Grooming
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      Brushing

      How to teach your dog to stay calm and tolerate being brushed.

      Introduction

      Brushing is an important part of any grooming regime. It helps to remove dead hair, distribute natural oils, and prevent mats. However, some dogs may show an aversion to the brush, while others may get excited and wiggly. It is important to teach your dog to stay calm and tolerate being brushed to ensure a healthy relationship with being groomed.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Some people believe that you only need to brush your dog's coat once a week. This is not true. The frequency with which you need to brush your dog's coat will depend on their breed, coat type, and activity level.
      • Others believe that you can use any type of brush on your dog. This is also not true. There are different types of brushes designed for different coat types. It is important to use the right brush for your dog's coat to avoid damaging it.

      Brushing - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      • Introduce the brush to your dog. Allow them to sniff, interact with, and be touched briefly by the brush. Mark and reward.
        • Start by showing your dog the brush and letting them sniff it.
        • If your dog is interested in the brush, you can let them touch it with their paw.
        • Be sure to praise and reward your dog for their curiosity and cooperation.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      • Begin lightly brushing your dog. Start with an untangled, easy spot on the dog such as their chest or their leg. Mark and reward frequently.
        • Once your dog is comfortable with the brush being near them, you can start brushing them for short periods of time.
        • Be sure to praise and reward your dog for their patience and cooperation.
        • You may also want to try different types of brushes to see what your dog prefers.

      Correcting Phase:

      • Correct for any over-excitable or reactive behaviors such as avoidance, mouthing, or growling.
        • If your dog starts to get excited or agitated, stop brushing and take a break.
        • You can also try distracting your dog with a toy or treat.
        • If your dog mouths or growls at the brush, you should stop brushing immediately and consult with a certified dog behaviorist.

      Proofing Phase:

      • Thoroughly brush all areas of your dog. Be sure that both you and your dog stay calm throughout the process. Reward intermittently when your dog accepts being brushed.
        • Once your dog is comfortable with being brushed for short periods of time, you can start to gradually increase the amount of time you spend brushing them.
        • Be sure to praise and reward your dog throughout the process.
        • You may also want to try brushing different parts of your dog's body, such as their stomach or their back.

      Maintenance Phase:

      • Regularly brush and groom your dog.
        • Once your dog is comfortable with being brushed, it is important to make brushing a regular part of their grooming routine.
        • This will help to keep their coat healthy and free of mats.
        • It will also help to build a positive association with grooming, so that your dog enjoys being brushed.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who hates being brushed. His owners started by introducing the brush to Charlie in a positive way. They let him sniff the brush and gave him treats while he was doing so. Once Charlie was comfortable with the brush, his owners started brushing him for short periods of time. They were patient and consistent with the brushing, and Charlie eventually learned to tolerate it.
      • Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who is also afraid of being brushed. Her owners tried using a grooming glove, but Sadie was still too stressed out. They decided to hire a professional dog groomer to brush Sadie's coat. The groomer was able to brush Sadie's coat without any problems.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient and consistent. It is important to be patient and consistent with brushing. If you are patient and consistent, your dog will eventually learn to tolerate being brushed.
      • Make it a positive experience. Try to make brushing a positive experience for your dog. Give them treats and praise while you are brushing them.
      • Start slowly. If your dog is not used to being brushed, start by brushing them for short periods of time.
      • Take breaks. If your dog starts to get upset, stop and take a break. Come back to it later when they are calmer.
      • Get professional help if needed. If you are struggling to brush your dog, you may want to hire a professional dog groomer to help you.

      Conclusion

      Brushing is an important part of any grooming regime. By following the tips in this article, you can teach your dog to stay calm and tolerate being brushed.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog is still afraid of being brushed?
        A: If your dog is still afraid of being brushed, you may want to consult with a certified dog behaviorist. There may be an underlying issue that is causing the fear of brushing.
      • Q: What if my dog bites me when I try to brush them?
        A: If your dog bites you when you try to brush them, you should stop immediately. Do not try to brush their coat again until you have consulted with a certified dog behaviorist.