How to Groom a Large, Guarding Dog

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Hard
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week

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Introduction

Brutus isn't much of a family pet, but then as Rottweiler at 130 pounds, he was never destined to be one. While he is friendly enough with those he knows as long as his pack leader (that's you) is in the area, his real job is as a guard dog As for grooming, well, let's just say it is not really his idea of a good time. Fortunately, Rotties are low maintenance dogs, but the same steps apply to long-hair breeds. The big difference is that with longer hair you may have to spend more time working through tangles and mats. 

Dog's Perspective

From Brutus' point of view, half the reason he doesn’t care to be groomed is that he simply doesn't like being touched all over, it sort of goes against the whole guard dog image. The other is that the tools you plan to use make him just a little bit more than nervous. Take your time and work with Brutus, letting him overcome his anxieties and fears at his own paces. Consistency and patience are the keys to success!

The Fearless Dog Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Dremel
Nail File
Step
1
Setting up for the session
The best way for your dog to conquer his fears is to take them on head first--but gently. Set up a grooming station by laying out the tools you plan to use. They need to be at a height (like a low table) where your dog will not only be able to see them, but will be able to sniff them as well.
Step
2
Let's do this
Go ahead and bring your dog into the room and let him take his own time going over the tools. The longer you let him do this at first, the easier using them will be for both of you. Try picking each one up so he can see it in your hand. If you plan to use clippers, be sure to turn them on and give him time to get used to the noise they make.
Step
3
Slicker or pin brush
If your dog has short to medium hair a slicker brush will work. For dogs with long hair, you will need a pin brush. Starting at the head, gently brush the top of his head, around his eyes, his muzzle, and ears. If you need to trim around your pup's eyes and face, this is the time to do so using shears. Take a moment and give your dog a treat, let him know he is being a good boy! Hey, even guard dogs need love.
Step
4
Along the back
Continue brushing, going with the direction his coat naturally grows. Take your time, keep reassuring him, and if necessary give him another treat. Work down his neck and chest, along his back, down his sides, and down his rump. Break time, complete with a treat.
Step
5
The finishing touch
Have your dog lie down and then roll onto his back, if he is willing. This makes it much easier for you to groom his belly, legs, and paws. This is the perfect time to trim his nails using the appropriate nail cutter. If you are planning to grind his nails down, remember the grinder will cause his nails to become painfully hot if you grind on them for too long at a time.

The Musical Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Dremel
Nail File
Step
1
Pick a room
Pick a room, any room in your home that has an easy clean floor. Turn this into your grooming studio. Always use the same room as consistency builds trust. In the room, you will need a radio tuned to a station playing soothing, relaxing music (dogs react to music just like humans). Have the brushes, clippers, shears, comb, and any other tools you plan to use laid out for your dog to see.
Step
2
Go out on patrol
Hitch your dog up to his leash and take him out for a nice long patrol around the neighborhood. It will do him good to get in some exercise. It will also give a chance to go potty and tire himself out.
Step
3
Into the groomer's den
Turn on the music and bring your dog into the room you have prepared for him. Give him a few minutes to get used to everything. Then give him a treat. Remember, you should be talking to him the entire time as a way to reassure him that there is nothing wrong with being groomed.
Step
4
Front half first
Start by brushing the face, ears, muzzle, and neck. Keep talking to him in a soothing voice. If he is behaving, give him a treat and then move on to brushing his chest and neck. Then brush his back and sides following the "grain" of his hair. This is a good time to stop for a minute and give another treat if your dog is behaving. If he is balking, stop and give him a couple of minutes to calm down, then try again.
Step
5
And finally...
Brush his rump, being very careful around his anus. Have him lie down and roll onto his back. Give him a nice belly rub, then brush his belly, being extremely careful around his privates. Talking to him may help keep him settled. Finally, brush his legs and paws (if your pup has long hair), trim the fur back between his pads and toes, then trim his nails as needed. Finish up with lots of praise and more treats. The more you do this the easier it will become for both of you.

Caution & Considerations

  • The best thing you can do with a large, guarding type of dog like Brutus, is to ensure he knows who is in charge (the Alpha) in his pack. At no time should you ever let him think he is in charge, this can lead to big problems down the road.
  • Give your pup plenty of time to get used the room and the tools you plan to use for grooming. This will help relieve significant anxiety.
  • Don't be afraid to use plenty of treats throughout.
  • Be sure to talk to your pup, it is reassuring and relaxing.
  • If you plan to trim his coat be sure your shears and clippers have sharp blades.
  • Take the time to go over your pup looking for fleas, ticks, or any signs of injury.
  • Take your time. Let your pooch set the pace, this will make it far easier for both of you. 

Conclusion

Just because Brutus' main job is to guard and protect your home and family when you are away, it doesn't put him in the Alpha role at any time. The more time you spend working with your pup, the more he will come to understand the grooming process, as well as the chain of command,  and will come to look forward to it.  

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