How to Groom a Large, Friendly Dog

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How to Groom a Large, Friendly Dog

Medium

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

For the most part, having a friendly family pooch like Trixie is a lot of fun. There doesn't seem to be much of anything she doesn't enjoy doing. Well, that is until the time comes for her weekly grooming. Suddenly all that friendliness can be a bit overwhelming unless you learn how to channel it. The ideal situation would be one in which her friendliness actually makes the grooming process fun for both of you rather than just another chore you have to do every week.

Dog's Perspective

Chances are good that Trixie is far more interested in playing with you or giving you kisses than she is about letting you grooming her. Keep in mind a tired dog is always much easier to deal than one who is full of vim, vigor, and vitality. Take your time and let Trixie set the pace, follow her lead to success.

The Busy Mind Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Prepare the grooming room

Gather the tools you plan to use, some treats, a few toys, and a radio for the grooming room. Turn on some nice relaxing music.

Step

It's a long way to….

A tired dog is likely to be far easier to groom than one who can't sit still. Take your pup for a nice walk and then spend a little time playing with her when you get home. This should tire her out and relax her enough for you to groom her.

Step

Into the grooming zone

Bring your dog into the grooming zone with the relaxing music playing and let her get a good look at the toys and tools. When she is ready, time to groom has finally come.

Step

Top to bottom

Start with her head and brush following the "grain" of her hair. Go down her neck and chest, then along her back and sides. Then brush her rump, being very gentle around her private parts. Stop and take a short break, give her a treat and let her play off a little more energy.

Step

Down and over

Have her lie on her side and then help her roll over on her back so you can brush her entire belly and all four legs. When she looks her best, praise her and give her a treat.

The Spa Day Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Dematter

Comb

Towel

Step

Start with a little exercise

Any good spa day should start with a little exercise. This is a good time to take your dog out for a jog to burn off a lot of that excitement. The hope is that by the time you get home, she is nice and tired.

Step

Madame, your bath is ready

Run a warm bath for your dog (just like baby bath water temperature) and using a vet-approved shampoo, give her a nice scrub down. This will help to relax her and remove all dirt, bugs, parasite, tangles, and minor mats from her coat.

Step

Skip the air, bring on the towels

Using a nice soft towel, gently rub your pup all over. This will help dry her coat and at the same time, further relax her.

Step

Lay out the toys

Lay out a few of her favorite toys to keep her busy while you get to work making her freshly bathed coat look spectacular.

Step

Something special this time….

Like most dogs, yours probably doesn't like her head or face being fussed with. Start by brushing these areas first and then give her a couple of minutes to relax again. You can give her a treat to let her know she is a good girl. Let the brush work its magic down her neck and chest, along her back and rump, and her sides. Finish up having her lie down so you can brush her belly and legs. All done! Give her lots of praise and a special treat.

Caution & Considerations

Instead of fighting your dog's over-friendliness, channel that energy elsewhere, putting it to work for you instead of against you.
Give her all the time she needs to get used the various brushes and tools before you start using them. This will help make things go more smoothly.
Going for a nice walk is great exercise for both of you and will help tire your pup out, making it easier to groom her.
Don't be afraid to use too many treats in the early stages, you can always cut down on the number later.
Always have a few of Trixie's favorite toys on hand for her to play with while you work.

Conclusion

The only thing on Trixie's mind is to play and make her human family members happy. She likes everyone and is always free with the kisses to show it. Your job is to teach her that grooming time can be a lot of fun without the need to go over the top in affectionate displays. Take your time and before you know it, both of you will have hit your groove.

How to Groom a Large, Friendly Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Busy Mind Method

The Spa Day Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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