Grooming needs to start on day one with these little dogs. A quick run through the fur with a good metal grooming comb is a good way to teach the pup that grooming is not that bad. Doing the combing before there are tangles makes it much easier for everyone. Daily combing is really necessary even if they don't look like they need it because it is really all about training the dog to accept the grooming. Training a dog to do any behavior takes time, patience and repetition.
Since your little guy already has a problem with grooming you are going to need to try to deal with the issues that have built up over many months. It probably would help you both to do this after he has gone to the groomer and is all smooth and silky. Make sure you have a good metal grooming comb. Just pick him up and hold him in your lap and run the comb through his hair. It should not take more than 2 minutes. Just speak to him calmly and softly then give him a couple of training treats when you are done. If he knows the word "treat" you can remind him that he will get his treat when you are done.
Sounds like he needs his face washed at least once a day. You can use some baby wipes to do that or a warm wet wash cloth. That will prevent any build up of sticky things in his face or around his eyes.
It is really helpful to use a good spray detangler when doing your daily grooming. It keeps the coat moist and it makes it much easier to comb through the hair without having to tug. While you are training or re-training him you should probably do it at least twice a day for just a couple of minutes each time. If he has a bad knot then cut it out if you cannot get it out without having to do a lot of tugging. Try to make the session as quick and easy on him as possible. The treat at the end will help with his attitude quite a bit. Weekly bathing will help keep his coat conditioned. Using a good all natural brand of shampoo and a rinse conditioner will help make his coat more manageable. I hope you can get him to the point that he does not need to be medicated to go to the groomer. Maybe check into a groomer that does not insist on the medication? |