[Teresa Ford]

First let me say there is no quick fix for this. You can make it work and Grooming can be one of your special times. My Gracie was a rescue and had never been brushed when I got her. She fought and bit me, she was terrified. Now when I call Groom, Groom, Gracie, she comes running as fast as she can. So don't give up and be patient, Training a puppy to be groomed is like most other things.1. Lay out all the tools you would use on a towel where ever you intend to groom him. Have lots of very tiny good treats. First only touch him with your hands. Give him a massage. Touch all of his body.Between toes, belly, teeth, ears, genitals. Say Groom in a soft happy voice. It is ok to repeat groom, groom, good groom. When you are done (remember to keep lessons short and happy) say Good groom, OK for your release word and treat. 2. When he is ok with number one move on to lesson no. two: Touch him with the back of the brush and side of the comb, move on to the hair dryer turned off at this point. The clippers, scissors,nail trimmer ect. In your soft sing songy voice say Groom, groom, good groom. While touching him with the tools. 3. When he is ok with lesson no. two you can proceed with lesson Three. Have really yummy treats ready. Put him on the grooming station. Massage briefly, comb, brush, (You still haven't attacked a tangle yet, sorry but this takes about a week to work up to real grooming.)Be prepared for him to bolt. Turn on the dryer no heat. Say your Groom, groom, good groom aw.. good groom. Gently blow his sides with the dryer. Treat and praise, and turn dryer off. Release with OK Good Boy and treat. 4. Repeat all the above and turn the clippers on. Treat and start your song. Run the side of the clippers along his body so that he can feel the vibrations. Remember to be calm not excited yourself. 5. Introduce the electric nail trimmer last if you plan to use one. 6. Touch with each tool saying groom, groom, groom, good groom. And praise good groom and treat. 7. By day seven you should be able to actually brush and comb him. Always remember to start brushing or combing at the tip of the hair and work toward the skin. At first you may just have to cut mats loose and use your fingers to pick them apart. To cut a mat, cut from the tip of the hair toward the skin not across like cutting bangs. Continue to desensitize Grooming daily. When it come time to really use the blow dryer, clippers and nail trimer he will be confident and more willing to let you do these things.