Snoopy's first time at the groomers Pt.1

borzoimom · 10-13-2007, 02:47 PM

sounds like to me they were too rough with him. Granted first timers are slow and easy, but being that upset when you picked him up, I would have my eyebrows raised for sure!

Inga · 10-13-2007, 03:40 PM

I scale my dogs teeth, saves money on vet scaling. In order to get dogs used to anything I do... I start slow. Start with touching then stop and treat. Come back later, touch for a minute longer, treat and quit Every time you do something treat and quit you can also follow these times with a fun game though I would wait a little so they don't associate any grooming with a hyper activity. I teach my dogs to lie down on their sides and I massage and then treat. Everything is about having them relaxed when I am doing something. Like I said, I scale their teeth, I Dremel their nails, clean ears, brush, pull, poke, sit on. Everything I feel like doing. You just have to work up to it. I would not treat a small dog any different then a big dog. Other then the sitting on, of course. LOL

Durbkat · 10-13-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ella'sMom

AMEN!

Very true Inga. I went from a 90 lb. lab to my 8 lb. Ella. Sometimes it's easy to let things slide with her because of her size.
Ella hates when I clean her eyes etc but I really don't tolerate it. I have learned that taking control and not backing off - but talking to her and making her feel safe works. Also sometimes I will give her a treat to distract her and before she knows it, it's over.
Snoopy looks adorable Durb - I can see where they clipped around her eyes - she looks like she can see much better. Keep taking her - like every 6-8 weeks - and she will get used to it.

Snoopy is a boy.

Thanks for all the tips guys! It seems like he is already getting better! Instead of him going straight to a growl and snap he lets me touch his whiskers a few times then he leans his head back to tell me thats enough and when he lowers it again I give him a treat.

nlkeple · 10-13-2007, 06:08 PM

I don't want to hijack this thread but what is teeth scaling and is it something I am supposed to be doing?

Ella'sMom · 10-14-2007, 07:20 AM

I can't believe I called Snoopy a "she"!! I am so sorry!

I reread my post and was like "whaaat??" I know Snoopys a he - yikes I must have needed coffee or something. Sorry Durb.

Durbkat · 10-14-2007, 07:35 AM

Yep, lack of caffinee can do that to ya.

Inga · 10-14-2007, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlkeple

I don't want to hijack this thread but what is teeth scaling and is it something I am supposed to be doing?

When Tarter builds up on the teeth vets will scale the tarter off. It includes putting the dog under for the procedure and I always opt not to do that unless absolutely necessary. Start by brushing your dogs teeth with a very soft brush and paste made for dogs. (no human paste) Keeping your dogs teeth clean is a very large part of their overall health. Go easy on them so as not to hurt their gums. You really only need to brush the outside of the teeth toward the cheeks as the tongue helps to clean the inside. You can also give them toys to help keep the teeth clean. Dental ropes to help floss, and bones to chew. We shouldn't neglect their teeth. LOL

Don't try scaling your own dogs teeth unless you have a proper scaler and the vet has shown you how. Also, if your dog does not hold still you could accidentally hurt him/her. Start slow and gradually work your way up.

nlkeple · 10-14-2007, 08:19 AM

I brush Lady's teeth and she is scheduled to have her teeth cleaned at the same time as her spay. I just didn't know it was called scaling, so when you posted I had no clue.