I think the problem may be that you attempted a full out grooming session before he had a chance to acclimate himself. He is most likely acting out because he's scared, and your frustration (which, hey, anyone would feel!) is validating his fear. The first step you need to take has nothing to do with your puppy; it has to do with evaluating your own state of mind. YOU HAVE TO REMAIN CALM!!! I know this is difficult in a stressful situation, but trust me, it's the only way to reassure your puppy that he has absolutely nothing to fear. So before you begin, check yourself, and if you are apprehensive AT ALL... STOP. Take a bath, meditate, do whatever, but try to enter into the calmest state of mind that you possibly can achieve. Then you're ready to begin.
Once you've evaluated yourself check your puppy: the best time to begin a grooming regimen is when he is relaxed as well (think sprawled-out-in-your-lap relaxed.) You can't force a puppy that's ready to play to sit still because your in the mood to brush him; he just won't do it, and the more you try to force him, the more he's going to resist you.
When you are both ready, begin by allowing him to occupy the same space as the blow dryer (or brush or whatever you want him to get used to and learn to love.) Have it sitting next to you on the couch or floor while you pet him or he chews on something in your lap (chew sticks are great for this.) Make sure that the blow dryer/object is already in the space that you are working in and that you and your puppy approach IT. Never try to bring an object that frightens an animal towards him; he will naturally perceive this as a threat. When he can remain calm in the presence of the object (blow dryer) then you can take the next step, which is allowing him to approach the object by himself. Puppies are naturally curious, and he may do this all on his own. If not, you may need to give him some incentive. Try placing a treat near the blow dryer and encouraging him to build up the nerve to get the treat. When he does, praise him. Repeat this several times. This will build his confidence (and make you so proud of your brave little puppy!) Next try repeating the whole process with the blow dryer ON, so that he gets used to the sound and learns to associate it with getting a treat (again, allowing HIM to approach IT.) He will eventually learn that the blow dryer is nothing to be scared of. When he has learned this, you can move on to pointing the dryer in his direction while petting him, and then by actually turning the dryer on and blowing him with it. As with everything else, GO SLOWLY, allowing him to acclimate, and GRADUALLY increase the amount of time under the dryer, giving him treats and praise the whole while. You can then introduce the brush (to which you should also have taken the time to acclimate him.) With time, patience and persistence, you will eventually reach your goal: a puppy who calmly and willingly chews a bully stick while you groom him to your heart's (and eye's!) content!
I know that all of this sounds time consuming and involved, but if you take the time now, I swear, you will save yourself hours of headache for years and years to come!!! Good luck!!
P.S. You say that he is okay with the actual bath? If that's the case, then you only have to deal with the after problem - the grooming - and once he is used to the process, you can do it immediately after bath time. But if, as I suspect, he is panicky (just because he is manageable does NOT mean he isn't panicking - he should be CALM) DURING the bath as well, you may need to attempt to acclimate him to the bathing process as well. Remember, one step at a time. Just take it slow and you will start to see happier, less stressed pupppy in no time!!! |