Squirming During Grooming...

[M101]

Hi:

Babe squirms during grooming. He thinks it's play time. I've changed the way I groom him to 5 mins. per session starting at back feet; then give him a time out and con't. (He has no mats--I feel grooming is important--part of his training; etc.)

Unless he's asleep I can't groom him. I feel he should sleep w/o disturbance.

Suggestions??? He's 9 mos.

Thank You

[maltesemum]

Just keep at it & offer him treats for being a good boy! Mine often fall asleep while being groomed. If it is grooming time then i wake my dogs up to be groomed, this also lets them know that i'm the boss:D I also find this is the best time to groom as they are already tired!

[I Found Nemo]

Just keep at it & offer him treats for being a good boy! Mine often fall asleep while being groomed. If it is grooming time then i wake my dogs up to be groomed, this also lets them know that i'm the boss:D I also find this is the best time to groom as they are already tired!
:D Nemo falls asleep also Elaine:movington:

[Morkie4]

Grooming in the same location and the same time can help regulate him to be groomed. I have a small table set up with a nonslip rug that they sit so that I can be in a chair to groom them. They know what I get the supplies out it is their time to be groomed. I always give verbal rewards through the whole grooming process; give a special treat when the grooming is completed and do the grooming "EVERY" day! By doing it every day, it makes the grooming session enjoyable for both them and me and cuts down on the amount of time to keep them mat free! Starting with a five min. session for grooming is a good start but the time needs to be increased so that he will eventually accept that grooming will be a one time thing every day! He'll adjust.......they all do!!! LOL

Oh and yes, Toby actually was in the sit position and from the calm patient grooming I was giving him, he fell over cause he went to sleep. Cracked me up!!!! So the dogs if it is done properly find it relaxing and soothing!

[Kanga]

Morkie4 is correct when grooming is done properly it is relaxing.... for both of you.

Scrappy will climb onto my knee and turn his back to me when he wants a massage and a brushing.... Good party trick lol People are stunned to see him asking to be groomed.

One suggestion for getting a hyper puppy ready for grooming is to have a hard play session just prior to the grooming session.

This tires them and thus takes the edge off their surplus energy.

While he is just a baby try brushing him when you are sitting calmly with him on your lap and talk to him calmly or do as I do and sing to him and give lots of cuddles ..... make it something to look forward to rather than dread. :)

[Morkie4]

Kanga, are you a good singer??? Or is Scrappy tone deaf???

Sorry, it just jumped out at me when you said you sang to him, sorry, I was just kidding, honestly!! ROFL I know you'll get me back when I least expect it!

But I agree, if you can get them to relax and enjoy it, the grooming sessions are not a burden!

[Kanga]

Kanga, are you a good singer??? Or is Scrappy tone deaf???

Sorry, it just jumped out at me when you said you sang to him, sorry, I was just kidding, honestly!! ROFL I know you'll get me back when I least expect it!


:fainted: You wait, just you wait :D

Do you not remember my "banned from singing in the shower thread" :tongue3:

Scrappy is the only one I have ever known who looks adoringly into my eyes when I sing to him..... :smlove2:

[Morkie4]

:fainted: You wait, just you wait :D

Do you not remember my "banned from singing in the shower thread" :tongue3:

Scrappy is the only one I have ever known who looks adoringly into my eyes when I sing to him..... :smlove2:

:eek: :eek:

:sidesplit: :sidesplit: :sidesplit: Oh yes, I remember that thread VERY WELL!!!

It is obvious that Scrappy loves you "unconditionally."

[M101]

Hi:

I have a table set up; supplies ready; his Nylabone; a comfy bed on the table; his water and a biscuit.

Starting w/ back feet--he begins to pace. Then gets fussy. I take him back to where his bed is; give him a time out then try again; and again.

I do try the grooming everyday at the same time. Talk to him...cuddle/praise him; then he wants to play. He prefers grooming prior to bedtime; but I need to do it earlier in the day.

I end up doing only a light grooming. He has no mats, but daily grooming is important for his coat--also, in my opinion part of his training.

I'll keep trying.

Thanks

[Kanga]

Yep, ;) keep trying. Rome wasn't built in a day. Take it slow...... but, do not stop grooming when he fusses.

Instead stop when he is calm. Otherwise he will learn that making a fuss means you stop grooming him :) which equates to positive reinforcement of a behavior you do not want.

Just like rearing a child ..... you praise the good and ignore the bad that way they quickly learn that fussing is not the way to go.

hang in there it does get better ;)

[bek74]

Just keep at it, I would give my babies CHEESE for treat when I groomed them, they love cheese and only got it at grooming time. Mine all just relax and lay there.
Keep at it.

[M101]

Babe is annoyed when I try to groom his back feet. Is this normal? I'm still grooming him daily at the same time. He's just being stubborn, and testing me.

He's mat free. He needs a top knot ASAP. He looks like a sheep dog puppy.

I have to get better grooming products. His eyes have less tearing; ears are clean; coat is filling in nicely.

Today's Another Day... ;)

[bek74]

Alot of pups don't like there feet being touched. Maybe you could have Babe on your lap rubbing his feet and your mum giving him treats while you do it.

All the best, it takes time, so hang in there

[Morkie4]

Neither the yorkie nor the maltese "enjoy" having their feet done!! I think it is pretty common!