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Establish
positive human leadership
Every creature on earth requires
regular grooming for good
physical and mental health.
Puppies and dogs are no
exception. In addition to
promoting good health and
beauty, grooming also reinforces
the human leadership role. If
your dog does not accept and
trust people to take a
leadership role, then the dog
will not cooperate with efforts
to open it's mouth, hold its
head still and other handling
that goes with proper grooming
techniques. Holding the dog's
head and picking up the dog are
seen by the dog as giving up
leadership and control to the
human.
Make
a good first impression!
 Always
introduce your dog to new experiences in as positive
a fashion as possible. Ask yourself how you can help
the dog to see grooming as a good thing with nothing
to fear. Initially, food treats may help to distract
the dog throughout the grooming session and as a
reward for appropriate behavior (e.g., letting you
brush the hair coat while being relaxed and
non-reactive). Over-time, the dog may only
require verbal and physical praise as motivation to
be on his or her best behavior. Find a groomer that
has lots of experience and one who specializes in
gentle techniques. Inspect the facility for
comforts. Do not leave your dog all day unless you
are sure the dog will be allowed to eliminate and
drink water throughout the day.
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In addition to promoting
good health and beauty,
grooming also reinforces the
human leadership role.
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The
key is to begin slowly and
carefully
Take the time to introduce
professional grooming in a very slow, and gradual
manner. The goal is for the dog to perceive a
day at the Doggie Spa as a positive experience.
Prepare your dog at home before making the first
grooming appointment. Buy a soft brush. Start by
petting the dog with your hand - followed by a
gentle brush stroke - followed by a hand - followed
by a gentle brush stroke, etc. Initially, making
grooming a positive experience is more important
than the visual result.
Begin with a tired
or relaxed puppy
The
best time to start grooming is when the dog is
already tired, sleepy, or simply relaxed. A good
time is after a walk and before a meal. The dog is
relaxed from the exercise. The meal can be the
reward for cooperative behavior.
Pulling fur out by the roots
during grooming can be painful and is one of the
principle reasons that dogs dislike the grooming
process. Make sure you select the right brush for
your dog's coat. A slicker brush and comb is
appropriate for long coats. A slicker brush is
one that contains several hundred bent metal prongs
close together to remove old dead hair. Combs can
catch hair and cause them to be pulled out. Combs
should be very wide toothed and used VERY gently.
Do not try to comb a matt
out. Instead, use your fingers to tease
apart the mat without pulling on it. If it cannot be
teased apart, it should be cut
carefully above the
skin, with your fingers pinching to protect the skin
below. If the dog objects, you have been too rough.
Pad the deck with more attention, treats and praise.
Professional
grooming
Dogs with
several, or repeated, mats
should be clipped short by a
professional groomer. If a
professional groomer is
required, find one willing to
proceed slowly, with food treats
to reward the dog for
appropriate behavior, or find a
veterinary practice that offers
sedation with grooming to spare
your dog physical and
psychological pain.
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Improving Relationships
between People and Pets!