Petrified of grooming

When I first got Monty he was petrified of feet. I mean if you lifted a foot off the floor next to him he would shake uncontrollably and be sick. I worked around it by standing away from him and lifting my foot, then putting it down, walking over and petting him etc. Over the course of days/weeks/months I got closer and closer, then slowly lifted it next to him then straight back down and petted/treat etc etc. It may have taken a long time but now he has no fear at all and I can step over him or even kick Broccoli away for him to chase.

Could you not try something similar, maybe sit as near/far with as she's comfortable and get a brush so she can see, then put it away and pet her etc. Repeat this a few times and as she gets comfortable move ever so slightly closer and repeat. When you are finally next to her just touch her with the brush then put away. Eventually just a couple of brushes then pet and treat...then a bit more etc. It will be a long process and may take weeks/months but it may work similar to how Monty got over feet.
 
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Darren said:
When I first got Monty he was petrified of feet.
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My first sheltie was a Christmas present when I was maybe 7? She had been returned to the breeder - first owner wanted a hyper Sheltie, Sarah was not - just the most gentle soul ever. I wanted a dog, my mom was petrified of dogs, we happened to make an appointment with her breeder who lived nearby, Sarah came up and put her paw on my moms leg - like she picked up on mom's fear and came to say 'it's ok, I'm here'. Sarah had been grossly abused bv the first family who had her. She was deathly afraid of fire, newspapers, magazines, noises, loud voices, doors shutting when we first got her. With time, with love, I showed Sarah. She traveled all over the US with us visiting National Parks, staying in hotels.

Belle, with time and love and patience, may overcome her grooming fear. Maybe not now because of your back. but I like the thought of the grooming mitt to get her very, very slowly accustomed to being touched in that way.
 
Poor Sarah, It makes me so angry thinking what these little guys/gals have been through! Great to hear she had a happy ending with you Sandy and got to see all over the country! I love how she chose your mom!

I love the idea of trying the mitt Caro. It's hard when you don't know what they've been through but Della is in her loving forever home now and she will come around with a little time :hugs
 
Caro said:
Actually, that gives me an idea. I could leave a brush near to her food bowl and slowly move it closer! She's crazy wanting her food at dinner time. Thanks

Now have to work out how to leave one there without the puppy running off with it.:rolleyes2:
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I thought about that as I was typing. The original idea was to put it down and put food by it. But my guys would zoom it, you snooze you lose here, been the rule since Sca the food master.
 
Caro said:
Actually, that gives me an idea. I could leave a brush near to her food bowl and slowly move it closer! She's crazy wanting her food at dinner time. Thanks

Now have to work out how to leave one there without the puppy running off with it.:rolleyes2:
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Velcro with the sticky tape on the back? Stick it to floor and keep moving it. She won't be able to move it.
I bought some from Amazon for my Rally signs. That stuff sticks good.
 
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