Hello My Puppy Hates to Be Brushed! Why?
Our happy, friendly puppy doesn’t like having his hair brushed. He will hide from the groomer if he sees it. How can we get him to accept being groomed?
Dogs are more likely to recall unpleasant, frightening, or upsetting experiences, particularly if they were young. Your puppy may run away from the brush if it is brushed. This could be a sign that he or she is experiencing anxiety, fear, or stress.
It is possible to change your dog’s reaction to brushing. It is important to combine brushing with enjoyable and positive experiences.
The first thing you need to do is make sure your puppy doesn’t dislike brushing. A dog that is sensitive to the touch or has an infected ear may balk if they are handled near or on top of these areas. To rule out medical reasons, take your dog to the vet. After your dog has been examined, you can begin to teach him how to enjoy grooming.
Make sure you have the right equipment
Grooming can be painful and uncomfortable for dogs. This could cause them to run from the brush. Begin by inspecting the brush; ensure that it is not pulling on your dog’s hair or causing irritation to his skin. Bristles made of hard metal may pull the fur of your dog, and bristles with no protective ends could poke into his skin.
This problem can be solved by switching the products and tools you use to groom your dog. You can reduce your puppy’s discomfort by using a soft, flexible detangling tool and a specific dog detangling product.
You may also find the problem is with your brush, but not with how you brush. Do not pull or tear through a knot or mat. Instead, work gently to remove tangles. To avoid pulling on the skin, you can gently hold the fur with one hand if you come across a stubborn knot. Start at the edges of the knot or mat and work your way towards the middle. The mat or knot should be easily separated without pulling the dog’s hair. A groomer might be needed to help with cutting or removing mats. Regular grooming and brushing can be a great way to keep your puppy’s hair tangle-free.
Make brushing fun
You may need to give your dog some time to become comfortable with the idea of brushing his puppy. You can place the brush on the ground, and then give it treats. While your dog investigates the brush, supervise him. A bowl can be placed near the brush to give your puppy a tasty treat.
Once your dog is familiar with the sight of the brush and comfortable, you can have him sit on the ground while you hold the brush in one hand. Your dog should be able to move at his own pace. Do not move the brush towards your dog. Instead, reward your puppy for any interest in the brush, even if it is just a glance.
Next, teach your dog to stay still for short handling. To increase handling tolerance, comfort is the key. Brushing should be done in a manner that your dog is comfortable with. To keep your dog in place, you might need to start giving him treats. It is possible to ask a relative to assist you with the treat delivery, while you brush.
Begin by gently brushing for a few seconds on an area of your dog’s body that is comfortable with touch. Gradually, you can brush other areas of your dog’s body or for a longer time before rewarding him. If he shows any resistance or fear, get back up and continue to brush for a shorter time or in areas that he is comfortable with.
It is best to take slow and gradual steps. Begin with small sessions of brushing, and then give your dog lots of praise and treats. Your puppy will eventually see brushing as something good.