Getting over fear of being groomed

Durbkat · 08-14-2007, 06:59 PM

I have been trying to get Snoopy over the fear of being groomed on his chest because he totally flips out when I try to put him on his back. He even does it when no comb is in sight. I assume that he should be given a treat when he is calm right? But he never seems to calm down and I could hold him down till he calms but dieselmamma said not to do that because it can cause more harm than good because it can create more fear. Any ideas guys? Because the window to desensitize him to these things is closing and I need to get the upper hand on this.

Dakota Spirit · 08-14-2007, 07:04 PM

Is it necessary to put him on his back? Many dogs feel very uncomfortable and vulnerable when put into that position and truthfully I don't see why it should be forced. The chest area on a dog is easily accessible when they are sitting down.

Durbkat · 08-14-2007, 07:21 PM

Well he starts to back away when I try that or he will start looking down and trying to bite the comb so that I can't see it. I have also tried holding him while he is standing up with his back agaisnt my chest but he reacts the same way and starts to freak out.

briteday · 08-14-2007, 07:22 PM

Or lay Snoopy on his side to do half of his underbelly, roll him over on his other side to do the other half of the underbelly.

Dogstar · 08-14-2007, 07:24 PM

You really don't need him on his back to groom him- frankly, it's easier with him on his side. Start out after he's been playing for a while and is tired out- just pet him until he lays down- the second he rocks his hips over- and most dogs will quite quickly- make a HUGE fuss and swoop in with a reall good treat. (This will work better with a clicker, to be honest.)

Do NOT force the issue, you're going to make it worse. You want him to be very comfortable with you handling every part of his body. Start with the bits he's okay with, 2-3 minutes at a time, and do 5-6 sessions every day interspersed with play. Don't get TOO hung up on the 'easy bits' but don't move too fast either- you have to learn to read your dog.

Ginny01OT · 08-14-2007, 11:03 PM

I started having Riley professionally groomed after he had all his shots--the first time wasn't so great, the second time was better, he then hated to have his legs and feet shaved. The groomer told me to take an electric razor and turn it on, but put the non-razor side on his skin--well, my husband and I did this and while we did, we praised him and gave him treats--daily--he still hates his legs and feet being done but he doesn't fight it and he is getting better all the time--consistency and praising is the key--if you are stressed they will sense it and be stressed too

Amaya-Mazie-Marley · 08-15-2007, 12:00 AM

Amaya is the same way. She feels uncomfortable on her back and starts to freak out and twist around and fling her limbs everywhere trying to get up. She won't calm down at all whereas Mazie will come over and roll over in your arms like a baby and loves to be held like that. I do dog grooming for friends and my own dogs. What I do with Amaya is hold hew front paws in my hands or whatever feels comfortable. Making her stand on her hind legs and get her underbelly that way. She has no problem with that, she does step around some and side steps or pulls down with her front paws when she's tired of standing so I give her a break but still hold onto her letting her know she can't get away. I would try holding snoopy in a standing position like that for maybe 5 minutes at a time while praising, petting and rewarding. If he is being taken to a professional groomer they will do the same for him to reach his underbelly. They are never flipped over on their backs for grooming.

lovemygreys · 08-15-2007, 12:11 PM

don't confuse fear with a dog not liking something. I especially like dogstar's advice above. You have to teach him to accept grooming - and the more unpleasant it is for him, the more he will hate it and be uncooperative.

skelaki · 08-15-2007, 02:04 PM

I've been lucky in that so far the dogs I've had have at the very least tolerated grooming quite well. But, the one purchase I made that's been a Godsend was a grooming table. Mine had the grooming arm and I could tether the dog to it if necessary but I rarely used it. It's just so much easier and less stressful to groom a dog when you can stand comfortably while doing so.

Being on their back is an extremely submissive position for a dog and many do not like it, especially being put in that position. If you want Snoopy to turn over on his back for easier access to his underside, teach him to roll over into this position for belly rubs and treats.

Durbkat · 08-15-2007, 03:21 PM

Thanks for all the info guys and good idea with holding snoopy up by holding his paws amaya!

Do you think the groomer could help me with this fear issue and get him more comfortable with it? Like, if you asked them will they do things to make the dog more comfortable with being groomed or would they just treat all dogs the same way?

LoveLilly · 08-15-2007, 05:47 PM

Lilly is terrified of full on grooming.

I can brush her at home but she is a holy terror to wash and needs her paws and sanitary area trimmed every 6 weeks so she goes to the groomer.

I told my groomer of her fear issues with water and she takes twice as long with Lilly to give her time to quiet down so its not all at once. She plays with her, gives her a treat, etc...and I know the groomer tries very hard. Lilly has been to her I would say 5 times and now shakes when we walk in the door. The groomer says that her issue appears to just be the water but she is perfectly still for the cutting, blow drying and nail trim. I am making the assumption that with time she will calm down regarding the water and maybe 5 trips is just not enough yet so we keep going.

Yes talk to your groomer. IMO, the sign of a good groomer is one that wants to collaborate with you to help your pup's experience be a good one.

Ginny01OT · 08-15-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveLilly

Lilly is terrified of full on grooming.

I can brush her at home but she is a holy terror to wash and needs her paws and sanitary area trimmed every 6 weeks so she goes to the groomer. .

Riley was groomed today and he still hates to have his feet done but I think over time he will get used to it (he loves the groomer, doesn't want to leave when he is done, she has four dogs he likes to play with).

Amaya-Mazie-Marley · 08-15-2007, 08:26 PM

I just found this picture I had earlier Durbkat. Here's how I was talking about holding snoopy. As you can see Amaya is being cutesy and has her head all sideways, almost as if she's trying to get her head in the picture. Cracks me up. I hope the picture helps explain what I was trying to say better.