1. Be patient and upbeat when you groom, and assertive at the same time. Make it a happy experience. If he senses your frustration or anxiety, he will mirror your feelings and want to get away. When you brush, make sure you are not tugging on his skin. Brush and comb in sections, holding the hair with one hand to prevent skin tugging while you brush with the other hand.
Save brushing time for when he is tired from activity, and follow up with treat rewards or an activity he loves. I started Max out with brushing when he was tired, but then I tied brushing to going for a walk. He knows he has to be brushed/combed at least a little before we go outside.
2. For drying, first I wrap my boys in a towel and hold them for a few minutes to get as much water off of them as possible. Then I use the hairdryer on low heat and keep the dryer moving at all times to prevent burning their delicate skin.
3. Great products! Finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner for your pup takes a little testing. Be sure to rinse shampoo out really well. This will help make the hair silky. Some people use a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar diluted in water for a final rinse to remove soap residue, although a good shampoo shouldn't leave residue. Conditioner closes the cuticle of the hair shaft to make it look and feel smooth, silky, and shiny.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy  |