Being a Groomer is a difficult job and one that requires a lot of patience and know-how. Some dogs come in and a simple bath and trim is all that is required. Many dogs have to be clipped short because they are riddled with mats and knots, which is always hard for a Groomer to see. I used to work at a Grooming shop and the number of dogs a Groomer sees who are so badly matted that all they can do is shave the dog down is upsetting. What’s worse is the same dogs will return every six months for the same treatment. Many times the owners do not understand the pain associated with having mats and they will ask to have the mats combed out – an incredibly painful process. Many owners say their dogs hate being brushed, which may be true, but teaching a dog to enjoy being brushed and groomed can be done with time and patience. Having a dog that enjoys being brushed can save your dog the pain of being matted and you the extra fees at the Grooming shop when your dog needs hours on the grooming table.

If you have a puppy, start now. Do not wait until the puppy has a long coat and there are actually tangles. Wait until your puppy is resting quietly, start by gently petting them, then gently running a soft bristle brush though their coat. Talk softly and quietly to them as you praise and reinforce calm. If your puppy decides it is time to play, stand up and walk away and maybe take them outside for a walk or tiring game of fetch before you try again. If you need to reinforce calm behaviour with a reward, use your clicker to mark the calm behaviour, then reward.

If you have an older dog that think grooming is torture, you have a longer process ahead. First take them to a professional groomer and have them ensure there are no mats on their body. If they have to, let them shave your dog down, so you have a fresh start. Start by creating a grooming ritual. When your dog is resting in their bed, go over to them, sit on the floor, then pet and run your fingers down their back as if your hand was a brush. Reinforce calm and relaxation with your voice and maybe treats. Next introduce the brush into the ritual by placing it on the floor next to them. Reward them when they are in a down position next to the brush and continue to calmly pet them. Once they can calmly enjoy being petted with the brush next to them (depending on prior experiences that can take weeks of nightly rituals) wait until they are as relaxed as possible (sleeping is preferable) and pick up the brush. Run the non-bristled side down their back gently and without changing your tone or calm state. Once your dog is used to the back of the brush, turn it over and use the bristles. Do not use pressure, just run it over their fur gently and ensure the brush has soft pins that will not hurt them. By this point the brush should be part of the relaxation and you should gradually be able to apply more pressure. Remember to ensure they do not have mats before you apply too much pressure, pull on a mat and ruin the relaxing moment.

Over time, brushing should become enjoyable. Particularly because the more brushing you accomplish, the less mats your dog will suffer from. Your dog will learn to love their quiet time with you and see grooming as part of that enjoyment. If you are having trouble, come talk to us at the store or see our Facebook page for more hints. Also, please tip your Groomer. If everybody knew what a Groomer deals with on a daily basis, you would be surprised that they continue to do their job. People who love dogs that much should be appreciated!