Squirmy little boy
 

My Howie is 7 months old and has been brushed every single day that I've had him. And every single day he's fought me the whole way!!! I've tried holding a treat in my hand and letting him nibble it (he still manages to flinch away from the comb while eating the treat simultaneously), sternly telling him NO when he squirms, doing baby talk throughout the brushing and he doesn't respond to any of it. He hates having his hair brushed. And it's not even long hair!!! Any suggestions on how to get him to keep his little butt still while I brush him??

i'm having the same problem with my yorkie :(

I went through something similar with Coco, but I realized she was freaking out because I would make such a big deal about it, i.e. giving treats, praising, or even talking. I was given great advice by Stacy (Sylvan). She said to just be the leader and be serious when brushing her, without making a big deal out of it. Don't praise, just brush and if she would squirm, I would place her on her back and say NO!, then place her infront of me again, and brush her. It only really took like 3 weeks of just brushing without making a big deal out of that she changed. Now, she just stands there, doesn't squirm cry, or wince. I don't know if she likes it, probably not since once I'm done and I say "OK YOU'RE DONE" she darts away :rolleyes: But she does stand still, even with a knot. Try to just be the dominant one and don't make a big deal. Worked great for me.

Gracie is 6 months and i have alwayssss had this problemmm

Have you tried brushing the puppy on top of a table or countertop?

I had the same problem with Oscar - and one day he just stopped fussing - resigned to the fact that it was going to happen regardless of what he did I guess. He stands still while I brush him and lets me put his hair up - I've even gotten a french braid in his hair a couple times.

Nobella gave some good advice - I didn't use treats or anything - I just did it and didn't let him get his way. When he tried to get away, I wouldn't let him - and if he got away I would go get him and return to the brushing spot. A few times I had to put his harness and leash on just so he couldn't run away. Just stay in control - don't baby talk him and soothe him - I think that just reinforces the behavior and makes him think that there is a legitimate reason for him to act up.

Keep at it - dont let him get the best of you - he'll come around! :)

[QUOTE=vainchick5]I went through something similar with Coco, but I realized she was freaking out because I would make such a big deal about it, i.e. giving treats, praising, or even talking. I was given great advice by Stacy (Sylvan). She said to just be the leader and be serious when brushing her, without making a big deal out of it. Don't praise, just brush and if she would squirm, I would place her on her back and say NO!, then place her infront of me again, and brush her. It only really took like 3 weeks of just brushing without making a big deal out of that she changed. Now, she just stands there, doesn't squirm cry, or wince. I don't know if she likes it, probably not since once I'm done and I say "OK YOU'RE DONE" she darts away :rolleyes: But she does stand still, even with a knot. Try to just be the dominant one and don't make a big deal. Worked great for me.[/QUOTET

That's exactly what my groomer told me to do. I couldn't handle Piccolo when I was brushing him - but he was great with the groomer. She told me to show him who the boss is and just keep brushing him. Now he sits still during the whole procedure, even putting his hair in a topknot !

Mine were that way. They just eventually got used to it....They know I am going to do it regardless, so they just stopped one day....It will get better. I also put them on a table or the counter. They seem to be able to control better.