HELP... bathing him is getting harder every time. - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

gemy · 08-21-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deonk1

Wow I didn't know watermelon was good for them... yummy. Yeah I try to save him stuff when I cook some times, I'm moving in two weeks and trying to clean out my freezer, I have a lot of pork chops... I think I'll cook him one and cut it up and save little pieces for him for the week.
... yes he loves lobster, and it doesn't make him sick either. A lot of people cautioned me that it may upset his tummy, because it is rich, but I started in small portions and he loved it, and it had zero effect on him... the first day I went to visit him at the breeders I brought some for my breeder and we were eating them and he started cleaning my hands up afterwards... absolutely loved it... now he's hooked.

He likes cream cheese to, should I buy low fat for that, the same as I would for cheese? I usually only give it to him when I give his wormers, but my family buys it for him when we go visit... I caught them trying to give him icecream! So I had to find a compromise. (oh fur grandparents... they think they can just give him all junk *rolls eyes*)...

Low fat for sure. Also try lowfat yogurt, you can freeze some in little ice cube trays and on hot days, makes for a good cool treat.

With the pork, if it is a lean cut then great, if not so lean, then again just some tiny pieces.

For a high energy dog that is very active and still a pup I do kind of measure out the treats in terms of how many ounces etc. Say use a 1/4 c measure and that's his normal treat amount for that day, and of course his breakfast and dinner as normal.

When we are really really active, like hiking for a couple of hours then swimming I increase treat amount by anywhere from 25% -50%

Now I do give a very teeny bit every once in a while of low fat ice cream. My dogs are crazy about ice cream. say no more than a tsp full. My big dogs get a tablespoon full. This is one of the highest rewards they have. Well apart from the salmon

deonk1 · 08-22-2010, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemy

Now I do give a very teeny bit every once in a while of low fat ice cream. My dogs are crazy about ice cream. say no more than a tsp full. My big dogs get a tablespoon full. This is one of the highest rewards they have. Well apart from the salmon

Haha, we'll have to keep this a secret from Harley's grandparents... my step father would just go overboard with the icecream... That and I'm pretty sure they don't buy low fat.

ASTPhi877 · 09-17-2010, 12:32 PM

I think the problem may be that you attempted a full out grooming session before he had a chance to acclimate himself. He is most likely acting out because he's scared, and your frustration (which, hey, anyone would feel!) is validating his fear. The first step you need to take has nothing to do with your puppy; it has to do with evaluating your own state of mind. YOU HAVE TO REMAIN CALM!!! I know this is difficult in a stressful situation, but trust me, it's the only way to reassure your puppy that he has absolutely nothing to fear. So before you begin, check yourself, and if you are apprehensive AT ALL... STOP. Take a bath, meditate, do whatever, but try to enter into the calmest state of mind that you possibly can achieve. Then you're ready to begin.

Once you've evaluated yourself check your puppy: the best time to begin a grooming regimen is when he is relaxed as well (think sprawled-out-in-your-lap relaxed.) You can't force a puppy that's ready to play to sit still because your in the mood to brush him; he just won't do it, and the more you try to force him, the more he's going to resist you.

When you are both ready, begin by allowing him to occupy the same space as the blow dryer (or brush or whatever you want him to get used to and learn to love.) Have it sitting next to you on the couch or floor while you pet him or he chews on something in your lap (chew sticks are great for this.) Make sure that the blow dryer/object is already in the space that you are working in and that you and your puppy approach IT. Never try to bring an object that frightens an animal towards him; he will naturally perceive this as a threat. When he can remain calm in the presence of the object (blow dryer) then you can take the next step, which is allowing him to approach the object by himself. Puppies are naturally curious, and he may do this all on his own. If not, you may need to give him some incentive. Try placing a treat near the blow dryer and encouraging him to build up the nerve to get the treat. When he does, praise him. Repeat this several times. This will build his confidence (and make you so proud of your brave little puppy!) Next try repeating the whole process with the blow dryer ON, so that he gets used to the sound and learns to associate it with getting a treat (again, allowing HIM to approach IT.) He will eventually learn that the blow dryer is nothing to be scared of. When he has learned this, you can move on to pointing the dryer in his direction while petting him, and then by actually turning the dryer on and blowing him with it. As with everything else, GO SLOWLY, allowing him to acclimate, and GRADUALLY increase the amount of time under the dryer, giving him treats and praise the whole while. You can then introduce the brush (to which you should also have taken the time to acclimate him.) With time, patience and persistence, you will eventually reach your goal: a puppy who calmly and willingly chews a bully stick while you groom him to your heart's (and eye's!) content!

I know that all of this sounds time consuming and involved, but if you take the time now, I swear, you will save yourself hours of headache for years and years to come!!! Good luck!!

P.S. You say that he is okay with the actual bath? If that's the case, then you only have to deal with the after problem - the grooming - and once he is used to the process, you can do it immediately after bath time. But if, as I suspect, he is panicky (just because he is manageable does NOT mean he isn't panicking - he should be CALM) DURING the bath as well, you may need to attempt to acclimate him to the bathing process as well. Remember, one step at a time. Just take it slow and you will start to see happier, less stressed pupppy in no time!!!

zekie's mom · 09-23-2010, 06:39 PM

Zekie does not like the blow dryer, so I just towel dry him and then put the towel on the carpet and he mostly dries himself off. Saves a lot of frustration for both of us.

