cocker grooming

Top 2. Feb 6, 2005 11:11 AM

» desertblue - Re: frightened dog

In response to frightened dog posted by tootnrn:

Hi there. Your best bet is to slowly train your scared cocker to accept the grooming process. Check out my article on Brushing Scared Dogs...you can use these same technique to gentle your pet into accepting the clippers, scissors and other grooming paraphenalia.

Often a muzzle will only lead to more fear in a dog, if not used correctly. I use a muzzle when a dog is trying to bite the brush or me - not out of fear, but because they simply don't WANT to be groomed. There is a difference! A muzzle will train the dog to accept your grooming, but will not lower the fear if that is the case.

let's do some detective work. How old is this dog? has she been home groomed or shop-groomed? has she been abused in her past? has she been cut by a groomer? Is she tempermental or fearful in general? When did you adopt her, or has she been with you since weaning?

-- posted by desertblue

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/dog_...

Top 3. Feb 6, 2005 11:12 AM

» desertblue - gentling

here is the gentle brushing article:

-- posted by desertblue

Top 4. Feb 6, 2005 1:15 PM

» tootnrn - Re: gentling

In response to gentling posted by desertblue:

hi jill,
thank you for your feedback...in response to your questions, Sophie is a year old, we have had her since she was 8 weeks. she can be a sweet dog but has always had a nasty streak, never know when she will just decide to turn and snap at you...today was the first time we tried to groom her at home, she has been to a groomer 3 times...all but once they had to muzzle her and also suggested sedating her? not crazy about that idea...any other ideas?

-- posted by tootnrn

Top 5. Feb 6, 2005 10:44 PM

» desertblue - Re: Re: gentling

In response to Re: gentling posted by tootnrn:

You know, I hate to say this, but it sounds like your pup needs some behavioral counseling.

Sedating is not the best idea unless your dog has reached the point of hurting herself and others in the grooming process. I am really not into using a muzzle for fear-biters (it's better for training a dog to accept your gentle control over the grooming process), but she does sound like she has some issues to work through with trust.

The thing is, a cocker MUST be groomed. They have so much hair that, when overgrown, it can lead to all kinds of health issues. I am sure you know this, being a cocker fancier. smile

It might be good to find a local trainer who knows a bit about dog psychology. Ask their expert advice.

In the meantime, please try to use gradual gentling techniques and pet your dog all over, every day. Stroke your dog's feet, neck, face, tail region, belly, etc...get your dog used to lots of handling. Encourage your friends and family to handle this dog and to encourage your dog to trust human touch.

Find a groomer who is willing to 'dog whisper' (sedation is really a last resort). You might need to pay more for a groomer who has a few decades under her belt, but it should be worth it in the long run. Be honest. Tell your groomer this is a sweet but unreliable dog, and ask if she is willing to work with her.

Since your dog is still pretty young, you have a good chance of training her to accept this kind of touch. You DO have to find a good groomer and be willing to pay top dollar for the right person. But I think this effort will pay off for you in ending up with a trusting and trustworthy pet. I have seen a lot of dogs like this come around, with the right handling (ie - good people and lots of patience on your part).

Remember - be honest with your groomer. They want to help your dog be a good candidate for grooming too, or they wouldn't be worth their shears!

Hope this helps! smile

-- posted by desertblue

Top 6. Feb 7, 2005 5:19 AM

» tootnrn - Re: Re: Re: gentling

In response to Re: Re: gentling posted by desertblue:

thank you for your time and suggestions, we will definately take your advise :-)

-- posted by tootnrn