Part Three- Interview with devoted dog person, Suzanne Bretsch
© Chris Chamberlin
What would be your most valuable lesson to pass along to our readers about training your dog to be groomed without a fuss?
The most important lesson is to make it a good experience with the dog so that you don't create fear for future fights on the table. A good way to start is to feed your puppy on the table. Again cross-tying helps control the dog along with kind words, your patience and a gentle touch. Try small jobs first and much encouragement for doing it right. Then work into longer sessions starting with the things you've already done, then building confidence in the dog and then adding some new stuff in the end. Reward and encouragement are essential and the dog will start to look forward to the attention and some may even jump on the table themselves in anticipation of something good happening. Most dogs love to be brushed and paid attention to; capitalize on these tools. If you do end up in a fight leave the room and leave the dog secured on the table so the dog can't fall off the table and don't go far. Let the dog sit there for five minutes or so. The dog will get bored and welcome your return and will forget about what made him/her mad in the first place. Once the dog gets it right, let the dog off the table and reward the dog for the cooperation and effort. Then after some praise and love and freedom (a break) put the dog back on the table and do some more. Once you start fighting with a dog will to will, you will have an unhappy, scared and uncooperative dog every future grooming session from that day forward and ruin the dog for future groomers to work with.
Could you tell us your best grooming tip for folks grooming their dogs at home?
Keep practicing even when you're not happy with your own result! We all had a first time. I know many first time groomers gave up once they tried it because of frustration with not knowing what they were doing. Also, it helps to have studied by watching a groomer at the grooming shop. Some groomers wouldn't mind you coming to watch to see and learn the basics. You can also review a grooming tape and/or book for your breed. So don't give up because that is how you get better and save big bucks as well. If you can't find a cooperative groomer, attend a dog show and go into the grooming areas as these people and dogs are use to being watched by strangers and won't mind; besides, they can't throw you out. Also, generally speaking, you will be watching a true professional groom your special breed to the best presentation. There is a big difference between show and pet grooming. Additionally, most show handlers don't mind people asking questions as they realize that their role in the breed they love is also a community teaching role. They also are experts in perhaps just one breed, which may be yours. It doesn't help much to watch a cocker be groomed when you need to go home and groom a poodle, for instance, now does it? I guess the toenails are done the same but that's about it.
