Unhappy Grooming

Megan is 19 weeks old and kind of in the middle of deciding whether she like grooming or not. She tolerates it more than anything.

I found what worked best for her for cutting her nails, which she used to hate and freak out, was to hold her firmly and confidently and NOT give in. I took her to the breeder and watched them cut her nails and I was amazed. Yes at first she squirmed and got upset, but he just held her lovingly firmly and praised her and she calmed right down. He said if you give in, it will be a fight every time!! Just my two cents worth :razz:
 
Megansmom said:
Megan is 19 weeks old and kind of in the middle of deciding whether she like grooming or not. She tolerates it more than anything.

I found what worked best for her for cutting her nails, which she used to hate and freak out, was to hold her firmly and confidently and NOT give in. I took her to the breeder and watched them cut her nails and I was amazed. Yes at first she squirmed and got upset, but he just held her lovingly firmly and praised her and she calmed right down. He said if you give in, it will be a fight every time!! Just my two cents worth :razz:
Click to expand...

My breeder said the same thing. Don't let them squirm away, be firm.
 
Callie will run when I get the grooming bag out- of course, her idea of hiding is jumping up on the couch- makes it easier for me :wink2: :lol:
she will let me do whatever I need to do though :winkgrin:
 
It took much longer than a week to get Buffy used to the brush. More like a month or two. Lots of patience required. Especially since puppies think everything is a game. Luckily puppies don't have much fur to brush!

Start with very short sessions when the dog is relaxed and preferably sleepy. (For us, that's late at night.) I always make sure I am nice and calm while brushing and if she's in a really playful mood sometimes I just save it for later.

We have a Chris Christiansen pin brush and are very pleased. I think it is like $30--expensive but it is an investment and the brushes are built to last through the dog's life. I haven't found the need for more than one brush. I also am not planning to buy a table. I just do grooming on the couch while watching TV. Probably not for everyone but it works for me.
 
Wow!!! Thanks for all of your wonderful help. I can't tell you how reassuring it is to know that others have dogs that don't exactly like to be brushed and groomed.

At this point I do not think that I will be getting a grooming table; When she is old enough I plan on taking her to the groomers for the big stuff. I just want to be able to care for her and her coat, with confindence, on a day to day basis. I think the idea of a bath mat on top of our drafting table will work just fine. I did not know that her coat needed to be wetted. Is a spray bottle of water good or do I need to soak it a bit more? My local pet store recommended a brush that looks like a bunch of bent, thin wirers (no balls on the ends) and you push in the back to push out the hair. It is about 3 inches wide and 2 inches deep. I don't think I would like that brushing me so I think that I will invest in a CC brush. Since she is small, is there a size of brush I should be looking for? Should I have more than one type?

Also, I am having an extremely hard time finding a collar that fits her since she is so small (3 pounds today). She slips out of everything. I found some rolled leather collars, again at the local pet store (besides the chains of Petsmart and Petco) and they didn't have any that came close to fitting her. I had to "alter" a small flat leather one I found by adding in a whole about 1 inch away from the last manufactured one. (I am starting to see that most of what I need can, and should, be purchased online and not left up to the limited resources here).

I am going to start today with "reintroducing" our grooming procedures, not actually using the brush, but putting her up on the table, being firm (but kind) and using treats and praise to reward her when she doesn't show fear and when she calms down.

Which, leads me into my next topic ... but I think I will create another thread, as to not confuse this one. Thank You, Thank You all of your invaluable information. I think I am lacking mostly in the being firm area ... Mom's a softy for the new puppy. :biggrin2:
 
yes just use a spray bottle and mist their coat so its damp but not dry or soaking wet either. Sounds to me like they sold you a slicker brush if I read that description accurately?? If thats the case no wonder you having a hard time brushing her.. the majority of slicker brushes sold at pet stores are soo harsh they scratch and hurt..
 
Lightplum said:
Sounds to me like they sold you a slicker brush if I read that description accurately?? If thats the case no wonder you having a hard time brushing her.. the majority of slicker brushes sold at pet stores are soo harsh they scratch and hurt..
Click to expand...

I tell you, it looks like a torture device. :eek2: While I am waiting for my new brush to arrive, is there one at a local pet store than might not be so offensive? Also, I just bought some VP, Show Dog ... will that help as her coat is coming in? She is a little ball of fuzz right now. (pictures coming later tonight!!) :yes:
 
Ive never used the VP so I couldnt tell you if it really works or not. I typically dont start any supplements until they are atleast 4 months old.
As far as brushes test them yourself and see if they scratch you they will be uncomfortable for her. Run the brush up and down your arm if it leaves scratches than try another one.
 
Katniss said:
Also, I am having an extremely hard time finding a collar that fits her since she is so small (3 pounds today). She slips out of everything. I found some rolled leather collars, again at the local pet store (besides the chains of Petsmart and Petco) and they didn't have any that came close to fitting her. I had to "alter" a small flat leather one I found by adding in a whole about 1 inch away from the last manufactured one. (I am starting to see that most of what I need can, and should, be purchased online and not left up to the limited resources here).
Click to expand...

Wow only 3 pounds. How old is she now? Bailey was 3.5 pounds at 10 weeks and she was the smallest sheltie I had ever seen. I can't imagine a sheltie even smaller than her.

I would recommend not using a collar on a puppy that small. A harness might be better for her. It won't slip off. I kept a harness on Bailey all day. Since she was in housebreaking mode. I took her out so often, it didn't make sense to keep taking it on off. The only time she didn't wear it was at night and when she was in the crate.
 
I had another teeny Sheltie and we got a great harness from Petco when she was a puppy. I think it was made for cats :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top