Grooming - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Stoepie · 03-14-2007, 12:08 PM

My 8 month old Yorkie girl will not allow me anywhere near her to clip her hair or to clean her eyes. She yaps and growls and gets very unhappy!
I don't want to take her to a grooming parlour and would rather groom her myself.
Any tips to overcome this will be very welcome, because she is seriously in need of a haircut.
She is fine with bathing, combing and hairdrying - but will not allow me to clean her eyes or trim her hair.
Otherwise she is the cutest little critter in the world!!!

ARCHIE · 03-14-2007, 12:22 PM

I bet she is. Try a treat. Get the wet cloth first in one hand
and hold the treat in front of her and wipe her eyes. Give her
a piece and continue. Maybe this will work once you try it
a couple of times.
My daughter has a MinPin who runs like the wind when he sees
a brush!

eringabrielle · 03-14-2007, 12:47 PM

My Willow is the exact same way, a little wiggly worm when it comes to grooming. I use the treats but also, I try and play with her and get her worn out first, then she puts up less of a fight.

Sweetums · 03-16-2007, 04:00 PM

We are fighting the same battle with our 6 mo. old puppy. But I figured out finally (duh, it took me long enough) that as the brush pulls through the frizzy part of her hair (around her paws and chest mostly where it is light colored) it hurts her, just like brushing knots out of your own hair. No wonder she would bite me as I was trying to brush her hair out. I have a C C gold wire brush, but nonetheless, I have found that if I spray CoatHandler on her hair liberally and then very carefully with light, gentle, short strokes go through the difficult areas of her hair just as if I were trying to work a mat out of her hair, she is much less wiggly and much more cooperative than if I just try to get it over with and hurry through it. Now she doesn't immediately try to bite the brush when I get it out. She actually appears to be okay with it as long as I am careful and gentle.

Tina_Luvs_Missy · 03-17-2007, 08:35 PM

I understand how you feel!

Missy can be a little bugger when it comes to that...

I hate seeing eye boogers or dryness to the hair around her eyes, it's just annoying! I have to get rid of it immediately....so I hold her nicely towards my lap and I take the cloth or cotton ball soaked in hot water and slowly go to the dirty area, she tends to bite it but I get my other hand to distract her (Starts playing with my hand, licking, biting the usual) and when she calms down I always say goood girl missy! and give her her little treat...I just keep saying good girl and gets even more calm and quiet! also, when it comes to combing, I do the same thing and she stays still like a rock!

It's tough, but you'll get her to cooperate soon!

FirstYorkie · 03-18-2007, 01:21 AM

Stoepie,

As others have suggested, we use lots of treats at grooming time, too. I have special treats that he only gets when I'm cutting his fur.

Since your pup already has bad associations with haircutting, I'd go back a step or two. When you cut his hair, is he in a certain place? I would take him to that place (on the table or whatever you use), give him some treats while telling him how good he is, and let him go. Repeat several times until he is comfortable with that.

Next, do the above and just show him the scissors. Treat, praise and release. Repeat numerous times until he's comfortable with that.

Only then would I try to cut his fur. Be sure to take frequent treat breaks.

Joey has certain areas of his body that he has limited patience for me cutting (around his muzzle and his hiney). I let him tell me when he's had too much, I move to a different area for a while, and then come back to those areas. He usually gets bored and goes to sleep.

Pup-e-Love · 03-20-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

Stoepie,

As others have suggested, we use lots of treats at grooming time, too. I have special treats that he only gets when I'm cutting his fur.

Since your pup already has bad associations with haircutting, I'd go back a step or two. When you cut his hair, is he in a certain place? I would take him to that place (on the table or whatever you use), give him some treats while telling him how good he is, and let him go. Repeat several times until he is comfortable with that.

Next, do the above and just show him the scissors. Treat, praise and release. Repeat numerous times until he's comfortable with that.

Only then would I try to cut his fur. Be sure to take frequent treat breaks.

Joey has certain areas of his body that he has limited patience for me cutting (around his muzzle and his hiney). I let him tell me when he's had too much, I move to a different area for a while, and then come back to those areas. He usually gets bored and goes to sleep.

Good post!

simplyyorkies · 03-21-2007, 07:56 AM

I'm a certified groomer and have been grooming Yorkies for over 15 years. I've had some very interesting clients too!

The key to grooming is exercising the dog prior to grooming!!! A healthy walk sets the mind at peace and exercises the body leaving the dog more accepting of the grooming process.

It is so important to start very young with techniques. Handle your pups feet often, just gently rub the paw pads, open the pads up and massage their feet. This gets them used to having their feet handled. When trimming nails just cut the tips off - don't go for broke and try to remove lots of nail - it sends a vibration up the leg and while it isn't painful think about how that feels to a dog. I typically will give the dog a bath while they are busy licking up water I clip nails. They are distracted and I get nails done without a fuss.

