Newbie with grooming question

[gfoster]

Hello....I'm new to the forum and this is my first little dog. We have a lab mix, and Duke a Yorkie that is 7mos.

Duke is getting much better with his weekly - biweekly bath, although he still tries to jump out of the washtub.

My biggest issue is the brushing. He goes crazy when I start to brush him, biting the brush and trying to get away. Any suggestions for this besides just to keep at it until he gets used to it?

Also, does everyone/anyone else with a male Yorkie put his hair up. My husband and son think I'm crazy since he's a male. His hair hangs in his eyes otherwise, and besides his mommy thinks he looks cute!

Thanks,
Gina

[macks mom]

I'm new also for YT. My Mack (5 months) does the same thing with brushing. I try to give him a bully stick to chew on, sometimes it works. I'm anxious to read some responses to your post. I would love to put Mack's hair up, but he freaks and rubs on the carpet til he gets the rubber band out!

[jencar98]

Welcome to YT!

Don't get discouraged, sometimes it takes awhile to get them used to grooming. Try short grooming sessions initially, talk to him while you're grooming in re-assuring or fun tones. IDK what type of brush you're using, but a metal pin brush (several good varieties) is best, also I like a good teflon coated type comb. Groom him daily and brush/comb even several times a day (again short sessions). It shouldn't take long for him to get used to the routine. He may never love it, but he will tolerate grooming,

With the biting, I would stop, say "No" and continue brushing (gently!) a few strokes more before stopping the session.

This has worked for me with all of ours.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by jencar98

Welcome to YT!

Don't get discouraged, sometimes it takes awhile to get them used to grooming. Try short grooming sessions initially, talk to him while you're grooming in re-assuring or fun tones. IDK what type of brush you're using, but a metal pin brush (several good varieties) is best, also I like a good teflon coated type comb. Groom him daily and brush/comb even several times a day (again short sessions). It shouldn't take long for him to get used to the routine. He may never love it, but he will tolerate grooming,

With the biting, I would stop, say "No" and continue brushing (gently!) a few strokes more before stopping the session.

This has worked for me with all of ours.

Excellent advice. The type of brush you use is very important - the pins can hurt their skin. I have a Madan brush that I use on mine and it works great.

A lot of yorkie parents (me included) put their boys' hair up. Sometime it helps if you tell men they're called "Ninja Knots" instead of "Top Knots" or ponytails. As for Mack, some babies just need time to get used to wearing them. Don't put it in too tight, and try to place it about a 1/2" above his scalp if his hair is long enough. You want to use good bands so that his hair doesn't break from them.

Welcome both of you to YT! It's nice to see another OK member here.

[macks mom]

I'll try both suggestions. Thanks.
Ditto on OK. Wish it would warm up some. Mack doesn't mind the cold as much as his Mama. 2 degrees is way to cold.

[gfoster]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try getting a different brush, and maybe some detangle spray.

I keep a sweater on him and I think that is just adding to his tangles.

I will try referring to his "top knot" as a "ninja knot"...lol something tells me they will still make fun of me.