Just a word of encouragement to those with puppies who want to let the hair grow. My Gracie was as fierce a puppy as I have ever seen. But I started running the comb through her hair (quickly) at least twice a day. By the time she was 7 months old she had become much more tolerant. (Giving a yummy healthy treat when you are done is a great motivation) It is a process of training. The same with the bath. I had to have someone help me hold her when she was younger in order to bathe her but I did it without fail weekly. Guess I finally won. She is 2 now and is so good about baths and grooming. You would never know she is the same girl.
The more you do these things the faster they will get accustomed to it and accept it. I also suggest working on basic obedience training with your dog so it knows you are in charge. If you let your dog think it is in charge you have lost the battle.
Even if you choose to keep your dog's coat short it is still going to need baths and occasional grooming. Training your pup to get accustomed to being handled is good preparation for the future. If my little terror can learn to behave I'm sure yours can, too. |