Grooming tips requested

[Norm66]

Hi everybody. Things continue to go well for our new addition. He's getting better at everything every day. At this point, we can tell if he needs to pee or poo depending on how he asks to go out. He sits and looks from the door to us to pee, but he circles the room slowly and lingers near the door if it's number two. Very cute! I think we had 2 accidents this weekend. That's not bad at all IMHO.

Anyway, today's question is in regards to grooming. Strider's hair is getting long enough that he needs brushed every day or so. Working in tandem with some treats it is possible to get him brushed out nicely. But he's quite wiggly while it's going on.

I know that eventually his coat is going to grow out and need much more detailed grooming and I don't want to have to fight a 70 pounder to get it done. I want him to stand there and enjoy it like the SuperDog he is. ;) Am I causing a future problem by letting him squirm all over while I'm brushing? What techniques do y'all use to brush puppies? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Cheers,
Norm & the Gang

[Sean]

Good to here Norm!

As per brushing...Rocky used to wiggle around just like Strider when he was young. By the time he hit about 8 months or so he loved to be groomed. He now just sits a patiently while I brush him, but I still keep him on a short lease, but I really think he enjoys the "scratching" he gets from the brush.:lol When he was young he wiggled, but I always assumed it was a combination of age and sensitive skin. Don't worry, keep going as you are. Ricky is 70lbs now and it isn't a problem...and I didn't do anything different then you...8)
Now nail clipping...that's a totally different issue. He hates it to this day...>:

Sean

[goldenjack]

First all all, I think you're doing the right thing by starting to groom him while he is still a puppy; get him used to these things while he is a puppy, and you should have no trouble in adulthood. At least that has been my experience.

As far as the squirmming is concerned:
I have an old table out in my backyard that I have my GR sit on while I brush and comb him. It's easier on the back and you have more control over the dog. All I did when he was a puppy was teach him to sit on the table. I also taught him to stand on command and to turn. I would say that the puppy will probably squirm for the first two to three times, and then it should be all over. After that you should have no trouble at all. As a matter of fact, whenever he sees me with his brush and comb, he runs up to the table and jumps up.

I assume that your dog can sit on command. If not, you will need to teach him that first.

Best Regards.

[Marie39]

Absolutely get him use to being handled for grooming, including those generally sensitive feet. I would check around for a reputable groomer as well. That can be a task in itself.

[Jo Ellen]

I have brushed Daisy nearly every day for 2 years. She was squirmy as a puppy but now she's perfectly still. I think she's used to it.

For puppies, everything has play potential. Even the grooming brush. Just keep brushing and your puppy will grow up to be fine with it.

[peg loves toby]

Have you tried a Dremel tool? We have used it on Toby ever since he was 3 months old when the vet 1st used it on him. After he got used to the noise, he was fine.
We do it every Sat. morning & after each nail, he gets a small piece of a treat. He now lies on his back & wait for us to do it! The vet said this is much better than a nail clipper since you have more control over it & there is less chance of getting down to the "quick". His nails stay nice & short now....we never hear them on the hard flooring!
Don't you just love your Golden?

[GoldenGirl]

Oh Peg! You're making me drool! I really want a dremel tool! We have hard wood floors too and a dremel would be so nice. Christmas is already past....maybe my birthday????? :lol