would pull away, scream, mouth my hands etc if I tried to force him.

What worked for us was changing the tool (so using a pedipaws instead)... so in your case changing the brush might help... and finding something he couldn't resist to distract him with ;) in his case it was a stuffed and semi-frozen kong. I started with someone else holding the kong for him while I did the filing on my hands on knees around him. We were then able to move onto him lying on his mat with the kong while I filed. Now, as long as he's in a sleepy/restful mood, I can just do them while he's lying on the sofa. Sometimes he is even very co-operative and lies on his back with all 4 legs in the air ;)

Hope this might help.
 
#11 ·
I've not had a dog who required much grooming but I got Rupert over his terror of being brushed. He used to leg it upstairs to hide under the bed if he even saw the brush never mind if it was going near him! I clicker trained him to accept it. He never really enjoyed it like my others have but he'd stand there relaxed while I did it.

Started off simply clicking and treating for him being in the room while the brush was on the floor. Then for going near the brush, perhaps sniffing it. Then for being in the room while I had the brush near me. Then for coming close. Then in my hand. Then for coming close while I had it in my hand. Then for being nearby while I moved it towards him slightly. Built up how close he was to me while I did this before moving on to him being touched by the brush. Just touched, not actually brushed. Then one very short stroke of the brush. And built up from there to him standing and letting me brush him all over. Sounds horribly long winded but only took a few weeks working in very short sessions before I could brush him with lots of clicks and treats thrown in. And no training went quickly with Rupert lol.
 
#12 ·
Wish I knew how to do multi quotes in one response, (if anyone wants to offer to tell me how I would be so grateful :D) but for now I will try and remember who said what to me :eek:

Coffee, I think your right about the change of tool, I have good feeling it will work and with a new approach and start in a different place too that someone mention about doing (sorry I cant remember who) I'm ordering new brush now :)


Sarah 1983, I think I will incorporate clicker in with it, she does like clicker training, why oh why I never thought about using it for this I will never know!....I can be so "Duh" :eek:.... so thanks for this :)
 
#13 · (Edited)
Wish I knew how to do multi quotes in one response, (if anyone wants to offer to tell me how I would be so grateful :D) but for now I will try and remember who said what to me :eek:

Coffee, I think your right about the change of tool, I have good feeling it will work and with a new approach and start in a different place too that someone mention about doing (sorry I cant remember who) I'm ordering new brush now :)

Sarah 1983, I think I will incorporate clicker in with it, she does like clicker training, why oh why I never thought about using it for this I will never know!....I can be so "Duh" :eek:.... so thanks for this :)
When you reply with a quote you click on the QUOTE button (bottom right) as you know :). Right next to that is a smaller button with quote " marks on it, that is the multiquote button (hover and it says "Multiquote this message". Whichever messages you want to quote in your reply just click that smaller multiquote button on each message then click POST REPLY (left hand side). In the reply box all the messages you want should show and you can type your message.

Hope I've explained that OK.
 
#14 ·
When you reply with a quote you click on the QUOTE button (bottom right) as you know :). Right next to that is a smaller button with quote " marks on it, that is the multiquote button (hover and it says "Multiquote this message". Whichever messages you want to quote in your reply just click that smaller multiquote button on each message then click POST REPLY (left hand side). In the reply box all the messages you want should show and you can type your message.

Hope I've explained that OK.
YAY!!.....you explained brilliantly, thanks, it's been driving me mad for ages as I couldnt work out how to do it :D:D

I've not had a dog who required much grooming but I got Rupert over his terror of being brushed. He used to leg it upstairs to hide under the bed if he even saw the brush never mind if it was going near him! I clicker trained him to accept it. He never really enjoyed it like my others have but he'd stand there relaxed while I did it.

Started off simply clicking and treating for him being in the room while the brush was on the floor. Then for going near the brush, perhaps sniffing it. Then for being in the room while I had the brush near me. Then for coming close. Then in my hand. Then for coming close while I had it in my hand. Then for being nearby while I moved it towards him slightly. Built up how close he was to me while I did this before moving on to him being touched by the brush. Just touched, not actually brushed. Then one very short stroke of the brush. And built up from there to him standing and letting me brush him all over. Sounds horribly long winded but only took a few weeks working in very short sessions before I could brush him with lots of clicks and treats thrown in. And no training went quickly with Rupert lol.
I know I've already responded to your post Sarah but I used it as a test run on my new found multi quote in one post.... thanks to Girtie :D
 
