How to Groom a Territorial Dog

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How to Groom a Territorial Dog

Hard

15 - 30 Minute

1 Week

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Introduction

Is Jack the kind of dog who protects his territory? Does he growl at you or try to nip at you when you try to pick him up or get too close to his "spot" in your house? It is quite normal for dogs to be territorial, it is how they survive out in the wild. But in your home, this type of behavior should not be encouraged or accepted. In a domesticated situation, there can be many reasons why he feels the need to be territorial, such as having been teased or having his "things" constantly taken from him. But, with time, effort, and patience, you can help him get over his issues and make grooming a much more enjoyable experience.

Dog's Perspective

Contrary to what many people think, dogs have excellent memories. They also have personalities that are as varied as the families who choose to add a dog to their "pack". If at any time Jack was mistreated or teased excessively, these would be good reasons for him to develop territorial behavior. But, long before you reach for a sedative or a muzzle, try these tricks to help you with your grooming tasks.

The Distract Me Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Dremel

Nail File

Step

The perfect place

Pick the perfect place to groom Jack, it should be a room with an easy to clean floor and preferably one with a window for Jack to look out. If you can, add a radio for soft music or TV so Jack can keep up with his favorite show.

Step

Hike and potty

Hitch Jack to his leash and head out the door for a nice long hike, give him plenty of time to go potty, and then head home. The plan is to tire him out but not exhaust him.

Step

What is he doing?

Pick up the brush and let him see it while you talk to him in a soothing voice, give him a treat, and when he acts like he is ready, take the brush and start grooming his head and ears. If his attention starts to wander, try the music first, you can give him a toy to chew on, and go back to grooming his neck and chest.

Step

Keep it going

The entire time you are working with him, be sure to keep the conversation going and use treats to reward him for staying calm. Turn on his favorite show and get back to brushing his back, sides, and rump.

Step

Time to finish the job

Give Jack another treat and have him lie down and roll over so that you can brush the hair on his paws, legs, and belly. This is a great time to trim his nails and check his pads for signs of injury. When you are all done, give him lots of praise and another treat or two.

The Get Over It Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Dematter

Comb

Step

It's all in how you get started

Set out all of the tools you plan to use for the grooming sessions in a spot where Jack can see them and sniff at them. Bring Jack in and let him take his time familiarizing himself with the tools; let him look at them, sniff them, and yes if he really wants to, lick them. Pick each one up so Jack can see it in your hand. The idea is to get him used to seeing them in your hand before you use them on him.

Step

Off to a slow start

Since your pup is already overly-territorial, putting him in a room that is not one he considers to be 'his' is a good start. The next step is to start out brushing him very slowly, starting at the top of his head. Use short strokes of six inches or less for the first few sessions to help him get used to the being brushed. Next work on his ears, chin, and neck. Stop for a minute, give him a treat and fuss over him a bit, this will help keep him calmed down for round two.

Step

Round two

Brush his back and sides in the direction his hair grows naturally, before moving on to his rump and tail. This is a good time to trim the hair around his rectum for sanitary reasons. Good place for another treat break.

Step

On the floor – paws up

Time for Jack to assume the position, on his back with his paws in the air. This will let you groom his paws, legs, and belly easily. This is a great time for you to trim the hair between his toes and pads.

Step

Nail it

Now that you have gone this far, time to grab the nail clippers and either a file or grinder and trim his nails.

Step

Celebrate

Tout est fini – all done – time for more treats and plenty of praise. After a few weeks of being groomed, Jack should start looking forward to being groomed.

Caution & Considerations

The best way to keep Jack calm is for you remain calm yourself. If he starts to act up, don't yell at him or punish him, instead find something to redirect his attention such as a toy or the TV.
Try to work with him outside of grooming time to help him overcome his need to be territorial.
Let Jack spend as much time as he needs to get used to the tools you plan to use.
Be sure to use the right brush for his type of coat; a pin brush for long hair and a slicker brush for short to medium length hair.
It can weeks or even months for Jack to become fully comfortable with being groomed.
Go slow, make it fun, and use the time to bond with Jack, it will make everything go much easier for both of you.

Conclusion

Training a territorial dog like Jack to accept being groomed can be challenging. But, as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort, the time will come when he actually looks forward to his weekly bonding sessions with you. Don't hesitate, just get out there make grooming a fun experience for both of you.

How to Groom a Territorial Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Distract Me Method

The Get Over It Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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