How to Groom a Large, Destructive Dog

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How to Groom a Large, Destructive Dog

Medium

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

If your dog has become destructive, this behavior can lead to ruined furniture, shredded carpets, and a virtually unlimited potential for damage to anything your pooch can wrap his jaws around. When he is a puppy and teething, you can redirect this need to chew onto acceptable items like toys and bones. However, if you have a larger dog, this need to chew can be tougher to deal with and can make grooming seem almost impossible. While you could muzzle your dog, a much better way is to teach him how to remain calm and relaxed when it's time to groom him.

Dog's Perspective

Most dogs will teethe when they are puppies, just like babies. But, like babies, they should grow out of it. When your pup gets a little older and has not stopped chewing, it could be because he is bored or has something wrong with his teeth. Beyond a medical or dental issue, there are ways you can train him not to feel the need to chew and to remain relaxed during grooming.

The Keep His Mind Occupied Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

It's all about creating the right space

Choose a room in your house to groom your dog in, one that will be used every time you groom him. Choose one that has a window with a good view. Add a radio for some calming music. Maybe even add a TV so he can watch his favorite show on the new Dog TV channel. The intent is to give the dog something to keep his mind occupied while you groom him.

Step

Pee break first

Take Fido out for a nice walk, give him time to pee, and let him stretch his legs. This will burn off some energy and tire him out a bit. Which will go a long way towards curbing his behavior.

Step

Barber chair chat

Just like when you go to the barbershop or salon, and your stylist talks to you to take your mind off what they're doing. You can do the same in your home grooming salon. Engage your furry client in a nice soothing chat starting from the moment you begin grooming until you are done. Just don't expect too many answers.

Step

What if his mind starts to wander

If you happen to see your dog's attention start to wander and look as if he trying to find something to chew on, change the music, change the TV channel, or give him a new toy to chew on.

Step

Treat breaks

While you are grooming, it's okay to stop and give your pup a treat along with a little praise while he is behaving.

Step

Work up gradually

Start with short sessions and make the whole process fun for both of you. Take your time and it won't be long before King comes to you for grooming.

The Say Hello to the Tools Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Set up the tools of the trade

Set out all of the tools you plan to use for grooming and bring your dog into the room you have chosen for grooming. Give him plenty of time to get used to them, he will sniff at them, look at them, maybe paw at them, or lick them. If he tries to chew on them, stop him immediately. Let him tell you when he feels comfortable around the tools, then give him a treat.

Step

Slow and steady wins the race

Call Fido over and have him take a place standing in front of you. Give him a treat and then give him a couple of minutes to relax. Each time you are going to use a different tool, grab it and slowly lift it up to where he can see it. If he tries to act up, back off a bit and give him a little extra time to get used to it.

Step

From the top

Using the appropriate brush for his type of coat, brush the head, face, ears, neck, and chest. Go nice and slow, slip him a treat or two along the way, and keep chatting with him the whole time.

Step

Back to tail

Brush the back and sides, then do his rump and tail. Be gentle working in this area as it is very sensitive. If he has behaved, give him a treat and praise him.

Step

Under it all

Have your dog lie down, this way you can brush his belly, his legs, and finally his paws. Finish up with a healthy dose of praise and yes, some more treats. It won't be long before he starts to look forward to being groomed.

Caution & Considerations

Since your dog is destructive in nature and probably a bit wound up, it is vital for you to remain calm during the whole grooming process.
Keep working on redirecting the dog's attention when he starts to chew on the wrong things or tries to nip at you during grooming.
Make sure you give your pooch plenty of time to get used to the tools you plan to use. This will make it much easier for both of you.
Plan to groom your dog on a weekly basis. This is good for his health and for the health of his coat, but also making grooming a regular event will help desensitize him to the process.
Grooming is a good time to check your dog over for injuries or parasites.

Conclusion

Even the most destructive of dogs need to be groomed on a weekly basis. Your mission, should you accept it, is to teach your pup how to remain calm and relaxed during the grooming process. Using toys or chew bones to redirect his attention will help make grooming go more smoothly and less painfully for both of you. With a little work, he will outgrow this destructive behavior and learn to love being groomed.

How to Groom a Large, Destructive Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Keep His Mind Occupied Method

The Say Hello to the Tools Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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