BanditSocks2 · 09-23-2010, 06:48 PM

Is there a reason you want to blow dry? Our pups coats are short so we dry Bandit off with a towel and let Nala dry herself off with a towel (we put it on the floor and she rubs herself off on it like crazy... very fun to watch

)

As far as biting while brushing him, could you give him a very special snack like a bully stick so he views brushing as a good time and his mouth will be occupied so he can't bite?

Good luck

BanditSocks2 · 09-23-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deonk1

Oh ... another question... I'm having a wicked time finding treats he likes. He likes people food, but I don't want to give him a lot of that. But he really likes beef jerky is that ok for him to have as a high value treat. The little bugger likes lobster too, but its the off season so my family (dad's a lobster fisherman) isn't going to have any until November... Any ideas for good treats? Or people food that is good for him? He just doesn't like processed dog treats... mind you I don't think I blame him.

There is a jerky treat by Zukes. Both mine love it and one of them is super picky.

09-23-2010, 06:48 PM	#35
BanditSocks2 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Crofton, MD, USA Posts: 1,522	Is there a reason you want to blow dry? Our pups coats are short so we dry Bandit off with a towel and let Nala dry herself off with a towel (we put it on the floor and she rubs herself off on it like crazy... very fun to watch) As far as biting while brushing him, could you give him a very special snack like a bully stick so he views brushing as a good time and his mouth will be occupied so he can't bite? Good luck

09-17-2010, 12:32 PM	#33
ASTPhi877 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Louisiana, USA Posts: 192	I think the problem may be that you attempted a full out grooming session before he had a chance to acclimate himself. He is most likely acting out because he's scared, and your frustration (which, hey, anyone would feel!) is validating his fear. The first step you need to take has nothing to do with your puppy; it has to do with evaluating your own state of mind. YOU HAVE TO REMAIN CALM!!! I know this is difficult in a stressful situation, but trust me, it's the only way to reassure your puppy that he has absolutely nothing to fear. So before you begin, check yourself, and if you are apprehensive AT ALL... STOP. Take a bath, meditate, do whatever, but try to enter into the calmest state of mind that you possibly can achieve. Then you're ready to begin. Once you've evaluated yourself check your puppy: the best time to begin a grooming regimen is when he is relaxed as well (think sprawled-out-in-your-lap relaxed.) You can't force a puppy that's ready to play to sit still because your in the mood to brush him; he just won't do it, and the more you try to force him, the more he's going to resist you. When you are both ready, begin by allowing him to occupy the same space as the blow dryer (or brush or whatever you want him to get used to and learn to love.) Have it sitting next to you on the couch or floor while you pet him or he chews on something in your lap (chew sticks are great for this.) Make sure that the blow dryer/object is already in the space that you are working in and that you and your puppy approach IT. Never try to bring an object that frightens an animal towards him; he will naturally perceive this as a threat. When he can remain calm in the presence of the object (blow dryer) then you can take the next step, which is allowing him to approach the object by himself. Puppies are naturally curious, and he may do this all on his own. If not, you may need to give him some incentive. Try placing a treat near the blow dryer and encouraging him to build up the nerve to get the treat. When he does, praise him. Repeat this several times. This will build his confidence (and make you so proud of your brave little puppy!) Next try repeating the whole process with the blow dryer ON, so that he gets used to the sound and learns to associate it with getting a treat (again, allowing HIM to approach IT.) He will eventually learn that the blow dryer is nothing to be scared of. When he has learned this, you can move on to pointing the dryer in his direction while petting him, and then by actually turning the dryer on and blowing him with it. As with everything else, GO SLOWLY, allowing him to acclimate, and GRADUALLY increase the amount of time under the dryer, giving him treats and praise the whole while. You can then introduce the brush (to which you should also have taken the time to acclimate him.) With time, patience and persistence, you will eventually reach your goal: a puppy who calmly and willingly chews a bully stick while you groom him to your heart's (and eye's!) content! I know that all of this sounds time consuming and involved, but if you take the time now, I swear, you will save yourself hours of headache for years and years to come!!! Good luck!! P.S. You say that he is okay with the actual bath? If that's the case, then you only have to deal with the after problem - the grooming - and once he is used to the process, you can do it immediately after bath time. But if, as I suspect, he is panicky (just because he is manageable does NOT mean he isn't panicking - he should be CALM) DURING the bath as well, you may need to attempt to acclimate him to the bathing process as well. Remember, one step at a time. Just take it slow and you will start to see happier, less stressed pupppy in no time!!!

09-23-2010, 06:39 PM	#34
zekie's mom YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PA & FL Posts: 403	Zekie does not like the blow dryer, so I just towel dry him and then put the towel on the carpet and he mostly dries himself off. Saves a lot of frustration for both of us.