[Pup-e-Love]

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

Stoepie,

As others have suggested, we use lots of treats at grooming time, too. I have special treats that he only gets when I'm cutting his fur.

Since your pup already has bad associations with haircutting, I'd go back a step or two. When you cut his hair, is he in a certain place? I would take him to that place (on the table or whatever you use), give him some treats while telling him how good he is, and let him go. Repeat several times until he is comfortable with that.

Next, do the above and just show him the scissors. Treat, praise and release. Repeat numerous times until he's comfortable with that.

Only then would I try to cut his fur. Be sure to take frequent treat breaks.

Joey has certain areas of his body that he has limited patience for me cutting (around his muzzle and his hiney). I let him tell me when he's had too much, I move to a different area for a while, and then come back to those areas. He usually gets bored and goes to sleep.

Good post!