Brushing - I rarely use a brush on a Yorkie. I use a comb with rubber tips. Brushing just causes static which creates mats. I comb in sections. I start at the rear and go down one side of the leg, always combing slowly and mindful of mats. Most mats can be "fingered" out. Move to other side of rear, then back, under belly and shoulders. I leave the head for last. I comb out the head, put in a topknot. I comb daily - sometimes twice a day.
When I put clothes on my Yorkie I spray the clothes with Static guard first to help keep static down. Just spray - let dry completely and put on clothes.

Bathing - Use quality shampoos and conditioners. I use a product called Quadrups. It is amazing - my clients LOVE it. Use luke warm water and cooler water to rinse out conditioner. Dry the coat - adds shine!

The key really is starting early - using gentle, calm techniques and rarely do I talk to the dog while on the table. Only after I've completed the groom do I offer treats. A reward after good behavior!

Yorkies are so smart - are are some of the most beautiful dogs when groomed. Your calm attitude and confidence in what you are doing will go a long way with grooming too. If you expect attitude from your pup - they will give it!

yorkie4UNme · 04-05-2007, 09:03 PM

This post was so informative - my 4 mo old Sake is a vixen when it comes to brushing her...I've tried the soft cat brush to get her used to the sensation...and she comes "unglued" - she is a wiggle wort and won't let me touch her - I have to wait until she is passed out from sheer exhaustion to run the brush over her - when do you know it is okay to take them to a good groomer?????

Sweetums · 04-06-2007, 07:26 PM

I started off by getting our puppy's favorite chew stick out and letting her chew on it as I brush her. I started with a soft cat brush as well and that combined with letting her chew on her chew stick and giving her treats while I'm doing it and praising her liberally while I'm doing it, as well as holding her by the front legs with the front off the ground so she can't really jump around has finally resulted in fairly successful grooming. Also, I found that if she gets too wild and uncontrollable I do what I saw the groomer doing at Petsmart, I hold her by her hair under the chin. She won't move as long as I have hold of it. Apparently she knows she'd pull her hair and hurt herself if she tried to get away.

So those are a few tips that have worked for me.

Stoepie · 04-14-2007, 02:55 AM

Thank you everyone for your good advice.
I will keep trying! Eventually she should get the hint that I have to groom her.
She is very good with bathing and combing and even a hairdrier.
She just has an issue with me cleaning her eyes and doesn't trust the scissors yet.
But thanks again to all.

03-14-2007, 12:08 PM	#1
Stoepie Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South Africa Posts: 15	Grooming My 8 month old Yorkie girl will not allow me anywhere near her to clip her hair or to clean her eyes. She yaps and growls and gets very unhappy! I don't want to take her to a grooming parlour and would rather groom her myself. Any tips to overcome this will be very welcome, because she is seriously in need of a haircut. She is fine with bathing, combing and hairdrying - but will not allow me to clean her eyes or trim her hair. Otherwise she is the cutest little critter in the world!!!

03-14-2007, 12:47 PM	#3
eringabrielle YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 293	My Willow is the exact same way, a little wiggly worm when it comes to grooming. I use the treats but also, I try and play with her and get her worn out first, then she puts up less of a fight. __________________ Biscuits, Willow, & Erin See us on Dogster!

03-18-2007, 01:21 AM	#6
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	Stoepie, As others have suggested, we use lots of treats at grooming time, too. I have special treats that he only gets when I'm cutting his fur. Since your pup already has bad associations with haircutting, I'd go back a step or two. When you cut his hair, is he in a certain place? I would take him to that place (on the table or whatever you use), give him some treats while telling him how good he is, and let him go. Repeat several times until he is comfortable with that. Next, do the above and just show him the scissors. Treat, praise and release. Repeat numerous times until he's comfortable with that. Only then would I try to cut his fur. Be sure to take frequent treat breaks. Joey has certain areas of his body that he has limited patience for me cutting (around his muzzle and his hiney). I let him tell me when he's had too much, I move to a different area for a while, and then come back to those areas. He usually gets bored and goes to sleep. __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!

03-21-2007, 07:56 AM	#8
simplyyorkies Gabor Galore Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 606	Tips from a Groomer I'm a certified groomer and have been grooming Yorkies for over 15 years. I've had some very interesting clients too! The key to grooming is exercising the dog prior to grooming!!! A healthy walk sets the mind at peace and exercises the body leaving the dog more accepting of the grooming process. It is so important to start very young with techniques. Handle your pups feet often, just gently rub the paw pads, open the pads up and massage their feet. This gets them used to having their feet handled. When trimming nails just cut the tips off - don't go for broke and try to remove lots of nail - it sends a vibration up the leg and while it isn't painful think about how that feels to a dog. I typically will give the dog a bath while they are busy licking up water I clip nails. They are distracted and I get nails done without a fuss. Brushing - I rarely use a brush on a Yorkie. I use a comb with rubber tips. Brushing just causes static which creates mats. I comb in sections. I start at the rear and go down one side of the leg, always combing slowly and mindful of mats. Most mats can be "fingered" out. Move to other side of rear, then back, under belly and shoulders. I leave the head for last. I comb out the head, put in a topknot. I comb daily - sometimes twice a day. When I put clothes on my Yorkie I spray the clothes with Static guard first to help keep static down. Just spray - let dry completely and put on clothes. Bathing - Use quality shampoos and conditioners. I use a product called Quadrups. It is amazing - my clients LOVE it. Use luke warm water and cooler water to rinse out conditioner. Dry the coat - adds shine! The key really is starting early - using gentle, calm techniques and rarely do I talk to the dog while on the table. Only after I've completed the groom do I offer treats. A reward after good behavior! Yorkies are so smart - are are some of the most beautiful dogs when groomed. Your calm attitude and confidence in what you are doing will go a long way with grooming too. If you expect attitude from your pup - they will give it!

04-05-2007, 09:03 PM	#9
yorkie4UNme Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dana Point Posts: 12	Thanks so much This post was so informative - my 4 mo old Sake is a vixen when it comes to brushing her...I've tried the soft cat brush to get her used to the sensation...and she comes "unglued" - she is a wiggle wort and won't let me touch her - I have to wait until she is passed out from sheer exhaustion to run the brush over her - when do you know it is okay to take them to a good groomer????? __________________ Melissa -the happy Servant of...: Princess Sake

03-14-2007, 12:22 PM	#2
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	I bet she is. Try a treat. Get the wet cloth first in one hand and hold the treat in front of her and wipe her eyes. Give her a piece and continue. Maybe this will work once you try it a couple of times. My daughter has a MinPin who runs like the wind when he sees a brush!

03-16-2007, 04:00 PM	#4
Sweetums Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 431	We are fighting the same battle with our 6 mo. old puppy. But I figured out finally (duh, it took me long enough) that as the brush pulls through the frizzy part of her hair (around her paws and chest mostly where it is light colored) it hurts her, just like brushing knots out of your own hair. No wonder she would bite me as I was trying to brush her hair out. I have a C C gold wire brush, but nonetheless, I have found that if I spray CoatHandler on her hair liberally and then very carefully with light, gentle, short strokes go through the difficult areas of her hair just as if I were trying to work a mat out of her hair, she is much less wiggly and much more cooperative than if I just try to get it over with and hurry through it. Now she doesn't immediately try to bite the brush when I get it out. She actually appears to be okay with it as long as I am careful and gentle.

03-17-2007, 08:35 PM	#5
Tina_Luvs_Missy YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 326	I understand how you feel! Missy can be a little bugger when it comes to that... I hate seeing eye boogers or dryness to the hair around her eyes, it's just annoying! I have to get rid of it immediately....so I hold her nicely towards my lap and I take the cloth or cotton ball soaked in hot water and slowly go to the dirty area, she tends to bite it but I get my other hand to distract her (Starts playing with my hand, licking, biting the usual) and when she calms down I always say goood girl missy! and give her her little treat...I just keep saying good girl and gets even more calm and quiet! also, when it comes to combing, I do the same thing and she stays still like a rock! It's tough, but you'll get her to cooperate soon!

04-06-2007, 07:26 PM	#10
Sweetums Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 431	I started off by getting our puppy's favorite chew stick out and letting her chew on it as I brush her. I started with a soft cat brush as well and that combined with letting her chew on her chew stick and giving her treats while I'm doing it and praising her liberally while I'm doing it, as well as holding her by the front legs with the front off the ground so she can't really jump around has finally resulted in fairly successful grooming. Also, I found that if she gets too wild and uncontrollable I do what I saw the groomer doing at Petsmart, I hold her by her hair under the chin. She won't move as long as I have hold of it. Apparently she knows she'd pull her hair and hurt herself if she tried to get away. So those are a few tips that have worked for me.

04-14-2007, 02:55 AM	#11
Stoepie Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South Africa Posts: 15	Thanks for all the ideas Thank you everyone for your good advice. I will keep trying! Eventually she should get the hint that I have to groom her. She is very good with bathing and combing and even a hairdrier. She just has an issue with me cleaning her eyes and doesn't trust the scissors yet. But thanks again to all.