I agree about handling them often so that they get use to it. I was always scared that I would hurt Gracie when she was trying to wiggle out of being groomed. I hated seeing her so uncomfortable. My x-husband did all of the grooming when we were still married. He told me a million times that if we don't show her that this can be enjoyable then she will allways hate it and never stand still. He started off by brushing her and letting her lick his face while he was doing it, it kept her occupied and she thougt that she was being petted, not brushed. He moved onto baths, he would get into the tub with her till she was use to it and could handle being bathed on her own. When he gave her a hair cut he would also hold her, with a towel on his lap, and gave her small treats for staying still. She now loves being groomed, LOVES her hair being brushed and will stand still and tolorate baths.
Work with your pup everyday. If you feel like you are getting frustrated or scared, like I was, then take a break and come right back to it when you calm down. If he is being too hyper then pick a time during the day when he is at his calmest to try grooming him. I sometimes brush Gracie at night, right before bed. That is when she is the calmest (sp). Good luck!!!
By the way, I also do not use chain petstores for grooming. I use my vet. Gracie knows them, trusts them and I just ADORE them. It took a while to find that perfect vet but when you find them, you just know! |