How to Train Your Dog to Get Brushed

You pull out the brush to get the mats out of your long-haired Collie mix, and he runs for the bedroom and slides deftly under the bed, right where you can't reach him. If your dog does not like getting brushed you may need to do a little training and make some adjustments to teach your dog that getting brushed is a good thing, feels great, and won't hurt, making grooming and brushing a positive experience for both you and your dog. A little bit of adjustment in grooming tools, and practice, along with lots of positive reinforcement and your pampered pooch will be running too you as soon as he sees the brush, not away from you. In fact, you might even create a bit of a diva, or a dandy, who insists on a thorough brushing session, as your dog learns to love being brushed.

Dogs should not be afraid of or avoid being brushed. Your goal is to have your dog calmly come to you when presented with his brush, and sit, stand, or lie down as required while you brush his fur, remove debris, and untangle his coat. Your dog should be calm and quiet and allow you to manipulate him as required to reach all his fur or hair with the brush. Be careful to make this a positive experience for your dog by avoiding pulling hair, or brushing too hard, which can irritate your dog's skin.  Don’t be in a rush, lose patience, or punish your dog for not cooperating. Keep grooming sessions short at first--you can brush your dog in several short sessions instead of one long one if that is more effective. Take your time and combine with treats and lots of praise, so your dog enjoys being brushed. In no time your dog will be coming to you for brushing.

You will need the right tools for grooming your dog. Brushes or combs that are appropriate for your dog's hair coat, size, and age should be employed. Young dogs or dogs unfamiliar with being brushed can be started with soft brushes that feel good and do not pull hair. As you work through your dog's coat and it becomes better conditioned, and your dog is used to the feeling of being brushed, you can use brushes that are more sturdy for removing tangles and mats. You will want to have lots of treats on hand, and a distraction-free environment with good footing, so your dog does not slip and feels secure while being groomed. Some people employ a clicker as part of training their dog to be quiet and calm while being brushed.  If you use a clicker for training your dog's other behaviors, this will be more effective. You can also use toys to reward your dog for allowing you to brush him and behaving quietly.