#16 ·
Flynn and Marty were never too keen on being groomed but being the breed they are they've had to get used to it. We've achieved this with treats during grooming because there are certain parts they don't like brushed - their tails and trousers on the back legs. I think these are probably sensitive areas and first achieved success by holding a treat in a closed fist, just enough for them to get their tongue in and lick it, they were so focused on the treat they didn't notice my other hand doing the tail or trousers - I did have to groom full stretch as you can imagine because of their size. Another trick was to wedge a treat between patio slabs and they'd try desperately hard to get it out while I'm grooming away - ha ha. :)

Even at five and nearly nine years old they'll occasionally have a grumble when I'm doing these areas but now they get told sternly 'don't you dare!' I often say 'mumma brush and treat' as I'm doing it, the treat word is enough for them to allow me to groom where ever I want and even though they don't need treats any more I still give one now and then because being greedy sods they love it when they see the rake and carrier bag.

I think sneaking around and trying to do it without offending Millie is probably worse than just taking hold of her, putting her on the table and getting on with it with confidence that she should eventually pick up on. I used to be the same with nail clipping until I read Dobers thread and she said if you are doubtful you create a problem but if the dog feels you're confident they will trust you. For the first time yesterday I went up to Flynn who was lying down, picked up a front paw and clipped three nails. That was brilliant as he hates his paws touched but I just kept picking it up every time he pulled it away saying 'wait, wait' in a not stern but not soft voice and he let me do it. I only did three and two more today until he's used to it as I don't want to push it when he's being so good.

Be confident, have a closed box of treats on the table for Millie to occupy herself trying to get, give her one now me then and see if she's better but don't sneak around and 'ask' her permission 'tell' her its being done no matter how much she objects, not nastily of course.
I once took a foster Pappilon (sp) who hated being groomed and was full of mats. My then OH would go into the garden, catch a fly (he's a reptile breeder and doesn't mind vile flies) put it into a coffee jar then place it on the groming table for me. That little dog was transfixed by these flies and I had him loving grooming with his little mates in no time. :)
 
#17 ·
Malmum....Your post is fabulous, thank you :)

I know your so right about me pussy footing around :D after I wrote about my "method" and reading over it I had this gut feeling of knowing I approach her grooming all wrong :(, even in my advanced years I have to learn to be firm but fair, I think I'm way too soft and looks like my "stubborn" Millie has been allowed to run rings round me :eek:.... well no more!, as they say, "it's never to late to learn", my approach is going to be so different from now on! she will feel my confidence oozing from me but with kindness too :D

Wonder if I could get my Son to catch me a couple of flies?.....love that :D
 
#18 ·
Bess wouldn't be brushed from day one. I had to gradually get her to accept the brush by making it part of a stroking game. Even now, for her daily quick brush she'll sit on my lap or roll on the floor. It's rare she'll stand to be brushed.

I've taken a different approach with the rest of the grooming she needs. Even if I didn't show her she needs her nails trimmed (never known nails which grow so fast), and her hair thinned behind her ears else it would mat. So even without the extra tidying for showing she needed to accept having thins done.

So I tie her up to do her nails - can't do it any other way. Even with OH holding her tight it was impossible. But I use a dremel, and don't clip them. I find me being ultra confident and firm means that she'll now let me do it. And she gets a treat after every foot.

She used to go to a groomer to have her hair trimmed, but now I'm trying to do it myself. The groomer was a firm, no nonsense woman who wouldn't stand any playing about. She used to be in the army, so I think everyone would jump when she barked an order. :D. Bess loved going to the groomers, so whatever however she was treated there she didn't mind.

So I put a grooming table and tried it last week. I find if I'm firm and tell her to stand still I can get what I need done. Being sympathetic, constantly talking to her means she tries to get away. If I'm businesslike and confident in the way I'm handling her she's far better behaved.

And then when I'm finished, lots of fuss and treats, and nasty grooming session forgotten immediately.

So my dog respects firmness when being groomed - a touchy feely approach gets nowhere. Probably a much different approach to anyone else, but if I'm trimming her ears I want a dog that stands still when I do it, not one that pulls away and possibly gets her ear cut.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Great thread, some really helpful advice by people with way fluffier dogs than mine :)

It's a relief to read that there are others whose dogs hate or used to hate being groomed; the way Freya reacts when I groom her always makes me feel like a complete dog abuser. Will have to put some of these tips into action now the muddy months are on their way!
 
