How to Calm a Rhodesian Ridgeback Before Grooming

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How to Calm a Rhodesian Ridgeback Before Grooming

Medium

10 - 60 Minutes

1 Weeks

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Introduction

While an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback may, in fact, be a very mellow fellow, while he is a puppy quite the opposite could be said. During their younger years, they are full of life and very rambunctious. Keep in mind that even as adults, these guys are very athletic and love to play. Getting them to calm down enough to be groomed can be challenging. The most important thing to keep in mind when training your Ridgeback is that he will respond very well to consistent positive training techniques. Using any type of negative or punishment-based training will not work but will instead make your pup harder to train.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog's idea of good grooming is when he uses his tongue to give himself a bath. When you come up to him with brush in hand, he is likely to be more than just a little nervous. In turn, this means he is not going to make it easy for you to groom him. But, with hard work and patience, you can train him to remain calm during grooming time.

The Too Tired to Worry Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Step

The long and winding road

Your Rhodesian Ridgeback is a highly energetic dog who can go for what seems likes forever without getting tired. But, you can certainly burn off a lot his energy by taking him for a long walk based on his age. You are trying to tire him out not hurt him, so pay close attention to make sure you aren't overdoing it.

Step

Create the perfect grooming space

You need a place to groom your pup, it should be one you use every time. Give it a nice relaxing touch by turning on some soothing music.

Step

Up the ante

It is a well-known fact that the smell of lavender is very relaxing. By adding lavender essential oil to a diffuser, the scent will help your pup to calm down even more. Lavender essential oil will not harm your pooch.

Step

A little off the top, sir?

Then whole time you are getting your pup ready to be groomed once you are in the chosen grooming room, you should be talking to him. It doesn't really matter what you talk to him about, just be sure to use a calm and soothing voice.

Step

Time, it's on your side

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that there is no need to rush this at any time. Instead, go slow, let your pup set the pace, and in the end, he will look forward to his weekly time out for grooming.

The Take Me to the Party Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Step

Hit the dog park

Very few dogs have a problem with being social and hanging out with the guys and girls at the local dog park. Not only does this help build your pup's social skills, but playing hard will help to tire him out.

Step

Head out on the highway

After a couple of fun hours at the local dog park, it's time to head home and relax. While your Ridgeback is a puppy, you can put him in your lap for a little cuddle time. The more time you can spend doing this, the more relaxed he will become.

Step

I want to feel your touch

While you have your pup on the couch or in your lap is a great time to give him a good rub down. In fact, this is what you should be doing, it is the best possible way for you to get your pup used to being touched for grooming. Along with this, a good all-over body rub is another excellent way to further calm your pup.

Step

Introductions all round

It is now time for your pup to meet the tools of the trade. In this case, all you should need is a slicker brush since the Rhodesian Ridgeback has very short hair. Doing this while your pup is on your lap is an easy way to this as he will see it as part of the whole cuddle thing.

Step

Start slow

Start out brushing your pup with very gentle strokes of 6 inches or so. You can always increase the pressure to the desired amount once your pup has become used to the feeling of being brushed. From here brush him at least once a week and enjoy the time you have with each other.

Caution & Considerations

If for any reason you think your dog might bite you, you may want to consider putting a muzzle on him for his safety and yours.
The younger you start working with your puppy to get him used to being groomed the easier it will be.
Grooming is a good time to check his skin for any sign of injuries, fleas, or ticks.
Let your pup set the pace while you are training him and afterwards, this will make training him easier.
Even though your pup has short hair, you should groom him once a week using a slicker brush to remove dirt, debris, and spread his natural oils through his coat.

Conclusion

Just because your Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very short coat, this doesn't mean that he doesn’t need to be groomed. You should brush his coat once a week to remove dust and dirt while spreading his natural oils throughout his coat giving it a nice shine and helping it to remain water-resistant. Use your grooming sessions as a good chance to bond with him, in time he will come to look forward to this time with you.

How to Calm a Rhodesian Ridgeback Before Grooming

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Too Tired to Worry Method

The Take Me to the Party Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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