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.