You need to desensitize him to the brush. It takes patience, time and consistency, but you can do it and be successful.
In order to do this, you need to have the brush visible pretty much at all times. Walk around the house with the brush in your hand, lay it in different places where the dog can see it, lay it on the floor and watch his reaction to it.
If you put it on the floor, and he shows curiosity and doesn't freak about it, toss a piece of cooked chicken to him. Do this every time he shows curiousity and not fear toward the brush.
I suggest using cooked bits of chicken for behavioral modification because it's healthy, inexpensive, easy to toss, and dogs love it.
Once your dog ignores the brush on the floor, try placing it closer to him, and make sure to praise/pet/toss chicken at him when he is doing well.
Once you can bring the brush up to him, let him smell the brush, and give him a treat for not being fearful.
Once he does not show fear when the brush is brought up to him, try to brush him on his chest first. This is a non confrontational area. Once that goes well, brush his back, sides, legs and head last. If you get to an area that he starts freaking out about, go back to the last body part he was comfortable at and start over.
Do not make a scene out of starting/ending the grooming session. Do not talk to your dog excitedly, or make it seem like brushing is a 'big deal'.
Good luck! And I think that the detangling spray is a smart thing to do! |