Grooming/Tooth brushing help
 

1. As many of you know, Beau had a little accident at the groomer's yesterday (part of his ear got cut off) and now I am going to be home grooming.
a.)Does anyone know of good websites, DVD's, books, etc that I should read?
b.)What items am I going to need? I have a mustache trimmer, andis dog clippers, nail file, baby shampoo, cream conditioner, spray-on conditioner, tooth brush set, and ear cleaning solution (from the vet).
c.) Is there a special hair dryer or will a human one on the cool setting work?
d.) Does anyone have instructions on how to build a grooming stand? Is there a cheap table that folds up?
e.)Is there something I can give to Beau to calm him down before we groom?
f.)Should I walk him and give him a meal before or wait until I'm done?

2. Does anyone get their dog's teeth cleaned by the vet? The vet suggested it, but then he told me that Beau would have to be totally put under because of his fear of the vet and the fact that they would be a little close to his teeth, meaning the vet WOULD get bitten (Beau doesn't like the vet... :rolleyes: to put it nicely) I plan on starting to brush them myself since the groomer used too...but Beau has some major build up on his teeth...so should I just start after the vet does it? Or should I just try to clean them myself and forget the vet?

Have you considered the raw diet? If not maybe some bully sticks or something he likes chewing on. I have a 9 yr old yorkie who has been on raw diet and never had to get her teeth cleaned so she never had to endure anaesthetic which can be scary. I try to put myself in their place....I like going to the hair salon so I think they like being groomed so I think it is great that you will be doing that....but if I went to the dentist and he took a brush and started brushing my teeth I would be totally annoyed so I could see why your baby would want to bite him. The thing about teeth cleaning anyway is it is just cosmetic and you have to get it done regularly. The more important concern is not what's building up on the outside but what is going through the gums and into the internal organs that you can't brush away and that leads to more serious problems.

First on his teeth. Have you tried Petzlife?
If not I would suggest you get it. It comes in gel or spray.
I have been using the spray for over a year and Bud has no
tartar on his teeth at all. I also brush daily and he is 3 1/2.
I really work hard on his teeth because I don't want him put under.
Also it costs around $400.00 in my area for teeth cleaning which
is nuts!
I will pm you the video info I purchased from E-bay on Yorkie grooming.
It shows 3 cuts, puppy, long coat and schnauzer cut which Bud's wears.
I found it very informative.
I do the oppisite of the groomers. I cut him first then bathe him.
He is a silky coat so he never has tangles this way any loose hair
washes off. I use my own blow dryer on him. He is excellant when
grooming. He never moves and does not mind the dryer at all.
I use a moustache trimmer on his paws, butt and sanitary cut and
between his eyes and the back of his ears. DO NOT CUT THE EAR
ON THE SIDES.

Good luck

where can you get petzlife??

You should be able to buy it from a pet store. Mine carry it.
Or go to the website/www. petzlife.com

It's a wonderful thing to have because it really does work.

Thanks everyone!! I'll have to post picture in around 12 weeks when we do our first cut!! I'm going to try to brush Beau's teeth tonight...but we'll just have to see how that goes. :rolleyes: I'll have to go to the next town and see if their pet store has petzlife. Our local pet store isn't a good one, and it doesn't carry much beyond puppy mill puppies, fish, and rodents :(

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

There is a grooming video you can order via YTCA.org......Instructions are by Roberta Rothenbach/Rothby's Yorkshire Terriers and Marie Cardonas/Pardside Yorkshire Terriers. On the website there is step by step procedures on clipping down your yorkie.

Suzy HATES to be brushed (but she is getting used to it.) I usually brush her when she first wakes up because she's a little groggy and much more placid than around when she's awake: aka playtime.

I'm sorry to hear part of your little angel's ear got cut off! I don't blame you in the slightest for deciding to do it at home now. Good luck! :)