[rdalcanto]

This is the first dog I've had that needs shaving. She is 10 weeks old. My wife and I tried to use the clippers, and it was a struggle. She wouldn't keep still. We bribed her with treats, and sort of got it done, but it needs another session. Any tricks to getting the dog to stay still? Thanks!

[briteday]

Let a professional do the grooming for a few times. Then the dog will be used to the handling and holding.

[doggone6]

You're starting a little late, but I would suggest that you put your puppy up on a table or counter (preferably a grooming table) on a non-slip surface (like a rubber bathtub mat if you don't want to invest in a grooming table). Gently place puppy in a "stand" and give the "stay" command. All you need the first couple of times is about 2 seconds before treating. Keep working at it(it may take weeks), making the "stay" period slightly longer each time.

At the same time, while puppy is in grooming position...brush. Brush as completely as possible. Then, do the "stand,'stay" exercise and treat before releasing puppy.

This is all much easier if you have a grooming table with arm and noose. This controls the front of puppy so you can concentrate on controlling the back, lol!

Persevere, and eventually you will have puppy trained to be still for grooming.

[acanoffleas]

Originally Posted by doggone6

You're starting a little late, but I would suggest that you put your puppy up on a table or counter (preferably a grooming table) on a non-slip surface (like a rubber bathtub mat if you don't want to invest in a grooming table). Gently place puppy in a "stand" and give the "stay" command. All you need the first couple of times is about 2 seconds before treating. Keep working at it(it may take weeks), making the "stay" period slightly longer each time.

At the same time, while puppy is in grooming position...brush. Brush as completely as possible. Then, do the "stand,'stay" exercise and treat before releasing puppy.

This is all much easier if you have a grooming table with arm and noose. This controls the front of puppy so you can concentrate on controlling the back, lol!

Persevere, and eventually you will have puppy trained to be still for grooming.

Great advice. I personally have found working with puppies to be one of the more challenging aspects for me as a newer groomer. It really will help to have some sort of table and loop system, as doggone6 mentioned. Another key is handling - just getting the dog used to being handled is a hurtle in of itself. I play with their feet, really getting my fingers in and around the pads while talking to the puppy in an assuring voice. Award good behavior with praise - bad behavior should be firm but not negative. I typically allow the dog to check out everything I'm using - the brushes and combs, the clipper both on and off, the scissors...I coo a lot to them, but in a way that also asserts that I'm sure in what I'm doing. It's really not always easy, and it requires a good deal of patience on your end. Just bear in mind it's a learning process - consistency is key. I always encourage clients of mine who had "difficult" puppies to continue to bring them in so they can adjust to the process.

But I'm still learning. A lot!

[rdalcanto]

Thanks for the replies. The other day I put her on the bathroom counter, did some "stand-stay" commands, and just combed her. She was doing better by the end. I will try to do that a couple times a week, and hopefully get another chance to groom soon. I will have to look into the loop system....

[poodleholic]

You don't necessarily need the arm and loop. When Maddy (a Standard Poodle) was a puppy, I had her on the grooming table daily while I brushed and combed her, to get her used to being groomed. Fortunately for me, her breeder started shaving face, feet, and base of tail at 4 wks., so introduced her to the process early in life. She's a pleasure to groom, and she, too, enjoys it.