#20 ·
Thank you Bessiedog!, another great post :)

It does seem the firm but fair approach is definitely the way to go and no more cutchy coo from me!...
I think whats happened is I over compensated with being too soft with her due to her very first experience with a groomer, she was such an up herself nasty groomer, I'm certain shes a CM fan :( I took her to this "groomer to at the tender age of 13 week old thinking she would be brilliant as she specialises trimming and breeding Schnauzers....how wrong I was :( and ever since I have been soooo focused on trying to make grooming a nice experience for Millie, but I failed and made things worse, she does go to a professional groomer every 7/8 weeks (found a lovely young lady :))...
but its the in between time when I struggle to keep her knot free :eek:

But, onwards and upwards!...I've got my head round it all now and with all the hints and tips from you lovely people I am now on the road to "happy grooming" my new brush is ordered and should be here soon...Millie? well she will just have to accept that it has to be done for her own good!...wish we could explain that to them :D
 
#21 ·
Great thread, some really helpful advice by people with way fluffier dogs than mine :)

It's a relief to read that there are others whose dogs hate or used to hate being groomed; the way Freya reacts when I groom her always makes me feel like a complete dog abuser. Will have to put some of these tips into action now the muddy months are on their way!
Couldn't agree more bearcub :thumbup1: wishing you well in your "Happy Grooming" days to come too :)
 
#22 ·
Only just seen this thread, I know I'm late but thought I'd add my woes and tips.

Rosie doesn't necessarily mind getting brushed, but she hates the metal comb the breeder recommended for her coat. She doesn't like getting her legs brushed but her body, tail and head are no problem. my problem is no matter how long I spend brushing her, she looks like a scruffy teddy bear... not really a problem but she'll never be a 'pooch'

Our method is to spray her brushes down with a good detangle spray rather than directly on her coat. Instead of the dog combs I use a tangle teezer and a tangle tamer

Original Tangle Teezer Detangle Hair Brush by Shaun P | eBay

Denman D90 Tangle Tamer - Detangling Brush. Pink Yellow or Black | eBay

I had these brushes for myself and tried them on her out of curiosity and they worked a treat, no yelps or cries.
 
#23 ·
Only just seen this thread, I know I'm late but thought I'd add my woes and tips.

Rosie doesn't necessarily mind getting brushed, but she hates the metal comb the breeder recommended for her coat. She doesn't like getting her legs brushed but her body, tail and head are no problem. my problem is no matter how long I spend brushing her, she looks like a scruffy teddy bear... not really a problem but she'll never be a 'pooch'

Our method is to spray her brushes down with a good detangle spray rather than directly on her coat. Instead of the dog combs I use a tangle teezer and a tangle tamer

Original Tangle Teezer Detangle Hair Brush by Shaun P | eBay

Denman D90 Tangle Tamer - Detangling Brush. Pink Yellow or Black | eBay

I had these brushes for myself and tried them on her out of curiosity and they worked a treat, no yelps or cries.
Never too late to add good info like this missRV :)

I spray the de-tangle spray direct on brush too as the first time I tried to spray direct on her fur she freaked out :eek:...
I've ordered the brush that you recommended on the other thread, the one without the handle, cant wait to give it a try :D, I certainly agree with you on giving other things a try as sometimes we can go to far with sticking rigidly to what breeders and other experts say, sometimes we have to go against the norm to get the results we want :D
 
#24 ·
scruffy hates being brushed since he went to the groomers :( , im doing all the clipping and grooming myself now , i can do most of his body ok but e really needs his face clipping as the hair grows in front of his eyes , he jus will not stay still for it though...he cries an wiggles and mouths and i just dont feel safe using scissors by his eyes when he's not still :(
 
#25 ·
scruffy hates being brushed since he went to the groomers :( , im doing all the clipping and grooming myself now , i can do most of his body ok but e really needs his face clipping as the hair grows in front of his eyes , he jus will not stay still for it though...he cries an wiggles and mouths and i just dont feel safe using scissors by his eyes when he's not still :(
Aaaw! I feel your pain I really do :( .... its ironic really as Millie will let me brush and trim her face, I found her eyebrows grew very quickly and needed trimming in between the 7/8 week grooming trim, they bush right out and curl under, looks like she cant see :D so I bought a pair of round end scissors to do them, I was still a bit scared at first, but now its easier.....cant wait for the time its like this with the rest of her :rolleyes:
 
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