How to Groom a Detached Dog

Medium
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week

Introduction

How to best describe a detached dog... one that seems to have very little interest in anything that is going on around him. While unusual, this type of behavior can make grooming very challenging in some ways and much easier in others. In most cases, you should be able to bring your disinterested darling into the room you plan to use for grooming and beyond having to get him to move around, get the job done with minimal stress for either of you. It should not take long for your pal to learn what is expected of him, making grooming much easier. 

Dog's Perspective

With this type of dog, you are far less likely to have behavior problems. But keep in mind, even the most detached pup can get skittish around grooming tools. You should use similar training methods used to calm other dogs and get them ready to be groomed. 

The Long Road Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Step
1
Hit the road, Jack
Take your dog out for a nice long walk, let him pee, encourage him to explore his environment and then turn around. Bring back a nice tired pup.
Step
2
Game time
While the walk should have tired him out, go ahead and spend a little extra time playing with your dog when you get home. The more of his pent-up energy you can burn off, and the more you can put him at ease, the better. .
Step
3
I'm going to touch you
Even though your dog has a detached attitude, when you start touching and grooming him he may suddenly come alive! Start by getting him used to being handled by rubbing him all over for several sessions.
Step
4
Get into it
Go from a gentle rub to a full body massage. Not only will this get his attention and get him used to being touched, the more time you spend bonding with your dog now, the easier it is going to be for both of you when the time comes to groom him.
Step
5
Bring out the tools
Place all of the grooming tools you plan to use on the floor and let your dog take his own sweet time examining them. Once he has satisfied his curiosity, you should have no problem moving on to grooming him.
Recommend grooming method?

The Worn Out Pooch Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Step
1
Take the high road
The best time to groom any dog is when they are tired and don't have the energy to fuss. So, take your pup out for a nice walk, give him time to play, sniff around, and go potty.
Step
2
Meet the tools
Start out by letting your dog meet the brushes and other tools you plan to use during the grooming session. To pique his interest, go slow and let him decide when he has learned enough about them.
Step
3
Start the grooming
Using short, gentle strokes of about 6 inches, working the tools through his coat. Start out with short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes at first. This will give him just a taste of what's to come and may tweak his interest.
Step
4
Build up time
Try talking to your dog as you build up his endurance. This will help keep him interested in what's going on, which can make it go far easier for both of you.
Step
5
Praise and rewards go a long way
Be sure to give your pup plenty of praise and a few treats along the way to reward him for doing a good job. In time he will start looking forward to being groomed every week.
Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

  • If you are working with a young pup, you can substitute playing with him energetically for the walk.
  • Be sure to use plenty of treats during the training and grooming process to let your dog know he is doing a good job.
  • If at any time you need to use shears to cut out mats or trim your dog's coat, be sure they have rounded safety tips and are sharp.
  • Keep to a regular grooming schedule. This will give your dog something to look forward to. Consistency always makes training easier.
  • Go slow, let the dog set the pace in the early stages of grooming. You can always build up speed once he is used to being groomed.
  • Going slow also reduces the risk of cutting him or ripping out his hair, both of which can be very painful. 

Conclusion

Grooming a detached dog can be harder than it seems, but as long as you are willing to work with him, you can teach him to let you groom him. Grooming can be a great time to bond and in time, your pup will come to look forward to his weekly grooming sessions with you. 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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