How to Groom a Small, Demanding Dog

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How to Groom a Small, Demanding Dog

Medium

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Working with a small, cute, but demanding dog can be pretty challenging just getting through every day. But, when you try to add in the weekly grooming session, life can suddenly go nuts. It can become so challenging that you seriously consider taking your little fuzzball to a professional groomer, just so you don't have to deal with it. The one thing holding you back is that you are almost too embarrassed by his behavior to force it on anyone else. Being demanding is not a born behavior, it is a learned behavior. It is up to you to work with your pup and find the right ways to keep him calmed down while you groom him.

Dog's Perspective

While your dog might have learned to be demanding, each time you respond to one of his demands for attention, the more demanding he becomes. He will do anything to get your attention and the best thing you can do is ignore him and let him figure out that he no longer holds any sway over you and that in fact, you are the Alpha in the family.

The Early Dog Gets the Message Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Step

From day one

Your dog will start working on ways to get your attention from the moment you bring him home. It might seem pretty cute at first, but if you give in to it, you are only creating a situation that will get worse. You need to start working with him from the moment you bring him home.

Step

To ignore is to succeed

Each time your dog tries one of his demanding tactics, your best option is to ignore him. The more you work with him in this manner, the faster he will get the message.

Step

Too tired to be demanding

Another ace up your sleeve is to take your dog for a nice long walk before you try to groom him. By going for a walk, he should be too tired to be demanding.

Step

And from the top

Take the appropriate brush and start by brushing his head, face, neck, and shoulders, then take five and give him a treat. Talking to him will also help to keep him from becoming agitated and demanding. If he starts to fuss, simply stop and ignore him, wait for him to relax and try again.

Step

Coming around the back

Brush his back and sides, following the direction in which his coat is growing. This helps to better distribute the oils in his hair and keep his coat lying flat. Take a break and give him another treat.

Step

Upside down

Have your dog lie down, give him a nice belly rub and then brush his belly, legs, and paws. If you keep up the weekly grooming sessions, it won't take long for him to start enjoying the sessions instead of being demanding to the point you can't get anything done.

The Create a Diversion Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Step

A little bonding time

Choose a time of the week and day for grooming that you will be able to stick to, consistency builds trust. For the first couple of weeks or so, just spend this time playing with your dog and bonding with him. This will help establish a level of trust between you that will help with the rest of the grooming process.

Step

Grooming time

Bring our dog in the room you plan to use for grooming (preferably the same the one you have been playing in) and give him a new toy or two to play with. The toys are your way of redirecting his attention every time he starts to get demanding.

Step

Let's get started

Start brushing his head and face, this way you can give him the toy while you groom the rest of him. Work your way down his chest and neck. Take a moment to play with your dog and reassure him, give him a treat, the toy and carry on.

Step

His body

Brush his back, sides, and rump, making sure you are following the way in which his hair is growing. This will make it much easier to brush and help spread his natural oils throughout his coat. If your dog start to fuss and whine, ignore him, when he quiets down, give him a treat. Brush his tail, rump, and the outsides of his legs.

Step

Down under

Take a short treat break, then have your dog lie down so you can groom his belly, the insides of his legs, and his paws. Now that you are all finished, fuss over him and give him a few treats.

Caution & Considerations

No matter how much your pooch fusses and whines, do not get mad at him or yell at him.
Keep a good supply of treats on hand to use as treats or distractions.
No matter what, do not give in to your dog's demanding behavior, this will only encourage him to become more demanding.
A good walk is not only a great way to tire him out, it is also good exercise for both of you.
Use lots of praise and treats to let your pup know when he is doing a good job.

Conclusion

Grooming a demanding dog can be very challenging. By working with your pooch from puppyhood, you can significantly reduce or eliminate this behavior. Once he understands his behavior is no longer acceptable, the rest of your grooming sessions should be more fun for both of you. Grooming is a great time for bonding.

How to Groom a Small, Demanding Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Early Dog Gets the Message Method

The Create a Diversion Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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