Combing a dog that doesn't want to be combed..?

[BabieChloe]

Okay, so brushing isn't that much of an issue if it's for a few minutes but when my combs come out.. Chloe doesn't want anything to do with it. I have tried letting her be on a grooming table, the bed, on my lap.. but she starts to pant and wants to break free every time. It's been this way since the very first day she came home. The only way I can comb her is by trying to restrain her on my lap but then I feel really guilty because she goes crazy. Anyone have ideas on how to make combing a pleasant experience?? I try to give her treats but she doesn't want to take treats during any type of grooming. Will she always just be this way or there is a way to train her out of it?

[Maximo]

When Max was a pup, I held him on my lap and massaged him until he pretended to fall asleep. Then I slowly introduced the comb, switching back and forth between combing gently and petting.

We graduated to a counter top when we started going on big daily walks. He knew that he needed his topknot done before he could go outside.

Teddy didn't like being combed when he was younger and prone to tangling. I had to give him a chew treat to work on while I combed.

Make sure you are not pulling skin when combing. Always use one hand to hold the section of hair to prevent skin pulling.

Sometimes my guys will still get fussy and I have to coax them to stand still, telling them they cannot go out until they are combed.

[Jkpal]

Maybe try 'fake' brushing at first...I have a human baby brush right next to where Piper and sit. And when first brushing her, I'd simply replace petting her with my hand with the brush and then before she was sure what was happening, I'd go back to petting her. I'd just glide brush over her coat--not at all effective as a grooming tool, but good introduction. Piper loves being brushed all over her cute little body now (especially that belly--which, of course is the last spot that ever needs attention grooming-wise!). I'm a new owner (Piper has been my gift from God for just 6 mos now) and I'm learning it's all about patience--and listening to her; she needs to have her little voice heard and needs to feel that a lot of what we do is her decision as well as mine. Does that sound completely ridiculous? Cuz I must say, it seems we're teaching/training one another!!!
"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."

[Nancy1999]

Try to get as many tangles out with the brush and then use a wider tooth comb finishing with a narrow tooth comb. A few cheerios along the way help them get use to grooming. With the comb start close to the bottom of the hair and work up, don't start next to the skin and work down, that's the last thing you do.

[dinkster]

try it on backside and work up to face very slowly?

[Graneet]

Right there with you. Try to keep his hair out of his eyes until it grows long enough to tie up. Which should prove interesting with this escape artist. I can brush him but he shakes and the princess plays with him and well he looks like the shaggy dog. Everyones dogs look so groomed and then there is boo.

[megansmomma]

Because you shouldn't be trying to brush or comb her on your lap! All three of mine would never sit still on my lap while I tried to comb or brush them. I set up a little grooming area on top of my washer and do all their grooming there. Keep all your supplies in a basket so they are within easy reach and put Chloe up high on the wash machine (or whatever place you think might work best). Work quickly and quietly and offer small treats. Hope this help to get your little girl into a good routine. Good grooming practice is a must when you have a Yorkie that needs daily brushing and combing.