Quote:
Originally Posted by AnneJ68
(Post 4152198)
Welcome to YT. Pippin is such a cutie.
My little man is too young for any top knot yet. I have no idea his coat type, his head seems to be on the silky side but his body appears to be on the cotton side. He'll be 14 weeks tomorrow. Still trying to get him used to being groomed. It does not seem like he hates it, just that he thinks it's a game so he like to try to chew on me or the brush. Since obviously you have lots of experience, any tips on getting a puppy used to grooming and being settled would be appreciated by me as well as some other newbies around here, I'm sure.
As for size since this is my first yorkie I don't know how accurate yorkie growth charts are, or the rule that I have heard is double their 12 week weight and that is pretty close to adult weight. Guess I can better say this November how good either of those are for judging size.
Again welcome, you will love it here. |
Treats,Treats and treats they love em will do anything for them!Start with the basics.Pippin is doing pretty well with his sit and stay,but does get pretty excited still :P.I try to make every minute a learning experiences and fun.On the bed, or watching tv or walking him anywhere lolz.It only makes things safer for him you know and its a huge bonding time.
Practice with him on your bed sofa some where he is comfortable and he can look you in the eyes.A great thing to teach your pup.Pippin goes by watch me.I use my hand closed and flicking my fingers open as if I was going to give some one a high five palm open fingers out. once my fingers close he knows he is free to do what ever.This works great for trimming his face!So he knows if my hand is open to stay still watching me while i check his cut lol.Also,works if your pup or dog has a fear of something or barking at larger dog while walking.
Once he gets the watch me down Start on stay as he already knows watch me means stay still and look at me.You can practice anywhere your sofa,bed,walking anywhere fun he loves.I stared out on the sofa with this one.I place my hand under his belly and tell him to stay, making sure he is paying attention to me ,as when grooming him its much easier if he stays standing than to lay down and stay.Work on getting him to stay and stand as long as he wants to then praise and reward!He will start to stand longer and get it down.
Since, he is a baby he will need breaks now and then and play breaks,while training and grooming him as well.I think all dogs should old or young.If he knows these commands it also makes it easier for some one to groom him in a shop.
Now that he is staying and standing you can introduce the table,the mat,the towel (the object you want him to stand on while you groom him)If you use your table or counter I recommend a towel.He will run off it allot at first and want to play!!Be patient and place him back on the towel and stay.Eventually he will get used to knowing he can not leave the towel while grooming.
introduce the mighty blow dryer!A quiet blow dryer is nice (my chi blow dryer blew up lolz so I just have my old Revlon professional one)make sure your blow dryer has a actual mild heat setting.test it on your arm if its too hot get a new one.Because pup will not stand still if its too hot and will make it for a bad time :/. I even have seen at my wal mart a doggie blow dryer! Turn the blow dryer on make sure to have treats.Reward pup for standing next to blow dryer while on and practice with watch me and stay while blow dryer is on.Pippin now will run to me if he even hears the blow dryer on and waits for his turn. Basically you want him to associate the sound with good things and treats!
Do the same with the clippers and trimmers Make sure you have the right ones for dogs.As, the trimmers for people can cut a dogs toe pads ears ext..It's worth getting the right ones to prevent a painful cut to your pup.
Both make a sound and have a feeling to associate with it!So when drying your pup keep in mind he wont come out perfect the first few times till he gets it down.He will want to spin around look at the blow dryer clippers ext..So be patient take your time and let him know you have his back and its totally safe and fun right!
Scissors also have a feel and sound when they shut and open and when they cut make sure if you have sharp sheers/scissors.They can be dangerous so take your time.Pippin had more issues with the blow dryer and clippers beings they have a loud sound.He did at first have a small reaction to the sheers closing and shutting he moved his head and looked at them like what the!So make sure to have control of situation and sheers ,but with Praise and watch me and stay got it pretty fast.Make sure your pup has your trust.Always make sure to have a guide to go back to where you were cutting.
Training and gaining your pups trust is rewarding in many ways and keeps him safe.It does not happen over night.Making it fun helps him learn way quicker tough!I would wait till about 4 to 6 months to actually clip and groom your pup with mild baths and puppy wipes. I'd work with watch me and stay at this stage and the come here command.