How to Groom a Docile Dog
Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
One of the great things about having a nice, docile dog is that no matter what you seem to introduce her to, she seems to take it in stride. Not much seems to bother her, but for some reason being groomed seems to bug her a bit. Not that she won't submit to being groomed so much as she doesn't seem to really enjoy it that much. However, if you work with her long enough, you can change that and make the weekly grooming session into one you both can enjoy. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to take your time and be patient, this will help keep your furry friend relaxed.
Dog's Perspective
Most docile dogs tend to be very relaxed and calm by nature. The only thing about grooming that seems to bother your laid-back Lassie is the shiny tools and brushes used to get the job done. Your pup probably thinks the only grooming she really needs is what little she does for herself. While this does actually help keep her clean, it doesn't really get her as clean as she should be--or trim her hair.
The Smells Like Bath Time Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Scissors
Pin Brush
Clipper
Step
1
Determine where you're going to groom
It is always best to have the room you plan to use for grooming picked out and set up before you get started. Add in some soft music or even a TV tuned to the new Dog TV channel. Yes, your pooch likes watching TV. She probably even has her own favorite shows.
Step
2
About that bath
Run a bath with the temperature about the same as that you would use for a baby. Pop your pup in the tub and using a vet-approved shampoo, scrub every inch of her body from head to tail. Do not get any shampoo in her eyes, ears, or nostrils. Rinse very thoroughly to remove the shampoo, dirt, bugs, and parasites, and loosen or remove tangles and mats.
Step
3
To the stylist's office
Time to get started. Bring your freshly washed pup into the grooming room you have created and give her plenty of time to get used to being there and to the tools you have laid out. You can even turn on the clippers, so she can hear them run before you try to use them on her.
Step
4
Start with a brush
Start by brushing from the top of her head and working your way back to her tail and then her legs and underbelly. Examine her thoroughly as you do so for fleas, ticks, cuts, bites, nicks, and scratches.
Step
5
Trim and finish
Using the clippers or shears, trim her coat to the required length. Clip her nails and give her a final once-over to have her looking her best.
Recommend grooming method?
The Slow and Short Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Step
1
Set up for short sessions
It is important that you keep the initial grooming sessions short and sweet at the beginning. The earlier you can start this; the less likely your dog is to be upset about being groomed. Have the tools you plan to use for each session laid out on the floor for him to see and sniff at. This will help to relieve at least some level of anxiety.
Step
2
Start out nice and slow
Pick the brush best suited to your dog's coat and slowly bring it up to his face so he can see it in your hand. If he spooks when you get close, back off a little and give him a couple of minutes to recover before you start again. Once he stops reacting to the brush, go ahead and place it gently on his back, still holding onto it. Give him a few minutes to get used to the feeling. (You can give him a treat at any point in this step to him her know he is being a good boy.)
Step
3
From the beginning, go!
Starting on the back, use short, gentle strokes of approximately six inches to brush out the coat. Work along the top of his back, then do his sides, and finally the belly.
Step
4
The sensitive spots
Time to brush the more sensitive spots, the face, ears, neck, belly, and rump/private parts. Be very gentle in these areas as the skin here is very thin and easily damaged if you pull on the hair too hard.
Step
5
Trim those nails
Trim your dog's nails using the appropriate clippers, making sure not to cut into the quick. File them smooth and you are all done!
Recommend grooming method?
Caution & Considerations
- A good walk is a great way to relax your dog and put them in the mood to be groomed.
- Be sure the blades on both clippers and shears are sharp to reduce the risk of injuring your dog.
- Brush and trim in the direction hair grows for the best results.
- Be sure to lube the clipper blade to keep heat from building up and injuring your dog.
- Be sure to let your dog hear and see the clippers running before you try using them.
- Give the dog plenty of time to get used to all of the tools you plan to use.
- Keep some styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop the bleeding in case you cut into the quick of the nails.
Conclusion
No matter how docile a dog is, there is something about being groomed that seems to upset most. The more time you take letting your furry friend get used to the tools and making the whole task seem like fun, the easier it will go. Think of this as the perfect time for the two of you to bond.
