Doesn't like being groomed

[Sheryl]

How can I help this little one I am fostering get over his dislike of being groomed. He has long hair and it gets tangled if I don't brush it every day. But when I try to brush or comb him he will mouth at the comb or my hand (he doesn't growl or bite, he just mouths) How can I help him? I want to get him professionally groomed next time I'm in a city and don't want him to hate it.
Thanks!

[Beth Pladson]

My 5 mo old pup does the same thing... I'd be interested to hear other people's suggestions also. I have the same problem with him when I try to clip his nails as well.

[Sheryl]

Oh ya, I also forgot to say that if I try to give treats during the grooming process, he just gets all wiggly and excited and then grooming is pretty much impossible!

[TimberWolf]

well does he like being pet? first take him to an area where you'd like to groom him. A place where it's comfortable for both of you but you have the most control of him. Then take the comb or brush and lay it down in front of him adn let him sniff. Meanwhile, make long strokes on his back with your hands. Then if he seems comfortable with the brush or comb in sight, it might take a few times before he's relaxed around the brush/comb, take the comb and hold it in one hand and storke his fur with the other one and follow that hand with the one with the comb in it. dont' comb his fur though. once he's comfortable with that and less suspicious. start to stroke his fur with the non-tooth part of the comb...the back of it so nothign gets caught. This too may take a while for him to trust this but the idea is he gets use dto knowing what you are doing and that you mean no harm. Once he's comfortable with the idea of the smooth end of the brush/comb take one hand, stroke his fur and then follow your strokes with the brush or comb rough side. then folow with another hand stroke. Eventually you'll be able to use the brush without much fuss or suspicion. Follow every step with a treat afterwards. That way your dog knows that somethign good comes out of this funny test. One more thing, wait until your dog is tired and relaxed so he'll be less concerned and less likely to care that much about what you are doing.

My dog was like that. She didn't trust anything that was in anyone's hand. She automatically assumed she was going to get hurt. She too wouldn't bite but she's follow the brush with her teeth giving little nips here and there. Giving treats too were impossible. But I did this method and it worked. She's much better now. I always let her sniff what I'm going to touch her with, give her a hand stroke adn then brush her. She prefers this when she's lying down and tired.

[Summer Magic]

When I started out grooming Magic she was six months old. I had to do it with one hand. She wouldn't even sit still for me she was so scared. I held a piece of hotdog in my hand and would just give her the tiniest bite of the meat while I stroked her with the brush. She was so interested in the food that she forgot all about the brush. As time went on I was able to show her the treat and brush her first before she got it. Now she loves to be brushed. and she knows that the treats always come after she has been completely groomed. BTW grooming includes bath, blow dry, nail and pad trim, teeth cleaning and ear trim.

[Jill Ramsey]

We had a really hard time grooming Finnegan when he was a puppy. The same problem with gnawing on the hand. What I started, and still do to this day with both boys, is brush them when they are eating. Of course, being labs, they are more interested in the food than the brushing. It's only for a few minutes, but they get used to the brushing, plus get food, so they start associating brushing with something good. Now, I can just brush them anytime, although being a puppy, Fischer is still a little wiggly!

[Sheryl]

Thanks very much! I have never owned a dog with long hair that needed to be combed out like this guy! I will definately use these suggestions after our walk tomorrow.
I realize that I used the term 'grooming' rather loosely.... I trimmed his nails myself, bathed him myself, and his ears are clean, so when I'm out in a city I just want to get him trimmed up a bit. I did have a go at trimming his back end so that the poop didn't get stuck on his long fur (sorry to be gross), and my friend trimmed his eyebrows so that he can see, but I think he needs a little professional trimming here and there.
Thanks again!

[Summer Magic]

These long haired dogs need to be at least brushed once a day (how would you look if you didn't brush your hair every day?) The medium pinned brush is the easiest to use and it also helps to prevent matts.

[Sheryl]

Okay, you guys are brilliant! After a weekend in the bush and the boat, Sailor wasn't looking quite his best (neither was I, by the way, but I just put on a hat to hide the bad hair day!). So I did as you suggested, and not only did he tolerate the combing, he actually fell asleep! It took me an hour and a half to get through all the tangles, and I had to use my 'pick' (for my very curly hair), but he looks really good now! It was raining really hard this morning, so we went outside in the long grass for a few minutes, and he was pretty much soaked when we got in. He didn't like being sprayed with the de-tangler, so I put in in my hands and kind of massaged it into his fur.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions!