I need help grooming Abby - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 05-08-2008, 07:01 AM

I have never seen a dog that hated to be brushed as much as Abby does. She's 15 weeks old and very tiny. I'm scared to death I'm going to hurt her because she tries so hard to get away from me. I really need another person to hold her while I brush her. I noticed last night while we were laying in bed that she had some tangles. So this morning, I bathed her...which she also HATES and then sprayed her down with detangler. When I started trying to get the tangles out, she freaks and squirms and wiggles and whatever she thinks she can do to get away from me. She has such a beautiful coat, I don't want to have to cut it.

Next week, when she's 16 weeks old and has all her shots, I'm going to take her to a groomer with very specific instructions not to shave her, but to try to get the tangles out. I also want the pads of her paws and her hiney shaved (shiney hiney) or trimmed. Hopefully they will have better resources than I do and it won't be so terrible for her.

I sometimes worry that she's going to have a heart attack, because she gets so worked up.

Do you think the groomer is the best choice? Or is there a better way for me to handle this?

Nancy1999 · 05-08-2008, 07:24 AM

It's really hard when they are young, I went very slowly with Joey, and would often just "fake" brush so that he would learn that there was nothing to be afraid of. Afterwards, he would get a treat. If they have tangles or mats it really does hurt so it's important that brushing occurs daily. Cowboy magic is great for tangles and mats. I would use it before the bath especially under the arms if he had been wearing clothes. Never wet your puppy until all the mats are gone. If you don't have any cowboy magic, I imagine any good conditioner would work, but again do this before the bath; and bath as usual, follow this with a conditioner mixed with water and rinse rinse rinse. They definitely get better as they get older.

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 05-08-2008, 07:36 AM

Thank You Nancy!
I will definetly make sure the tangles are gone before her next bath.

I'll look up Cowboy Magic.

Nancy1999 · 05-08-2008, 09:03 AM

Cowboy Magic is a brand used on horses, they have several different products, but the one I like is the "Detangler and Shine" some people use a dab after the bath, but this made Joey's coat look too oily especially when he was puppy. I think Walmart has a similar product with the word "mane" in its name. It's main ingredients are Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone.

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 05-08-2008, 12:19 PM

Is it Mane and Tail? That's what I use on Abby now. That detangler doesn't work worth a dern.
I found the Cowboy Magic at store in the next town over. For the Shine and Detangler it's $9.99.

Thanks again Nancy

winstonw · 05-08-2008, 03:32 PM

Tammy, Winston went to his first grooming at about that age too. I thought I did an ok job with brushing, but he had knots in areas like under the arms etc.. Sue let me stand there with him and she was great....I held, while she worked out all the knots. He probably would have been shaved, but with that arrangement, we didn't have too. Also, once that puppy fur kinda gets cut off, they are much easier to keep from getting knotted. He went from thick and wavy to more straight smooth and thinner coat. I'm thinking you said Abby's coat was like that too. Maybe you can see if the groomer you went to for Daisy could work with you and Abby the first time also!

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 05-08-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winstonw

Tammy, Winston went to his first grooming at about that age too. I thought I did an ok job with brushing, but he had knots in areas like under the arms etc.. Sue let me stand there with him and she was great....I held, while she worked out all the knots. He probably would have been shaved, but with that arrangement, we didn't have too. Also, once that puppy fur kinda gets cut off, they are much easier to keep from getting knotted. He went from thick and wavy to more straight smooth and thinner coat. I'm thinking you said Abby's coat was like that too. Maybe you can see if the groomer you went to for Daisy could work with you and Abby the first time also!

Thanks Lisa

Yes, Abby's coat is thick and wavey right now. I think I'm gonna try to pin Tony down this weekend and work on Abby with him. If that doesn't work, we'll go to the groomers. She only has a few spots, but man they got tangled fast!

luckylady · 05-08-2008, 06:01 PM

Tammy........I'm so sorry to hear that Abby does not like getting her hair brushed. I remember when I first started brushing each of my furbabies when they were really young, how they would fuss and fight with me, trying to bite/chew on the comb or brush. I remember thinking "When will they ever let me do this?" Well, give them a month or so and ......BOOM.....it was like night and day. Now they will stand or sit basically still for me and sometimes even seem to like it (sort of). Amazingly, Halle has been even easier it seems than the others at her age. She doesn't like baths much and is pretty squirmy there, but brushing her considering how young she is, hasn't been much of a struggle at all. Guess I lucked out.
Good luck with Abby.......I'm betting she'll get better with age and as she learns that she can trust you.

