My dog won't let us groom him, any tips?
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It sounds like a silly problem but my dog won't let us groom him and he's starting to look a mess and I'm getting worried.
He needs to be trimmed, especially the face but last time I tried to take him to the groomers he pulled against the lead, refusing to budge, tail down, absolutely terrified... I gave in and took him home. BTW last time I did manage to take him to the groomer they said he was really difficult and only one lady there can actually do him, he's aggressive too and will bite. He can't be muzzled because he doesn't have a snout (he's a shih tzu).
Was wondering if the vet could give him something to calm him down so I can take him to the groomer?
Any advice welcome.
He needs to be trimmed, especially the face but last time I tried to take him to the groomers he pulled against the lead, refusing to budge, tail down, absolutely terrified... I gave in and took him home. BTW last time I did manage to take him to the groomer they said he was really difficult and only one lady there can actually do him, he's aggressive too and will bite. He can't be muzzled because he doesn't have a snout (he's a shih tzu).
Was wondering if the vet could give him something to calm him down so I can take him to the groomer?
Any advice welcome.
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They say a tired dog is easier to groom.
Autistic? I've never heard of autism in dogs, he's normal in every other way, just he hates being groomed or trimmed.
All animals are autistic. Those who hate being groomed tend to be more autistic or dyspraxic.
Would it be good idea to get something from the vets to make him sleepy so he can be groomed or would this be cruel?
Thanks for that, I will speak to the vet. Thing is he's actually got worse instead of better. He will let me brush his body and tail but he is really paranoid about his face especially. I can see it from his point of view, it must be scary seeing scissors or noisy clippers going close to his eyes.
We did have some small battery operated clippers I will try to find them (and speak to the vet).
I have a feeling my dog may have realised that if he kicks up enough of a fuss he gets out of being groomed lol he does tend to rule the roost unfortunately.
Dogs are clever. Some do not like strange noises. Mind you using the clippers a distance away may help make it easier so he gets used to the noise.
What brand of small clippers do you use, I cannot find his Wahl ones which we got in a boxed kit.
Try a proper groomer, distancing yourself from it may help you and your dog.
I agree wth this.
A good groomer will master him - and he has to be mastered because that breed need regular grooming.
He did go to a proper groomer, went twice and as I say the third time he was just so terrified I couldn't put him through it.
I also tried a mobile groomer who parked her large van outside the front door and she said he was the most difficult dog she'd ever had.
We started trying to groom him ourselves because we thought maybe he'd had a bad experience at the groomers, as I say he'll more or less let us do his body but the difficult areas are his face, and also his legs, we even feed him treats and give him toys to take his attention away from what we're doing, it doesn't do much good.
There's no magic cure I'm afraid. He needs to be groomed and if you can't do it you have to get it done by a professional - whether he likes it or not. The alternative is him getting matted - possibly leading to parasites and infection - and him having to be sedated at the vets to get that sorted.
Yes you are right, cruel to be kind and all that. I will take him to the groomers again and as you say he will just have to get used to it. Probably care about him too much, I get worried the groomers will hurt him.
Well... better a bit of rough handling to bring him into line than him getting all matted etc.
Once he gets used to the idea that he's getting it done whether he likes it or not he'll just get on with it.
I had a little rescue terrier x who was a bit nippy with things like that. He absolutely hated the groomers but he was the sort who would look like a sheep if I didn't get him cut. All the shit would stick to his arse and everything. Best to get it sorted. We used to drop him off once every month or six weeks to get cut.
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated, you're right he has to go whether he likes it or not, he is very willful and will try to get his own way if he can and thoroughly spoilt. I never thought when I got a dog that needed regular grooming that he wouldn't like it, silly me.
I'll ring them tomorrow.
(be afraid....be very afraid!:D)
Maybe try some DAP first, maybe a week or so before, might help him cope better. But yes, it's worth getting a groomer that is used to stressy dogs. My college have one lead groomer that tackles a lot of dogs no one else would touch, she has been doing it so long and is so calm, they relax.
Rough handling may make the situation worse.
If he is already matted then a trip to the vet for sedation or one last try with the groomer so you can start again might be an idea.
Then start 'desensitising' . I honestly think clicker training is a great method to get a dog used to grooming equipment. There are lots of instructional videos on the internet so maybe have a look and see if this is something you might be able to try. But basically you are changing the dog's associations through conditioning.
Since then I have learnt how a dog reacts to what it perceives as danger. First it tries to run - but at a groomers, it can't - it is being constrained. Then it freezes in fear. Finally - it will try and fight when it can't escape. Seriously - look at it from the dog's point of view. It is anxious and scared - in a strange environment and with someone it doesn't know and has no bond with or trust in. Then it is held and physically handled.
Personally, I wouldn't bring in another person at this time or take it to a grooming salon - it only adds to the fear and anxiety. Even if the dog ends up as a clipped mess - I would do it myself in the safety of its own home - getting it used to clippers - ignoring for a while if it goes into fear. By responding negatively you are telling it that there really is a danger.
Be very patient and understanding. Your dog is not being naughty or stubborn - it has genuine fears and it needs to learn to trust that they are unfounded.
Thanks, never heard of this before, I'll give it a go.
Thanks. He's not too badly matted, he kind of lets us clip his body it's just his face and paws. I think it's best if we leave it to a professional because he needs to be clipped between his pads as well and he'll never let me do that and it's quite a skilled job.
As I say we've been trying to cope with doing him on our own but just don't have the skills to do the difficult areas like between his pads and his feet and around his eyes, ears etc. I think he (and we) will have to get used to going to the groomers and just hope that he finally realises that they're not out to kill him.
It's brilliant stuff, does distress them really well.
Edit: DE-stress not DISstress