How to Groom a Gentle Dog

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How to Groom a Gentle Dog

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Whether Howie is a tender terrier or a gentle giant, he may still be a bit skittish when the time comes to be groomed. If you adopted your new family member as a pup, you should spend as much time as you can getting Howie used to being touched. This will make things go far more smoothly when the time comes to start grooming him. For older dogs that may have a good reason (at least in their minds) to balk at the idea of being groomed, keep in mind you can teach any dog to enjoy being groomed, it just takes time and patience.

Dog's Perspective

In no way does Howie want to upset you, or worse yet hurt you, but there is something about those shiny tools you have in your hands that makes him nervous. Grooming isn't like being played with or having a good belly rub to him. Until he gets used to the process and the tools, he is going to need a little help from you.

The Keep Busy Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Step

Pick up a few goodies

Time to stock up with a few new toys, plenty of Howie's favorite treats, and large dollop of patience. The idea is to keep Howie's mind off the fact you are grooming him until he learns to relax and enjoy it.

Step

Drain the tanks

Time to take Howie out for a nice long walk. The idea is "drain the tanks"--both his bladder and his energy reserves. This will help calm even an already gentle dog.

Step

Create a relaxing grooming station

Turn on some quiet relaxing music, place some cool new toys where Howie can easily see them.

Step

Bring on the star

Bring Howie into the room, give him a treat and let him find the toys. One great way to get him used to your grooming tools is to place them in the same pile as the toys. Give him plenty of time to get used to everything in the pile.

Step

Time to groom

Now that you have given Howie plenty of time to get used to the pile of toys, and while they still have his attention, start buy brushing his head and face. Following the direction his hair grows, brush down his neck and chest, along his back, down his sides, and then his rump and tail. Finally, have him lie on his back so that you can brush his belly and legs. Voila, one happy, good-looking Howie.

The Shower Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Clipper

Towel

Step

Take that first step

Hook Howie up to his leash and take him out for a walk. It needs to be long enough to tire him out but not exhaust him, and give him time to go potty!

Step

Hit the showers

Pop Howie in the tub and, using a flexible shower head with nice warm water (think baby bath) coming out of it, give him a shower. Be sure you use a shampoo that is vet-approved to protect Howie's skin and rinse all traces of it from his skin and coat.

Step

Towel him dry

Using a nice soft towel, gently rub Howie to remove most of the water and then let him "air dry" to finish up.

Step

Keeping him occupied

Give Howie a few toys to keep his mind occupied. And then start to brush his head and face.

Step

As long as he is behaving

Give Howie a treat to let him know he is doing a good job and carry on working from front to back. Be gentle around his anus and genitals as these areas are very sensitive and even the gentlest of dogs will flinch at having these areas groomed. When you are all done, be sure to give Howie tons of praise and a treat to let him know he did a good job.

Caution & Considerations

Since Howie is such a gentle pup, take advantage of this and be gentle with him, this will make the whole process go easier for both of you.
Letting him burn off some of his energy will help him calm down and relax at grooming time.
Give Howie plenty of time to get used to the tools before you try to use them.
Take short "love" breaks along the way and give Howie a treat here and there throughout the process.
During the brushing process, is a good time to trim any long hair or give him a complete haircut.
Keep plenty of toys on hand to keep him occupied. This will make it much easier for you to groom him.
If you must trim or cut his coat, be sure to use clippers and shears with sharp blades.

Conclusion

Since Howie is such a gentle dog, your chances of being bitten are probably nil. But, you still need to work with him if you want him to learn to enjoy the process. Grooming weekly is a great way to get him used to being groomed and in time come to love it. Take your time, make it fun, and think of it as a great way for the two of you to bond.

How to Groom a Gentle Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Keep Busy Method

The Shower Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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