How to Calm a Fila Brasileiro Before Grooming

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How to Calm a Fila Brasileiro Before Grooming

Medium

10 - 60 Minutes

12 Weeks

First Walk Free * Book Free Walk *

Introduction

The Fila Brasileiro comes from Brazil and is known to be an excellent guard dog. He has a massive head and may not be the best choice for a first dog. They have a very intense personality and are highly active, requiring lots of exercise to help keep them calmed down. They tend to not like strangers. As with most breeds, the sooner you can start getting him used to being groomed the better, but if you have waited until he is no longer a little pup, you can still teach him to be calm no matter what you plan to do.

Dog's Perspective

The Fila Brasileiro has a nice, short coat that tends to shed quite a bit but is very easy to take care of using a boar hair brush or brush glove. He should only need a bath every three months or so. Keep in mind your four-legging friend really doesn't like being handled that much so you will need to spend some time working with him.

The Play That Funky Music Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Comb

Step

Getting off on the right foot

Hook your pup up to his leash and take him for a nice, long relaxing walk. Let him sniff the flowers, water them, and burn off some of that massive reserve of energy he is hiding somewhere. The deal is that you need your pup to be nice and tired by the time you get home.

Step

Sing, sing a song

Well, maybe not, but you can certainly put some nice calming music on in the room you plan to use for grooming your pooch.

Step

Ooh, ooh that smell

Just like music, there are certain aromas that can help to calm your pup down. Lavender essential oil in a diffuser is highly recommended. Start the diffuser before you go out for a walk, allowing the room to fill with the aroma.

Step

A touch too much

Call your dog into the grooming room or area and, praising him in a nice calm voice, begin to gently rub him all over. Be sure you get all of his most sensitive areas. Repeat this for several days to get him used to being touched before you try to groom him. This will help keep him calm.

Step

Meet your tools

Take the time before you start to groom your furry friend to let him get used to all of the tools you plan to use. The easiest way to do this is to lay them on the table or floor and let your pup sniff around them until his curiosity is satisfied and he won't freak out quite as much when you go to use them on him.

The Puppy Spa Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Flea Comb

Comb

Step

It all starts with the first step

When you stop to think about the energy your Fila Brasileiro has stored up, the best thing you can do to keep him calm at grooming time is to wear him out, or at least try. This means taking him out for a walk, keep an eye on your pooch when he starts to show signs of being tired, turn back to the house. You want your pup tired and relaxed, not exhausted.

Step

Can't touch this

Ah, but yes you can, you just have to go about it the right way. While your pup is nice and tired is the perfect time to introduce him to being touched all over his body. Gently work your way around every bit of his body, paying close attention to his paws, private spots, tail, and face.

Step

Killing me softly with his touch

If your pup isn't already starting to become nice and relaxed, this next step should do the job. Now that Bowser is used to being touched, turn the touch into a nice gentle massage. Work on his muscles, joints, and pretty much all over.

Step

The love shack

Well, maybe not, but you can create an atmosphere in your grooming room that your pup is sure to love. Start with some soothing music playing in the background, add a little lavender oil to a diffuser and give it time to permeate the room.

Step

Don't brush me off

Time to slowly introduce your pooch to the tools you plan to use for grooming. This includes brushes, combs, clippers, shears, nail clippers, and anything else you think you might use. Lay them all out where your pup can see them, sniff them, and just generally get used to their existence to the point at which he ignores them. Now, you should have one very calm and relaxed pooch ready to groom.

Caution & Considerations

Since the Fila Brasileiro has a reputation for being aggressive, if you think there is any chance he might bite you, play it safe and put him in a muzzle for grooming time.
Remember, there is no reason to rush the grooming process, take your time and let your pup get used to being touched first.
Use the same place in your house for grooming; consistency helps build comfort and familiarity.
Make sure you give your Fila Brasileiro plenty of time to get used to the tools you plan to use.
If for any reason, you need to use shears to trim your pup's hair, be sure they have rounded safety tips and are nice and sharp.

Conclusion

The Fila Brasileiro is a very muscular and strong dog with a very protective attitude. This can make calming him down for grooming more challenging than many other breeds. Start working with him from the moment you bring him home, this gets him used to being touched and handled, making grooming nothing more than an extension of being touched.

How to Calm a Fila Brasileiro Before Grooming

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Play That Funky Music Method

The Puppy Spa Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides