Brushing question - YorkieTalk.com Forums

missashlee28 · 05-03-2008, 08:03 PM

So I just got a new Yorkie a few days ago. She is about 13 weeks old. Today I tried to brush her for the first time. I started off by using only the back of the brush on her so she could get used to the sight of the brush and the motions and she didn't seem to mind at all. However, as soon as I started using the side with bristles, she FREAKED out. I have a CC 20mm pocket fusion brush and my other Yorkie is totally fine with it. I know I wasn't pulling her hair or even encountering any knots. She started squirming like crazy and yelping like she was in pain. So I stopped brushing and just did a minute or two more of brushing her with the back of the brush and she was fine.

So I'm wondering if she is simply whining and trying to get me to stop or if she possibly has something wrong with her skin? Is it possible that her skin is very sensitive and that I'm actually hurting her just by having the bristles touch her skin? I'm going back to the vet in 2 weeks for more shots, so I'll bring it up then, but I'm wondering what you guys think. I'm not sure if this matters, but she does seem to have some "dandruff" (ha, not sure what to call this). The vet told me this is a normal thing when puppy's coats are changing, but I was unfamiliar with this since my other Yorkie never experienced it.

Let me know what you think, I really appreciate it!

Judy in Waco · 05-03-2008, 08:31 PM

I really can't help much except to say that I think it's normal for her to resist until she gets used to it.

Good for you for brushing her regularly right from the start. That will really help!

YorkieChick1 · 05-03-2008, 11:29 PM

Kira could be a drama queen!! But if you show her the brush and give her a treat, then touch the brush to her, treat, brush just a little, treat, etc.. I use this method for getting my dogs used to almost anything. I did the same with the bath, the blowdryer, the nail clippers, the hair clipper etc. They see those items and connect it to treats and positive things. Hope this helps!!

05-03-2008, 08:03 PM	#1
missashlee28 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lompoc, CA Posts: 25	Brushing question So I just got a new Yorkie a few days ago. She is about 13 weeks old. Today I tried to brush her for the first time. I started off by using only the back of the brush on her so she could get used to the sight of the brush and the motions and she didn't seem to mind at all. However, as soon as I started using the side with bristles, she FREAKED out. I have a CC 20mm pocket fusion brush and my other Yorkie is totally fine with it. I know I wasn't pulling her hair or even encountering any knots. She started squirming like crazy and yelping like she was in pain. So I stopped brushing and just did a minute or two more of brushing her with the back of the brush and she was fine. So I'm wondering if she is simply whining and trying to get me to stop or if she possibly has something wrong with her skin? Is it possible that her skin is very sensitive and that I'm actually hurting her just by having the bristles touch her skin? I'm going back to the vet in 2 weeks for more shots, so I'll bring it up then, but I'm wondering what you guys think. I'm not sure if this matters, but she does seem to have some "dandruff" (ha, not sure what to call this). The vet told me this is a normal thing when puppy's coats are changing, but I was unfamiliar with this since my other Yorkie never experienced it. Let me know what you think, I really appreciate it!

05-03-2008, 08:31 PM	#2
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I really can't help much except to say that I think it's normal for her to resist until she gets used to it. Good for you for brushing her regularly right from the start. That will really help! __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

05-03-2008, 11:29 PM	#3
YorkieChick1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,249	Kira could be a drama queen!! But if you show her the brush and give her a treat, then touch the brush to her, treat, brush just a little, treat, etc.. I use this method for getting my dogs used to almost anything. I did the same with the bath, the blowdryer, the nail clippers, the hair clipper etc. They see those items and connect it to treats and positive things. Hope this helps!! __________________ Nanci 's her furbabies!! Brooke,Binky,Bunny,Buster & BooBoo And My Chichis: Baby & Bitsy There's nothing that brightens my day more than a puppy kiss!