How to Brush a Puppy's Hair
Medium
5 - 10 Minutes
1 Day
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
You just brought home you're adorable bundle of fur, now you have to keep that fur clean and tangle-free. No problem, right? You’re prepared, you bought the nicest brushes from the pet store, no expense spared!Â
You sit down with your little puppy and begin to brush, and guess what? Puppy doesn't want anything to do with being brushed. He is either too full of energy to sit still, tries to chew the brush, winces, yelps, or is scared of the brush. Now what?Â
Brushing your new puppy may not be as straightforward as you thought it would be. First you need to make sure you have the right tools for your puppy's breed, and keep in mind that a puppy's coat may be different than an adult’s, so even the correct grooming tools for your puppy's breed may not be appropriate when he is a puppy.  You may need to do a little investigation to make sure your have what you need for a successful brushing. Second, you may need to take some time and use some techniques to get your nervous or excited puppy to accept being brushed.
Dog's Perspective
Brushing and grooming can be hard for a puppy. You expect him to stay still, you expect him to tolerate having hair pulled, which can be painful when there are knots and tangles, the brush is new and unfamiliar, he has never been brushed before, it feels weird... there are so many things that a puppy might be uncomfortable with! Â Brushing your puppy is probably new, and maybe even frightening, experience for your puppy. If you have a long-haired puppy that needs a lot of work done to untangle hair, long sessions having hair pulled can be just too much for your new little friend. Several techniques to reassure your puppy can be employed, and even if there is a lot of work to be done, break it up into short sessions so as not to overwhelm your puppy.
The Reinforce Brushing Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Step
1
Renforce touch
Touch your puppy with open hands. Run your hands over his body, and when he hold still, say “yes”, and provide a treat.
Step
2
Correct lack of cooperation
If your puppy moves or avoids touching and handling say “no”, firmly, and “stay”.
Step
3
Manipulate
Manipulate limbs, touch your puppy's belly and tail. Hold the puppy under the chin and around the collar area and touch armpits and tummy. Reinforce by saying “yes” and giving a treat if your puppy tolerates handling. Keep sessions short. If puppy gets restless, try to end on a positive note with reinforcement, then stop and try again later.
Step
4
Reinforce brush
Introduce the brush, let your puppy investigate. When he sniffs the brush, say “yes” and provide a treat.
Step
5
Reinforce increased use of brush
Start touching your puppy's body with the brush or comb, then running it over his body, first upside down with the back touching him, then turn the brush over to bristle side down and stroke your puppy. At each step, reinforce your puppy for allowing you to touch him with the brush by saying “yes” and providing a treat. If your puppy seems nervous or afraid, go back to a previous step.
Recommend grooming method?
The Keep It Simple Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Step
1
Pick a good time
Exercise or walk your puppy to burn off energy, or pick a time when your puppy is relaxed, not tired, as this can make them irritable.
Step
2
Cuddle and touch
Cuddle your puppy on your lap and pet him, run your hand all over his body, down legs, belly, tail and around the face.
Step
3
Introduce brush
Introduce a soft brush. Regardless of puppy’s hair type, start with a soft brush. Let your puppy smell the brush, but do not let him bite it, if he tries to mouth the bush, say “no” firmly and push his face away, do not withdraw the brush as this will teach your puppy that biting the brush means you will take it away and brushing stops.
Step
4
Use soft brush
Gently run the soft brush all over your puppy’s body. Keep sessions short, two minutes or so. Repeat two or three times a day for several days.
Step
5
Gradaully introduce other tools
Gradually switch to a breed-appropriate brush, a pin brush or slicker brush, and introduce required grooming techniques, such as separating hair into sections or brushing against the grain, a little at a time. Introduce a comb and work out tangles with fingers as required.
Recommend grooming method?
Caution & Considerations
- Keep brushing sessions short; puppies have short attention spans.
- If tangles are present, avoid pulling hair and creating a negative association. Hold hair between skin and the tangle and work out with fingers, or trim out to avoid pulling.
- Never leave a puppy unattended on a grooming table, even if restrained. An inexperienced puppy can easily injure himself.
- Make sure you hold your puppy securely or provide good footing so a wriggly puppy does not slip.
- Do not leave brushes out where puppy can chew on them, bristles can come loose and be ingested.
- Use brushes that are in good condition without loose or broken tines that can snag.
Conclusion
Your puppy has probably either never been brushed before, or has very little experience with being brushed, and he probably has very little patience for sitting still! Make brushing pleasant for your puppy by taking your time and keeping sessions short. Introduce tools slowly and in a pain-free way, avoid pulling hair. Reward compliance, be firm to correct noncompliance, but do not frighten or punish your puppy, correct gently and firmly. Soon your puppy will be enjoying his brushing sessions and as he matures, this will save you a lot of aggravation. A little patience early on is the key.
