Groom Easy

Do you often hear from your groomer that your dog is matted and when you try to comb your dog at home they fight, bite or run. Read on and it will help not only you, but your dog and groomer as well.  This also works for shedding dogs that don’t like to get brushed but instead of a comb use an appropriate brush for their coat.

Duncan in need of a grooming.

Start with a freshly groomed dog with no mats, often this means that you’ll have a dog that was just shaved down, remember that it grows back quickly enough. Get a metal tooth comb and some great treat that they never had before (think dehydrated fish). Now you need to gauge at what point your dog is slightly worried about the comb but not fearful, this might be just showing the comb while restrained slightly.

Mekos getting groomed, notice he's slightly uneasy but not in a panic.

Once you have your start point do the motion (showing the comb), then give a treat and release the dog. What you want to happen is to pair the comb with happy thoughts of food, so when you do get to comb the hair the dog will enjoy the experience. When you start seeing happy responses when the dog sees the comb then work your way to the next worry point, such as putting the comb on the back hair. Repeat each step remembering to do the movement then the treat, never at the same time or the treat before the combing as this doesn’t lead to long-term training.

This lovely was so good for brushing with just a little work at home!

As you get your dog more and more used to the comb at the same time you are combing the dog out daily in small areas so that no mats arise. This is the big secret to keeping your dog mat free. Spend a little time combing them at least weekly if not more often while you are even watching TV. This will help you bond, get the oils from the skin to the coat for less smell and help achieve the look you want for your pet’s haircut with a mat free coat.

For more information or for help achieving your goals please contact Dog Obedience & Guidance Training or D-O-G-Training.net.

Halloween Pet Safety

There are four basic ideas to keep your pets safe this Halloween:

1. Keep the treats away from your tricksters’! Chocolate and artificial sweeteners can both be toxic to pets, please keep candy in a covered, high place before and during Halloween. If you think your pet has gotten into the sash please call your vet.

Duncan thinking that it's no fair to have just human treats!

2. After the pumpkins are carved light with caution! Pets are often excited by the smell of the pumpkin (when cooked is great for upset tummies) but if you light a candle you might get a singed pet or they can knock it over and cause a big fire. Use battery-operated lighting when possible.

Blinking lights are safe and look like candles.

3. Costumes can be fun, but pets might not think the same! On pets costumes are cute but your pet might stress out, chew or get caught up on things in costumes. Always think of the safety of your pet first and never leave them unattended if they have anything on, take off if you notice they are uncomfortable. Also costumes on humans can be scary to pets, don’t take them out with you as they might stress or be aggressive towards children in dress.

My dogs only wear costumes for pictures then they are free and naked.

4. Watch the door! Pets can easily slip out of the door when opening for so many trick’r’treaters and they also stress with all the company they see but can’t get too. Keep your pets in a different room or floor while the kids are still coming around, this will lessen the stress and keep them safe. If you take them outside for potties, keep close eyes on them, many people walking around might set them off too.

Most of all have fun and be safe, if you have any more questions please contact Dog Obedience and Guidance Training for more information.