How to get my puppy used to being groomed?!

[The Governor]

Hi Guys!

Hoping you can help me with the best way to get my pup used to being brushed. He's only 11.5 weeks right now so it's not essential but I'm trying to get him used to being brushed early however he always thinks I'm playing with him and I think he thinks the brush is like me nipping him so he nips me back quite a bit! Do you have any tips on how best to get this going or shall I keep persevering?

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

My pup is 5 months old and actually really likes being brushed-- he comes, tail wagging, when I show him the brush. He tries to make it a game at first and get the brush away from me but once I start brushing, I give him an antler to chew on and brush away, no problems. If you're planning on taking him to a groomer, I'd take him in and have them file his nails or use some of the different tools that they'll use in the first place. I did this 3 times with Ludo before he had a full groom amd they said he was a total champ with the whole thing. I say persevere but redirect his nipping to an appropriate chew toy and also get him used to lots and lots of handling. Look in his ears and give him a treat, rub the pads on his paws and give him a treat. My groomer suggested rubbing/ massaging his legs when I pet him (rather than just petting his head or back) to get used to people messing with his legs and also because he's growing, she said it should alleviate some soreness... You might try that as well.

[The Governor]

That's really helpful advice! I will try using treats with him next time. Thanks!

[Ginny Nightingale]

exactly right!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Keep persisting, a little at a time.  My dogs love being groomed and my goldendoodle could stand for hours.  He loved the one-on-one attention.  I think the earlier they start, the more they enjoy it.  Try different types of brushes.  You will find the ones he likes.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

We also started out with a very open brush, not a ton of teeth or bristle pins to it so it would slide easier without much pulling.  As Polly got older we went to regular brushes and she will stand for as long as I want to brush her. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I started brushing the first week Charlie was home.  In the evening when he was laying by my side and all calm, I started brushing with a very soft brush and comb, also lightly massaged his ears and feet and got him used to me handle various parts of his body.  The puppy coat is usually quite soft and easy to manage until the mature coat starts coming sometime around 8 mos or so depending on size of doodle.  I ordered a Les Pooch yellow single brush from my breeder and did not start using it until he was probably about 16 weeks.  I used it on myself first so I could feel what the tines would feel like on him  If you do get a Les Pooches or Activet brush you will love it, but you do need to be careful with them - the tines are sharp.  Check out the Grooming group of terrific info on grooming and brushing!

[The Governor]

Thanks for the advice! I've got the Les Pooches brush for him but as he's only nearly 12weeks I'm not using it a lot. The issue in having now is that he growls quite a bit when I brush him! Especially so when I try and brush around the mouth, chest or front legs. I think this may be more behavioral? He has been growling and lunging quite a bit if he gets over excited but then he calms down but the brushing is proving rather difficult right now! I may try and just massage his ears and legs like you have and see how that works though!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

One of my doodles has extremely sensitive feet and has had since he was 8 weeks.  I still use only the straight side of the Les Pooch brush for puppy coat and just go over and over it lightly until I can get a comb through it. Some of what you are experiencing is probably an over active excited puppy but if you can get him used to petting and massaging him when he is calm, he will start to associate that it is a good thing.  Hang in there - puppyhood can be rather frustrating at times.  Good thing they are so darn cute! LOL