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Originally Posted by gracielove  Do you do the grooming and harness very often? You might try doing both at least 3 times a day. It is usually best to start grooming a few times daily from day one if they need it or not. The earlier the learn to accept the feel of the comb, water, etc., the easier the training will go.
If your pup likes to sit on your lap that is a good time to take a good metal pet grooming comb and just run it through the hair trying not to tug or cause any discomfort. The more you handle the pup and get it used to the feel of the comb the sooner the training will kick in. The metal grooming combs tend to take tangles out without so much pulling on the hair and skin. They sell spray on conditioners that help detangle the hair and make it easier to comb between baths. Use a good sulfate free shampoo that won't dry out the skin and coat.
If your dog is not already trained to accept combing and baths at home then the groomer is going to have a difficult time handling your dog when you take it out for grooming. Dogs that are difficult to handle are more likely to sustain injuries at the groomer. Training for grooming or harness is just like any obedience training. Just be gentle and consistent.
You could try putting the harness on a couple of times a day too. My baby learned to love the harness because she loves to go outside for a walk. Once she learned the harness meant she was going out the only problem we had was getting her to stop wiggling quite so much because she is so happy and excited to be going out! If your harness is difficult to put on maybe you could try a step in one that slips on pretty quickly. |
I had not thought of putting the harness on several times a day. I usually try to put it on and if I know we have several things going on that day then I just leave it on. I had a harness that went over his head at first and that was HORRIBLE. He really hated everything about getting it off and and and I was afraid I would break his neck. Then I got a step in and that is not any better.
I give him treats for each leg in and then snapping it closed.
Thanks for the tips.