[REB]

We adopted a 1-year-old schnauzer/poodle mix about 3 months ago. He was clipped almost to the skin when we got him from the rescue because he was so matted and neglected by his original owners. Up til now, we've just been brushing him and trimming him with grooming scissors, but I'd really like to be able to clip him with clippers. Trouble is... he's afraid of the clippers. I've been trying to expose him to them gradually, and it seems to be working... I let him sniff them and give him treats when they're not turned on, give him treats while running them over his back (still not turned on), and let him watch me run the back of the clippers over my arm while they are on, and then give him a treat. But man... anytime he suspects that I'm going to move towards him with the clippers while they're turned on, he just tucks his tail and hides, or starts barking at the clippers in my hand. He has no problem with other noises (electric toothbrush, garbage truck, sirens, coffee grinder, hair dryer, etc), but he can't stand having the clippers near him while they're on. I don't want to create a permanent neurosis, so I'm not rushing him. Am I doing this right? Does anyone have any ideas, besides gradually exposing him to the clippers and trying to make him associate clippers with treats?

[Graco22]

If he was shaved when you got him, he can't be that afraid of the clippers. He could be "working" you a bit too. Your clippers could also be very loud or rattling. Professional clippers arent very loud. You can keep going with the treat method, or you can just teach him what is acceptable behavior and what is not. By stopping with the clippers when he throws a fit, you teach him to throw a fit so you will stop. I recommend having him groomed by a professional a few times, and then if you want to give it a go at home, he will be better trained and easier/safer for you to do at home.