How to Calm a Pit Bull Before Grooming

Home
Grooming
How to Calm a Pit Bull Before Grooming

Medium

10 - 60 Minutes

1 Week

Need regular grooming services?

Browse Wellness Plan Options Browse Wellness Plan Options

Introduction

Contrary to popular opinion, the Pit Bull is a loving family dog who develops a keen sense of dependence on his human "pack." Once you develop a strong bond with your Bully, the two of you will become virtually inseparable and you will need to spend plenty of time every day together. One important step in helping to teach your pup to remain calm before being groomed is to ensure he masters basic obedience commands as quickly as possible. This will help with all other forms of training, including teaching your dog how to tolerate--even enjoy--grooming sessions.

Dog's Perspective

Truth be told, Buster doesn't really care how often he gets groomed or, for that matter, if he gets groomed. At the same time, he is probably more than a little scared of the brush and of being touched on his sensitive areas. It is very important that you take your time working your way to the point where he is calm enough to be groomed.

The Tired, Touch, and Treat Method

Effective

0 Votes

Step

Yawn

One of the reasons Buster acts up when you try to groom him is that he really doesn't like being touched all over. Acting up takes a lot of energy; a nice long walk will burn a lot of it off, leaving behind one tired pup.

Step

Make a space

You like going to the salon or spa, so why not create a nice soothing place for your dog's weekly grooming? Start by adding some nice soft music--you know, the kind that puts you to sleep. Buster will quickly pick up on the soothing vibes.

Step

Diffuse the stress

Add an aromatherapy diffuser to the room loaded with lavender. Lavender is well-known for its ability to soothe nerves and calm an excited mind--in dogs as well as people.

Step

Talk to him

If someone took you in a strange room and started pulling at your hair and touching you all over without saying anything, you'd probably freak out. Well, guess what? If you don't talk to your pup in a nice soothing voice while you get ready to groom him, he is going to have the same reaction. Talk to him about what you are getting ready to do, praise him, and yes, give him a few treats along the way.

Step

There is no rush

Finally, take all the time Buster needs to get him calmed down. Rub him, pet him, and touch him all over. He will let you know when he is calmed down enough for you to start grooming him. The calmer you are during the whole process the calmer Buster will remain and the more fun both of you can have.

The Take Me Out to the Dog Park Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Step

Take me out

Take Buster out to the dog park and let him get in some serious playtime, go for a time when there few, if any, other dogs unless he is already well socialized.

Step

Home for some 'me time'

Head home, give your pup a chance to get a drink and then it's time for a good cuddle. If you start out doing this when he is a puppy, he will come to enjoy being touched instead being annoyed by it.

Step

Massage time

One of the best parts of going to the salon is the opportunity to get a nice massage. Not only does a good massage relax your muscles, it helps calm your mind. The same could be said of Buster--he is going to fall in love with getting an all over body massage. It will go a long way towards calming him down and relaxing him to the point where being groomed isn't likely to bother him.

Step

Buster, meet your brush

Time to introduce Buster to his brush. Since you already have him letting you cuddle him in your lap, the easy way to do this is to gently replace one of your hands with a slicker brush. You can start with the back side of the brush, rather than the bristles, to really ease your way into things.

Step

Slow and steady

Keep gently brushing your pup in short strokes. The more time you spend working on his coat like this, the less it will bother him. In time he will come to enjoy the feeling of being brushed, just be patient.

Caution & Considerations

The younger your pup is when start working on grooming, the easier it will be for him to get used to it.
Just because Bullies have short hair and don't require much in the way of grooming doesn't mean Buster shouldn't be groomed--and prepared to cooperate. Keep to a regular grooming schedule as this will help keep his coat clean and shiny.
You should give your dog a light brushing on a weekly basis.
This is a good time to check for fleas, ticks, and injuries.
Take your time and let Buster set the pace, it will make things go much easier.

Conclusion

While Buster might struggle a bit when he is a puppy, this should not go on for long as most dogs will calm down as they mature. Keep working with your pup, take your time, and let Buster set the pace. Use this time to bond with Buster in a way that no other chore, task, or form of play can do.

How to Calm a Pit Bull Before Grooming

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Tired, Touch, and Treat Method

The Take Me Out to the Dog Park Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides