Some older dogs may have developed a fear or a dislike to being brushed due to past experiences. With patience, postivie reinforcement and a gradual approach, you can help your dog become more comfortable with being brushed.
How To Retrain Your Dog To Accept Brushing
- Use a very dulled down version of a brush like the back of your hand, or a baby’s brush.
- Go very slowly while observing body language.
- You may need to start building a positive association with the brush first or get a different type of brush. You could start by pairing the brush with food every time you bring it out, even without using it.
Then;
- Start with 1 brush = 1 treat and build from there.
- Keep the sessions very short (1-2 minutes max)
- Use distractions such as licking mats, if they work.
When To Call For Help
If your dog is growing or snapping or biting you when being groomed, STOP. Call a qualified trainer in to assist with breaking it down so it’s less stressful for your dog (and you!).
Choosing A Professional Groomer
If you want to use a groomer, our advice is to search for a fear free certified groomer who is trained in recognising signs of fear, anxiety and stress in your dog, plus will not force your dog.
If you don’t know how your dog behaves while at the groomer, ask them to take a video of them being groomed so you can see. If you have any trouble interpreting the body language in the video, contact a qualified dog trainer like Pawsitive Connection.
Make Brushing A Positive Experience
Helping your dog become comfortable with brushing is part of cooperative care, which focuses on reducing fear, anxiety and stress during routine grooming and handling.
Read our collections of articles on Cooperative Care in Dogs to learn more about helping your dog feel comfortable and confident during everyday care.
Need help choosing the right brush for your dog? Read our article here. Shop the range of dog brushes available online at vet-n-pet DIRECT here.