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Training a puppy to be brushed and groomed is an important part of growing up puppies. For one thing, unless the dog is short coated, it will require that it be brushed or groomed throughout it's life. Even a short coated dog needs to learn that it's ears and feet wil be handled. So you should begin working with your puppy on a daily basis so that it comes to accept handling of its ears, mouth, feet, and all parts of its body with equanamity. It is best to wait until the puppy is relaxed, ready to doze off. At that time you should settle with the puppy, perhaps in your lap, on the floor. Simply begin by touching his body, fooling with his ears, picking up his feet, touching the tips of the nails, etc. Do this on a daily basis for at least a week before you actually begin using "tools" such as a brush or a comb. Puppies with long coats will do best if you brush them every day. It is good to use an antibacterial wipe to clean out the ears. Use dampened paper towels to wipe out the eyes. Introduce the toe nail clippers gradually and clip one toenail a day, gradually building up to more. Give treats liberally, give verbal praise liberally, let the puppy come to understand that grooming is a special time when youare paying absolute attention to him. During the process never allow him to nip at you or at the grooming tools. Be fire and above all be consistent. Should he nip or paw at youto remove the offending tool, quickly correct him, first with your voice and also with a sharp tap on the shoulder or muzzle, just once, to remind him that you do not approve of his behavior. a "scruff pinch" is also okay if necessary. Remember always that human responses such as slapping, yelling, etc., and exactly that: "human" in nature. Use the body language his mother would use, growling and pressure or small nips (hence the scruff pinch). If you keep up with daily grooming sessions it will be a short jump to bathing, clipping, etc. and all of these will be commonplace in his life as he reaches adulthood. So might as well make this be a PLEASANT experience for all concerned. |
It has recently come to my attention that my girl "Feeny" needs to remember how to walk nicely on the leash. "Enough," ..I said to her "of this pulling me down the street and not focusing on the walk!" So...we got out the leash, we got out the clicker, and away we went, and every time she was doing it RIGHT she got a click, and a treat! In no time at all, she was back up to snuff again. Looks like maybe a little reminder every so often never hurt anyone  Now it is up to me to do the other thing, which is to "be alert". Seems like under every car there lurks a cat, and up every tree there lurks a squirrel. Keeping her reminded that it is ok to look but not to "leap" is the next great trick, we will be working on this for a long time to come I suspect! If you want to find out more about "Feeny" feel free to visit my home website, and take a look at the newfs. |