Easier Ways to Groom
Monday, April 30, 2012 at 6:12PM 
Ty as a Pup (Treasure and Kat Pup)
Some people brush while they are on your lap and that is how I started out watching the tv and grooming but these days I bring my ipad into my grooming area, put a tv show on and I use a table.
I can put a collar on a young pup and they get used to standing and getting groomed. There is a value in a grooming table but as a pet person do you need one? No.
Is it easier to have with a grooming arm or rail across (I have a rail) and a noose called a groomer's helper? Yes. It even lends a sense of comfort for you and for them.
My adults stand without a noose and lay on their backs or sides - whatever I want but they don't start out that way. You have to condition them.
Treasure was a stubborn one and these days she lays back and relaxes. I remember her going to a show with Paula and Paula asking if I was conditioning her to grooming. I said of course. She said well she won't lay down nor will she lay on her back. I said she will for me.
For her it was a trust factor. She is a dominant dog that likes to be in control. But even a pup like that learns to relax and enjoy. Just when you think they never will, they do.
Just keep at it and it all comes together.
Someone asked me about tearing during teething. To stop it from running and staining each day a dab of corn starch at the top of the leakage stops it from reoffending. When teething (all adult teeth are in) it should stop or be minimal.
Reader Comments (4)
Thx for all the information. We really appreciate all the advice you give. And who is this beautiful puppy? Gorgeous - I don't want to guess as I have no idea what year this is from . . . but a heart breaker for sure!
Thanks for the tips. Lucy had her first bath at our home on Saturday night. She was shaking a bit but overall we were so proud of her! She did amazing! We're starting to put a collar on her when we go in the backyard, she has gotten used to it a bit. We tried a leash, and she was trying to bite it and was rolling on her back to try and get it off! It was hilarious. :)
A D O R A B L E ! !
Yes, that is the norm with collars, either biting or bucking bronco or more difficult refusing to move at all but all overcome with a few tricks. Rather hard for us to lead train with so many.
The more you do the baths in a positive way the more she will relax. Good one!
You can also give them treats while drying - tiny, tiny ones.