How to Groom a Lively Dog

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How to Groom a Lively Dog

Medium

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Grooming a large dog that just can't quite seem to sit still for more than a couple of minutes at a time presents an all new set of problems when you are used to grooming a calm, relaxed dog. When it's playtime having a lively pup like "Zippy" can be a lot of fun, but there are just times, like grooming, when it simply won't do. Your mission is to teach Zippy the difference without the use of punishment or yelling at him. It just takes a lively pup like Zippy a little longer to figure out what is expected of him.

Dog's Perspective

With a lively pup like Zippy, the world is simply there for him to enjoy. He likes to run all over the yard sniffing at everything, spend hours chasing his own tail, play fetch like there is no tomorrow, and stay busy from sunup to sunset. Once you figure out how to put this energy to good use, grooming will become a lot easier.

The Keep Busy Method

Effective

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Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Step

Supplies first

You don't need much in the way of training supplies, just a bag of your dog's favorite treats, a leash, and some brand new shiny, squeaky toys.

Step

Set up your grooming station

To set up your grooming station, lay out the tools you plan to use, add a nice pile of the toys, and turn on some relaxing music. Maybe even put a little lavender oil in a diffuser. All of this is sure to help him relax.

Step

On the road again

Hook him up to his leash and take him out for a nice stroll, make it long enough to tire him out, this will help dim down some of that playfulness.

Step

Bring on the pup

Bring him in and let him take his time checking it all out. In time he is going to choose a new toy over the brushes.

Step

Stem to stern

Start by brushing the head, ears, and face. Move down his body brushing in the direction his coat is growing. Be careful around his rear end and genitals as pulling his hair in these areas can be very painful. It should take no more than 15-30 minutes to do the whole job. Be sure to give lots of treats and praise along the way. In time this will become a great bonding time for the both of you.

The Play Time Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Step

Pick up a few new toys

Chances are good that your dog already has a pretty large stash of toys, but for this, you want to buy some new toys. These will only be brought out at grooming time.

Step

Initiate play time

Set aside about half an hour to 45 minutes before grooming time for playtime. Take him out in the yard and spend this time playing with him as hard as you can. The idea is to put his playfulness to work for you by tiring him out.

Step

In your grooming room

In your grooming room place some more of the new toys and the tools you need. Then bring you pup in. Give him time to get used to the toys and tools.

Step

Grooming the top half

Start by grooming the top half beginning at his head and working your way back to his tail. Each time you finish a section, take a short play break and give him one of the new toys to play with.

Step

Grooming the bottom half

Turn him over on his back so that you can finish up the grooming process. Then spend some more time playing with him as a reward for being a good boy. You can also give him a treat or two.

Caution & Considerations

Use your dog's playfulness to help tire him out, this will make him much easier to handle.
Go slow and easy with the brush so that you don't pull his hair if you find any tangles or mats.
Never use punishment or yelling at Zippy to try and get him under control. Doing so will only make things worse.
Be sure to buy new toys as they are more likely to grab his attention.
The younger your dog is when you start working on grooming, the faster he will learn.

Conclusion

Having a fun, playful pup like Zippy can make life very interesting. Keep working with Zippy and put that energy to use in a positive way. This will make grooming him far easier for both of you. Try to make each session as much fun as possible and before long, he will actually look forward to your time together.

How to Groom a Lively Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Keep Busy Method

The Play Time Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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