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 05-09-2008, 04:32 AM

Thanks Rose

I'm so glad to hear that Halle enjoys the brushing. I so wish Abby did

From the sounds of things you did get lucky (you lucky lady you

)
Daisy doesn't seem to mind a bath at all, but she hates it when I put a top knot in. She will tolerate it, but I can tell she wishes I'd just leave her alone.

I'll keep working with Abby and take all the suggestions everyone has given me and use those. I did the "fake brushing" on Abby yesterday afternoon while she was laying on my lap. She liked that. I'd flip the brush over every now and again and do a real brush...she would just sort of give me that look.

Hugs to all your babies

Indigo · 05-09-2008, 05:32 AM

Try Miracle Coat Leave in Conditioner. I use it to take top knots down at the dog show. Use it in a small are and wait about a minute, then gently work the mat out. Hope this helps.

Denise

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 05-09-2008, 07:13 AM

Thanks Denise!

This morning, I saturated Abby's coat in conditioner and then combed her through. Afterwards, I rinsed her and then combed her again and blowed her dry. I can't find anymore tangles. Hopefully that is the end of that...or at least for now. I think my problem was, as someone posted above, not brushing her through before bathing her and the tangles were made worse that way.

I do so appreciate everyone's suggestions. I know they will come in handy in the future as well.

Nancy1999 · 05-10-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra

Is it Mane and Tail? That's what I use on Abby now. That detangler doesn't work worth a dern.
I found the Cowboy Magic at store in the next town over. For the Shine and Detangler it's $9.99.

Thanks again Nancy

Yeah, I think it was Mane and Tail, I haven't use it, but others said they thought it was the same as Cowboy Magic so I thought perhaps it was. Glad the conditioner worked though, it's just sooo easy for a little mat to grow.

Yorkies2U · 05-10-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra

I have never seen a dog that hated to be brushed as much as Abby does. She's 15 weeks old and very tiny. I'm scared to death I'm going to hurt her because she tries so hard to get away from me. I really need another person to hold her while I brush her. I noticed last night while we were laying in bed that she had some tangles. So this morning, I bathed her...which she also HATES and then sprayed her down with detangler. When I started trying to get the tangles out, she freaks and squirms and wiggles and whatever she thinks she can do to get away from me. She has such a beautiful coat, I don't want to have to cut it.

Next week, when she's 16 weeks old and has all her shots, I'm going to take her to a groomer with very specific instructions not to shave her, but to try to get the tangles out. I also want the pads of her paws and her hiney shaved (shiney hiney) or trimmed. Hopefully they will have better resources than I do and it won't be so terrible for her.

I sometimes worry that she's going to have a heart attack, because she gets so worked up.

Do you think the groomer is the best choice? Or is there a better way for me to handle this?

I suggest you sit your Yorkie on your lap and speak gently while petting and praising. Introduce the grooming tools slowly to the puppy. I am not sure what types of grooming tools you are using but you may want to try a tooth brush for grooming around the face. It is small and soft and will not hurt the puppy. I learned that trick while attending a dog show years ago. It works quite well! Also, you may want to have some treats available. Try cherrios as they are low in calories. Puppies love to be praised while being groomed. My yorkies love to be groomed and cannot wait until I finish one so the other one can get the attention! Additionally, puppies tend to matt up easier as they play much harder than older, seasoned Yorkies. I wish you luck! Your groomer should be able to help you as well.

SueNCricket 2 · 05-11-2008, 06:25 PM

At your puppy's age, you need to go very slowly and keep talking her through it. Stay happy and keep an even tone. Do not baby talk. Let her know that you are in charge during brushing time. Offer a tasty treat when you are finished and praise her for good behavior. Never yell or spank during a brushing session.
The best thing to do is keep the brushing sessions short, and do not let your dog get the best of you. By this I mean when she is squirming and trying to bite you or the brush, or she is yelping, just stay calm and DO NOT STOP the brushing no matter what behavior your dog does! This would send the wrong message, and she will repeat the bad behavior to make you stop brushing.
Brush daily or 2-3 times a day to keep the matts out.
DO NOT BATH HER IF SHE HAS ANY TANGLES!!!
You MUST get the tangles out BEFORE the bath as the water makes the tangles into matts.
If she is terribly matted (which means you cannot get them out with a comb and brush at home) your groomer will not have much choice in shaving the matts out, or shaving her entire coat off. If the matts are touching the skin, then they need to be shaved off. It is cruelty to your puppy to try to brush out a bad matt. /the kindest thing to do is shave out the matt. If more than 50% of her coat is matted, then you can expect your groomer to shave her down.
I have been a groomer for 17+ years, and yorkies are my specialty. I used to show and breed them.
Sue & Cricket

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra

I have never seen a dog that hated to be brushed as much as Abby does. She's 15 weeks old and very tiny. I'm scared to death I'm going to hurt her because she tries so hard to get away from me. I really need another person to hold her while I brush her. I noticed last night while we were laying in bed that she had some tangles. So this morning, I bathed her...which she also HATES and then sprayed her down with detangler. When I started trying to get the tangles out, she freaks and squirms and wiggles and whatever she thinks she can do to get away from me. She has such a beautiful coat, I don't want to have to cut it.

Next week, when she's 16 weeks old and has all her shots, I'm going to take her to a groomer with very specific instructions not to shave her, but to try to get the tangles out. I also want the pads of her paws and her hiney shaved (shiney hiney) or trimmed. Hopefully they will have better resources than I do and it won't be so terrible for her.

I sometimes worry that she's going to have a heart attack, because she gets so worked up.

Do you think the groomer is the best choice? Or is there a better way for me to handle this?

Woogie Man · 05-11-2008, 08:13 PM

With puppies, I never use a brush. I comb them daily; the haunches and forelegs seem like they tangle in minutes. I finish off with a flea comb. It really helps to get the puppy down out as their coat comes in. I usually wait until they've played themselves out so it's easier to get them to keep still.

05-08-2008, 07:01 AM	#1
MyPeanutAbbyGra YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,095	I need help grooming Abby I have never seen a dog that hated to be brushed as much as Abby does. She's 15 weeks old and very tiny. I'm scared to death I'm going to hurt her because she tries so hard to get away from me. I really need another person to hold her while I brush her. I noticed last night while we were laying in bed that she had some tangles. So this morning, I bathed her...which she also HATES and then sprayed her down with detangler. When I started trying to get the tangles out, she freaks and squirms and wiggles and whatever she thinks she can do to get away from me. She has such a beautiful coat, I don't want to have to cut it. Next week, when she's 16 weeks old and has all her shots, I'm going to take her to a groomer with very specific instructions not to shave her, but to try to get the tangles out. I also want the pads of her paws and her hiney shaved (shiney hiney) or trimmed. Hopefully they will have better resources than I do and it won't be so terrible for her. I sometimes worry that she's going to have a heart attack, because she gets so worked up. Do you think the groomer is the best choice? Or is there a better way for me to handle this? __________________ Tammy, Mama to Abby Grace Daisy Mae RIP Peanut & Chloe, ABBY 's WINSTON Last edited by MyPeanutAbbyGra; 05-08-2008 at 07:02 AM.

05-08-2008, 07:24 AM	#2
Nancy1999 Joey's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chandler, Arizona Posts: 4,492 Blog Entries: 1	It's really hard when they are young, I went very slowly with Joey, and would often just "fake" brush so that he would learn that there was nothing to be afraid of. Afterwards, he would get a treat. If they have tangles or mats it really does hurt so it's important that brushing occurs daily. Cowboy magic is great for tangles and mats. I would use it before the bath especially under the arms if he had been wearing clothes. Never wet your puppy until all the mats are gone. If you don't have any cowboy magic, I imagine any good conditioner would work, but again do this before the bath; and bath as usual, follow this with a conditioner mixed with water and rinse rinse rinse. They definitely get better as they get older. __________________ NancyJoey . Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB .and YAP - Join YAP Here! Please Sign this Petition – Help Stop Puppymill Abuse! . YorkieTalk Thread On Petition Last edited by Nancy1999; 05-08-2008 at 07:28 AM.

05-08-2008, 07:36 AM	#3
MyPeanutAbbyGra YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,095	Thank You Nancy! I will definetly make sure the tangles are gone before her next bath. I'll look up Cowboy Magic. __________________ Tammy, Mama to Abby Grace Daisy Mae RIP Peanut & Chloe, ABBY 's WINSTON

05-08-2008, 09:03 AM	#4
Nancy1999 Joey's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chandler, Arizona Posts: 4,492 Blog Entries: 1	Cowboy Magic is a brand used on horses, they have several different products, but the one I like is the "Detangler and Shine" some people use a dab after the bath, but this made Joey's coat look too oily especially when he was puppy. I think Walmart has a similar product with the word "mane" in its name. It's main ingredients are Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone. __________________ NancyJoey . Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB .and YAP - Join YAP Here! Please Sign this Petition – Help Stop Puppymill Abuse! . YorkieTalk Thread On Petition

05-08-2008, 12:19 PM	#5
MyPeanutAbbyGra YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,095	Is it Mane and Tail? That's what I use on Abby now. That detangler doesn't work worth a dern. I found the Cowboy Magic at store in the next town over. For the Shine and Detangler it's $9.99. Thanks again Nancy __________________ Tammy, Mama to Abby Grace Daisy Mae RIP Peanut & Chloe, ABBY 's WINSTON

05-08-2008, 03:32 PM	#6
winstonw Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Boonville, IN Posts: 1,965	Tammy, Winston went to his first grooming at about that age too. I thought I did an ok job with brushing, but he had knots in areas like under the arms etc.. Sue let me stand there with him and she was great....I held, while she worked out all the knots. He probably would have been shaved, but with that arrangement, we didn't have too. Also, once that puppy fur kinda gets cut off, they are much easier to keep from getting knotted. He went from thick and wavy to more straight smooth and thinner coat. I'm thinking you said Abby's coat was like that too. Maybe you can see if the groomer you went to for Daisy could work with you and Abby the first time also! __________________ Winston Packer & Pokey Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB Winston Abby

05-08-2008, 06:01 PM	#8
luckylady Living My Dream X 4! Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 2,928	Tammy........I'm so sorry to hear that Abby does not like getting her hair brushed. I remember when I first started brushing each of my furbabies when they were really young, how they would fuss and fight with me, trying to bite/chew on the comb or brush. I remember thinking "When will they ever let me do this?" Well, give them a month or so and ......BOOM.....it was like night and day. Now they will stand or sit basically still for me and sometimes even seem to like it (sort of). Amazingly, Halle has been even easier it seems than the others at her age. She doesn't like baths much and is pretty squirmy there, but brushing her considering how young she is, hasn't been much of a struggle at all. Guess I lucked out. Good luck with Abby.......I'm betting she'll get better with age and as she learns that she can trust you. __________________ Rose,Lucky, Lexie, Toby, & Halle CrAzY ClUb MeMbEr-LGC Members Positive Post Pledgee

05-09-2008, 04:32 AM	#9
MyPeanutAbbyGra YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,095	Thanks Rose I'm so glad to hear that Halle enjoys the brushing. I so wish Abby did From the sounds of things you did get lucky (you lucky lady you ) Daisy doesn't seem to mind a bath at all, but she hates it when I put a top knot in. She will tolerate it, but I can tell she wishes I'd just leave her alone. I'll keep working with Abby and take all the suggestions everyone has given me and use those. I did the "fake brushing" on Abby yesterday afternoon while she was laying on my lap. She liked that. I'd flip the brush over every now and again and do a real brush...she would just sort of give me that look. Hugs to all your babies __________________ Tammy, Mama to Abby Grace Daisy Mae RIP Peanut & Chloe, ABBY 's WINSTON

05-09-2008, 05:32 AM	#10
Indigo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Try Miracle Coat Leave in Conditioner. I use it to take top knots down at the dog show. Use it in a small are and wait about a minute, then gently work the mat out. Hope this helps. Denise

05-09-2008, 07:13 AM	#11
MyPeanutAbbyGra YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,095	Thanks Denise! This morning, I saturated Abby's coat in conditioner and then combed her through. Afterwards, I rinsed her and then combed her again and blowed her dry. I can't find anymore tangles. Hopefully that is the end of that...or at least for now. I think my problem was, as someone posted above, not brushing her through before bathing her and the tangles were made worse that way. I do so appreciate everyone's suggestions. I know they will come in handy in the future as well. __________________ Tammy, Mama to Abby Grace Daisy Mae RIP Peanut & Chloe, ABBY 's WINSTON

05-11-2008, 08:13 PM	#15
Woogie Man YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 627	With puppies, I never use a brush. I comb them daily; the haunches and forelegs seem like they tangle in minutes. I finish off with a flea comb. It really helps to get the puppy down out as their coat comes in. I usually wait until they've played themselves out so it's easier to get them to keep still.