Help! She Hates to be Brushed I have a beautiful 17 week old yorkie puppy who has been with me for two weeks now. While she loves to play and has adjusted very quickly to my family and even my beagle, I can't seem to get her comfortable with being brushed or combed. She tries to attack the brush as soon as I start. Same with the comb. It's not because the grooming hurts her - I never even really get started, so it's not like I've pulled. My husband says she appears to be afraid of the brush, but I can't imagine why. She's not timid or fearful in any other situations, is very loving, cuddles, and doesn't even mind getting a bath - just hates to have her hair combed. Any suggestions? Thanks, in advance, for any help with this! Robin |
I think this is very common! It sure was the case for us. I sprayed Bitter Apple on the comb and offered it to her to bite and she hated the taste. So that was a great adversion, and just a few brush strokes then a treat with praise works wonders. Just a little at a time and she will get used to it. |
hi, i have same problem with bella and mickey. what i do now is give them a bit chicken every time they let me do a stroke with the brush.(findind out blackmail works a treat):D also i have gloves with nobbles on them for grooming that i use for their fur under their eyes etc. good luck:thumbup: |
Best thing now is don't give up! The earlier you start the grooming process the faster they get used to it. I was lucky in that her breeder also showed and got her used to the entire grooming process from the get-go so when I got her at 20 weeks she was pretty good. Now - to say that she behaves like a little angel when grooming, well no way. :eek: She is still a pistol when it comes to doing her beard and tummy but she lets me do it. I also invested in a cool $30 pink grooming turntable that is portable from Pets Edge and worth every penny. It sits on my dryer and works absolutely great while grooming. Keep at it and it gets better every day - oh and try to comb/brush her every day or at least every other day for her to get used to and invest in a quality pin brush - that really helps. Good Luck. |
Phoebe did the same thing as a baby... she'd never seen a brush at 12 weeks! She did the biting and fighting. We just kept at it, were firm and said "no" when she would start biting, and would praise her greatly when she would lay still. We did treats alittle bit, but praise worked well. When we started trimming toes, it was another battle. We got the treats out, and would treat her every time she'd let me get one done. She is great about grooming now, except for occasionally pulling her foot away from the nail clippers. She's 16 months now. Just be persistent, it's worth it in the long run! deb |
You might want to wear her out first, then when she is tired, try brushing her very gently so she associates the brush with being relaxed. Dog make associations very quickly. If in the past they played with her while brushing, she probaably associates the brush with play. Or it could be that she was not brushed and therefore doesn't know what it is. |
How big are your brush and comb? My two didn't like the brush and comb I had when they were puppies so I picked up a little cat flea comb. I could actually hold it in my palm and comb them out with no problem. Once they got used to it - I comb them out in the mornings and evenings - I was able to switch to a larger comb. Perhaps that will help:) |
If you have big brushes and combs I'd switch to a small one. Also, just lay it by her, and let her smell it. Sometimes you have to desensitize them before they'll let you brush them. |
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