Hello!
I am relatively new to this, but I will share my experiences with you. I will try to keep it relatively short, but I have a feeling this might get long...
First, you need to get into a good brushing routine with your dog. I admit, I wasn't that good with Lexi at first. She was a puppy, her hair wasn't too long yet, so I figured every couple of days would be okay. Well, a surface brushing might make all seem well, but when you got down to it, there were some areas that were beginning to mat. And those areas were uncomfortable when brushed, which made the whole brushing experience a very unpleasant one.
I also made the mistake of *not* brushing Lexi before baths, but rather, after, when her hair was still wet. Thankfully, I have YT, and lots of people who know so much about Yorkies and share what they know!
After a first grooming experience which didn't go well, I got so lucky with my second groomer (who happens to be a YT member!). She worked so well with Lexi, and got any mats out. Lexi's whole attitude towards brushing changed, thanks to that experience and some tips from the groomer.
First, have a special place for brushing/grooming. I often sat on the floor. Not a good idea. From her advice, I have a certain towel that I now use just for brushing. I put it on the kitchen table. I get all my tools ready ahead of time: scissors (from Ladymom - perfectly made for snipping out the band), brush, comb, new band(s), leave-in conditioner, bully stick, and bow.
I make sure Lexi is calm. I give her the bully stick to distract her. First I snip out the old band. I use the small poly bands that I find in the girls' hair section. They are really tiny, and are used for the small braids or hair beading. I spray the leave-in conditioner right on the brush before brushing her. I brush her all over, and when I don't feel any snags, I follow up with the comb. The whole brushing can literally take from 1 - 3 or 4 minutes now, instead of the 10, 15, or more, wrestling with her and being bitten, and never quite feeling like we were all done!
When she is all brushed and combed, I do her topknot last. I will admit that she can get a little wiggly. She always hated me working on her face/head the most, although she is so much better now! The groomer told me to make a V in the back, so I start there with the comb. I grab that hair, with the v-shape in the back (of the area between the ears), and then I use the comb in the front, pulling in the pieces and trying to get all the "right" hairs in. Once I get it combed and neat, I put the band in. Try not to get it too tight, or it pulls their eyes up (and looks horrible and awfully uncomfortable!!). I try to wrap the band around 4 or 5 times, which isn't easy, as it's so small. If it's not tight enough, it will slip during the day.
Once the band is on, I may just leave it as it is. Some people add the small "scrunchie" type of pony tail holder. When I put in a bow (also from Ladymom!), I will slide the clip through *some* of the hair, just below the band. The topknot has too much hair for the clip to catch it all. If you put it just below the band, the bow will cover the band.
That's how I do it. Some days are better than others, although I've been pleased each day since her grooming. Yesterday, I was so happy with how it came out! If we could get rid of the last of the squirmies, which I am hoping will pass with time, it will be even better.
I hope this helps.... Told you it would be long!
