Grooming problems

[megatlsu]

I have a 13-month old female golden who is apprehensive about brushing. I found a few matts in her tail feathering and back leg feathering and have dealt with them. However, she still fights me on brushing these areas. I'm not sure how to handle this as I have tried bribing her with peanut butter, restraining her on the leash, and holding her down. I don't want this to become a huge ordeal and I don't want to have to deal with the matts again--any ideas?

PS-she also has HD, not sure if the hips are sensitive to touch, they don't seem to be when I pet her. She was OK with all of this before she was spayed at 6 mos old, not it's a battle!!!

[Jeters Mommy]

Jeter tolerates being brushed but only for a short time. I have found if you make it a two person job. One person has the leash and a hand full of food, the other brushes. I do it at his dinner time so basically my fiance hand feeds him his dinner while I brush him. It keeps him busy eating and I can brush him. He is getting much better about brushing now. Maybe someday I won't have to bribe him LOL. I don't know if this will help? I hope it does :D

[goldenjack]

"I found a few matts in her tail feathering and back leg feathering and have dealt with them. However, she still fights me on brushing these areas."

--Yes. That's correct! They don't like it when you try to comb out matts in the rear quarters. I don't think it has anything to do with the HD, however.
Here's a few tips to make this job easier:

*** In my experience, the rear-quarters is usually a problem area, so have your groomer trim the hair in that area. The shorter the hair back there, the less the risk of matting, tangles, etc. It should not affect the overall appearance of your dog. I myself don't like the hair to short.

*** When you routinely comb and brush your dog, use a conditioning spray. It helps keep the hair soft and tangle free.
Tip: just put a few drops of conditioner shampoo in a spray bottle, fill with cold water and shake well. Use this spray with each combing/brushing session. It's cheap, keeps the hair soft and shiney and helps with the matting.

*** When you brush and comb your dog, try to put the dog at near eye-level with you, just like the pros. It gives you more control over the dog, put's the dog at ease, and is wayyyyyyyyyy easier on your back!

*** Start the combing and brushing when they are young puppies. They may not need it as much as an adult GR, but it ultimately gets them used to what will become a life-long procedure, for both you and the dog.