How to Brush a Small Dog That Bites
Medium
10 - 30 Minutes
1 Week
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Small dogs often come with a small bark and big bite. Aggression from a small dog can be quite scary because they are nimble and fast, especially when they decide it's time to bite. But your small dog needs to be brushed just like all the other dogs. Brushing a small dog who bites isn't the most fun thing to do, but you can take an opportunity to train your pup to stop biting, at least during this simple grooming task. Remember your small dog who bites does so out of fear or concern for his safety.
Dog's Perspective
If your little guy is nervous or scared or doesn't understand what is happening with the tools you have in your hands, you can ease his tension a bit by taking grooming sessions very slowly. Brush your little guy in small sections and offer him lots of treats along the way.
The Puzzle Treats Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Step
1
Plan and prepare
Set up a small table or counter where you can sit with your dog. Avoid getting your face too close if your small dog is a biter. Prepare a soft comfortable bed for him to lie down or sit on during brushing. Fill a puzzle treat toy or a Kong with high-value treats. Peanut butter will last longer than little treats. Consider using a special treat for brushing only.
Step
2
Play with the toy
Give your little guy the puzzle or treat toy and play with him for a few moments, celebrating with him when he gets a treat or finds the hidden peanut butter. If your little guy is a biter or snaps, don’t take the toy from him.
Step
3
Introduce the brush
Keeping your little guy occupied with his puzzle toy, start brushing him--just on one small area. Keep your brush strokes slow and in one area away from your small dog’s face.
Step
4
Treat
If your little guy allows you to brush that area without snapping or biting, give him a different treat.
Step
5
Reposition
When you need to move your dog to reach other areas for brushing, be sure he takes his treat toy with him. You can also wait until his treats are gone and use the opportunity to refill his toy and move him to a new position.
Step
6
Keep brushing
Use the puzzle or treat toy to keep your small dog occupied while you continue brushing in small areas. When you re-position or move to a new section, give your little guy a treat as a reward separate from his puzzle toy.
Step
7
Redirection
If your little dog bites or snaps at your or the brush, you’ll need to redirect his behavior. Avoid yelling or being too stern as this will be counterproductive. Give him a short break and a treat then let him sniff the brush again. Be sure to keep his puzzle toy filled and engaging.
Step
8
Be patient
It will take some time for your small dog to get used to brushing without biting. But with time and patience, you can train him to stay focused on something other than the brush. You might not be able to brush all of your dog in the first session or two. Be patient and let your small dog know he is safe and will be rewarded with tasty treats and fun, rewarding toys each time he allows you to brush him.
The Redirect from the Start Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Step
1
Comfort
Sit with your dog in a comfortable place. Placing him on his bed might help reassure him of his safety and security.
Step
2
Brush
Show your little guy his brush and let him sniff it. If he growls, pull the brush away but avoid yelling or overreacting. Keep showing the brush to your dog. When he can sniff it or acknowledge the brush without growling or snapping, give him a treat.
Step
3
Treat again
Give your small dog a treat again and place the brush on his body. Slowly move the brush down in one slow stroke.
Step
4
Praise and treat
Once you have brushed even just one stroke without your little guy biting or nipping, give him a treat and lots of verbal praise with a calm voice. Avoid getting too excited or loud. Keep your tone calm and even.
Step
5
Brush again
Keep brushing your dog this way, one stroke at a time, rewarding him with treats along the way. Brush in small sections, giving your dog treats every few strokes. This should keep his attention on that next treat to come.
Step
6
Take breaks
If your little guy is aggressive, do not hesitate to take a break. This will help keep you calm and reset his behavior. You do not need to walk away from the brushing session. Place the brush down and talk to your little guy, giving him treats and conversation with a loving voice.
Caution & Considerations
- Small dog syndrome is a real thing. It is aggression based on the size of your dog compared to the surroundings of his world.
- To brush your small dog's fur, build your trust with him first.
- Trust-building starts with rewards for good behavior and acknowledgment in the form of empathy for a dog who might be struggling socially.
- The more you brush your dog, the more likely he will become adjusted to the process and allow you to brush.
- Try not to be stingy with the treats for your small dog who tends to bite while brushing. He doesn't need a large treat every time, but you can redirect his attention in a positive way by giving him small treats every few moments.
- Be sure to let your little guy sniff all of the tools you are using to brush him.
- If your small dog absolutely hates brushing and tends to bite while brushing, pick one tool to use such as a pin brush or a slicker brush and only use that one, so he is not overwhelmed with so much near his body.
- Though it may be frustrating to deal with a small dog who bites while you're trying to brush, try to keep your tone calm and even. If you are anxious or frustrated and it comes out in your voice, your dog will know and become more anxious and frustrated as well.
Conclusion
Your small dog might come with a big bite, but do not let him bully you into not brushing him. A beautiful coat happens when your little guy sets down his large ego and allows you to brush him. Rewarding before you start brushing will help you reach big goals of having a well-groomed small dog.
