Which Would be Less Traumatic for my new Recue Doodle?

[Deborah DeRose]

Which would be less traumatic?  We adopted Zeke from Doodle Rescue Collective and he had been caged his whole life.  We've only had him 9 days and he is making great strides but it is going to take some time for him to be completely well adjusted.  My question is this:  I usually groom myself, I took a course.  When I've tried to brush, trim around his eyes or get the clippers near him, he fights furiously.  Which would be more traumatic, taking him and leaving him with a stranger to groom him, or forcing him to let me?   Zeke is already learning new things, such as going through a dog door, and playing with our other dog, Laya.  At times he seems like he is making great progress, but if he becomes scared  he reverts back to circling and pacing and running from being touched.  I know it is early, but I just don't want to do the wrong thing and ruin the progress we've made.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Deborah, have you talked to his former foster mom Colleen about Zeke's grooming experiences? She may have some tips for you as to how she handled his grooming. I know he had to be completely shaved down when he first came into rescue, he was so badly matted, so he probably hasn't needed much since then. But I'd ask Colleen how she handled his maintenance since then.

[Deborah DeRose]

HI Karen,

Yes, that was the first thing I did - I emailed her, and then posted the question here.  Colleen seems to think that I should teach him slowly, and entice him with snack rewards while working with him (I would need a partner).  I think it is a great idea, and I think that some of the other suggestions (such as teaching the "still" command) will assist in that.  Maybe these ideas are only justifying my original thoughts, but they make complete sense to me!

[Patti]

I’m am no expert, but I would start with teaching him the command “Still” by touching him around the ears and eyes with hands only, and every time he was “still” give tons of treats and praise.

Than saying, “Still” and holding gently the hair under his chin. Just for a couple of seconds, again reward and treat, working your way up to trimming with thinning sheers as they are much safer.

This is what I did with my very fearful Willow and now she jumps up on the table fro grooming as soon as I get the grooming box out.  She loves it!

[Deborah DeRose]

Thanks, Patty - I love this idea!  Colleen, Zeke's foster mother, suggested that I get my husband to assist and to offer Zeke treats when he "stills" and or cooperates, and I believe these are the best suggestions.  I appreciate everyone's advice - I have taken it all to heart. Thanks again!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

First of all, thank you for adopting Zeke. I think Karen's idea of contacting Colleen is a good one. In my opinion, and I am no expert, I think it would be less traumatic for Zeke to be groomed by you, but I would wait a bit. He is just settling in and getting used to what is expected of him and his real personality will take a few weeks to emerge after he gets more comfortable with you. I would take it slow. No grooming for a few more weeks will not hurt Zeke. LOL Just ask Fudge and Vern.

[Deborah DeRose]

Thank you!  I tend to agree.  Zeke and I had our first disagreement yesterday, when he got into some mud in the back yard.  I could not let him in that way!!! I had to hold him against his will at first, to wash his paws.  I kept crooning to him, telling him he was a good boy and it was ok.  After the first paw was done, he stopped fighting, and let me finish.  He wasn't happy, but I think he understood that he wasn't going to get hurt.  It is a good start!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

It sounds like you are doing everything just perfectly!!! Zeke is lucky to have you!! If you need two doodles to practice on, Fudge and Vern are available. Fudge has gone to the same groomer since she was a puppy and she still hates to go. As soon as I head in to her shop, Fudge jumps in the driver seat and stares straight ahead and won't look at me when I come back to the car to get her.  She looks like she is thinking, "Pick Vern...Pick Vern." LOL

[Deborah DeRose]

Brewster used to love it.  He would actually just fall asleep.  I would sit splay legged on the floor with which ever part of him I was working on closest to me.  I would have to grab all 4 legs to turn him over, he would just look up at me and let me have at it!  He was a hyper boy, too!  It was almost like the brushing was had a sedative effect on him.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Congratulations on adopting Zeke.  I agree that you should contact his foster mom to see how she handled 'chores' (grooming medicating etc) that might be scary for Zeke.  You also might consider giving him a calming medication before grooming him (either by you or by a groomer).

[Deborah DeRose]

Thanks, Nancy - I did contact Colleen and received some good advice.  All of this advice is wonderful, and I really appreciate it!  What types of calming medication is out there and ok to give Zeke?  I'll ask Colleen as well, but I'm new to this.  I know that Brewster was drugged by the woman who drove him to me when he was 4 months old, and it really upset me!  She would not tell me what she gave him, but he was a zombie.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

When our Springer was a 'wild child' puppy we used something we picked up at the pet store and gave it according to his weight.  It seemed to help.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I posted this in the comments section before I saw that you had started a discussion so I'll post my reply here too:

My neighbor uses a "traveling" groomer for her dog (a rescued puppymill cockapoo with fear issues).  The van comes up to her house, they wash, dry, and groom the dog right there.  she is even allowed to go into the van during the grooming to be with the dog.  This saves the dog from having to deal with the stress of a busy grooming salon.