Brushing my baby

[Minniesmom]

Ok I know Minnie is only 12 wks old but the grooming is killing me! She hates to be brushed and I mean HATES! I have a small slicker brush and I sm very gentle nit to get close to the skin but her back legs are very curly and are starting to mat. I sm having her feet and eyes done tomorrow and I will have them bathe her too. I sm hoping it will get her cleaned up.
How do you suggest getting a puppy to like brushing?

[Morkie4]

Ok I know Minnie is only 12 wks old but the grooming is killing me! She hates to be brushed and I mean HATES! I have a small slicker brush and I sm very gentle nit to get close to the skin but her back legs are very curly and are starting to mat. I sm having her feet and eyes done tomorrow and I will have them bathe her too. I sm hoping it will get her cleaned up.
How do you suggest getting a puppy to like brushing?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

First get yourself a really good brush.......a slicker brush will damage the hair and should only, "IF" even then, be used on the feet. I threw my slicker brush out the door after reading about how damaging it can be. So I bought some CC brushes and combs. I think have every one of their brushes except for the slicker brushes. LOL Yes, I know you are going to be in sticker shock when you see the prices but I am telling you, I just love their brushes. There are also Madan brushes which I have several of and I actually use them on my hair are a little more reasonable so if you can't afford a CC brush, it's a good second choice in my opinion. Ok, so we touched on the grooming tool so now let's move on. :D

I would start out with short grooming sessions as first several times a day and after each grooming session, a verbal reward and a treat might help her to understand that brushing is a pleasant experience. I have also always believed in brushing "daily" as a way to keep major matts out. Plus if a matt does come along (and they do), I use the cowboy magic to get it out.

I adopted all of my fluff with the exception of Toby, at an older age and none of them were into the grooming scene but with time and training to accept this as a routine, daily session, most of them go right to sleep when I start the brushing. I do one side and then flip them over and do the other side. Your baby is still young but don't let that stop you from trying to groom her, just keep it in short sessions. JMHO

[Minniesmom]

Thanks! My husband is grooming her as I write this and giving her Carrot rewards and she is actually enjoying it! He is using a comb but I will be going out today in search of the perfect brush. I am a hairstylist and I am also running over to my wholesaler to get the John Paul Mitchel grooming spray.

We are thinking of getting a grooming table depending on how she does over the next few few weeks.

[almitra]

You are starting early on with the grooming, that's good. Brush dailyat the very least (more often if you wanna), and have a treat for your fluff so they equate the process with a goodie. Mine have never liked it or looked forward to it, but they eventually realize it's going to be a regular part of their daily life, so they might as well acquiesce. It takes me 10-15 mins daily to brush with my Madan brush, use a steel comb as a follow-up (always in that order), and then put in the top knot. I do the whole grooming shpeel once a week: bathe, blowdry, cowboy magic application, trim around feet, shave pads, clip toenails, etc. For two fluffs in coat it takes me about 55-60 mins each. :)

[Nikki's Mom]

Looks like Carol and Sandy already gave you some great suggestions. The one thing I find really helpful is a tabletop grooming table. I have this one http://www.petedge.com/product/Grooming/Grooming-Equipment/Grooming-Tables/Master-Equipment-Small-Pet-Grooming-Tables/pc/190/c/191/sc/192/53184.uts and it helps when they are wiggling and helps them get used to being groomed. Make sure you give lots of treats during grooming time. I use Cheerios and they love them!!

[plumie]

We love our Chris Christensen brush as a daily brush.
but if i'm trying to get matts out I use the comb and brush her with Maden brush.

[JiJi's Mom]

I use the slicker brush on really bad matts. I am extremely careful it doesn't touch her skin since it hurts badly. I have the madam brush and it works great. Also love the steel brush.