How to Groom a Moving Dog

Grooming any dog can be challenging, even on a good day. When you can't get Joey to sit, stand, even lay still for more than a few seconds, grooming takes on a completely different set of rules. The reality is, you really cannot groom a dog who keeps moving, as it just isn’t safe. But since you still have to groom Joey, you need to train him to be still while you are doing so. This is going to take a while, but with time, effort, and patience, he will eventually learn to relax and enjoy the process. 

A moving dog can leap off of a table, cause a cut or a nick with a tool, or even get so worked up that they lash out at the groomer. Being prepared to handle this and help Joey relax can help prevent these situations. 

It's not that Joey doesn't want to stop moving around, it's more than he has an internal spring that never stops bouncing around. He is going to resist the idea of being made to sit still for extended periods of time. One thing to keep in mind is that you can use bribery in the form of treats along with plenty of breaks so he can get his wiggles out. You'll need to do this until he masters being still for grooming. 

• Use the appropriate type of brush for Joey's coat. Depending on how thick the fur is, you'll want to be sure to go through it thoroughly to ensure that you catch any dirt, debris, or other objects that can be hidden in there.
  
• Never pull on mats to remove them, instead using shears or clippers to cut them out. You may want to do this before giving him a bath, as wet fur may be more difficult to detangle.
  
• Be sure your clippers and shears have sharp blades and are properly lubricated. You don't want poor tools to cause nicks or cuts.
  
• Never leave Joey unattended while he is on the grooming table. This may cause him to panic and hurt himself. 
  
• Take your time and let Joey get used to every tool you use and every process, as this will make grooming him much easier. If necessary, break up your first groomings into separate sessions.
  
• Once a month, you need to give Joey a bath. If you are not sure how often you can bathe him, check with your vet to ensure that you don't dry out his skin or get rid of any natural oils. 
  

While there is truly no great way to groom a dog on the move, once you teach him how to relax and remain still, the whole process can be a fun and great bonding experience for both of you. Take your time, be patient, and he will pick up what is expected of him. Don't hesitate to bribe him with treats and toys to keep him focused and patient. He'll thank you for the treats later on!