Surprise! Grooming can be fun!

[Azure & Muppet]

Who knew that grooming can be fun? Not me. I always thought of grooming as work, like a chore. But recently Muppet has finally started accepting it and resisting it less, and in those times when he is cooperating, I actually find myself (to my own surprise!) kind of enjoying it a little. I notice that when he is relaxed, I am able to relax too. And when we're both relaxed, the physical touch can feel affectionate instead of like torture!

One of the things I enjoy in those moments that are quiet and peaceful is the bonding between us. For another, I've realized that there is an element of creativity involved. There are so many possibilities and many different ways to change how he looks and to pick and choose which things to change and how much to change is nice. It's always customized to my preferences. In this way I have also come to appreciate having control over the outcome, so he gets the appearance I want, instead of handing it over to somebody else and hoping for the best, but sadly disappointed when they get it "wrong". It's hard when he comes back looking a way I don't like and having to live with it until it grows out and then try all over again next time to get it "right". It seems I'm never satisfied when someone else grooms him. There is always something they did or didn't do that I don't like. But when I do it myself, I know it won't be "wrong" because it's the way I like it and want it to be. I know there are a lot of good groomers out there, but finding them can be difficult. Maybe I've been looking in all the wrong places - perhaps the best groomer for my dog is me. I have no training, I make mistakes. But I learn from them and keep getting better with practice each time. And since I'm doing it myself, I can usually do something to "fix" my mistakes.

Sometimes grooming can still be a chore, and a lot of work, but not always.
Sometimes it can be something surprisingly fun and enjoyable. And I like that.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin and I have established a routine of me brushing and combing him every morning and we have both come to enjoy it. He stands/lays/sits patiently while I work through him, and I think he really enjoys it. one time he actually fell asleep. :-) I have come to think of it as a kind of bonding time for us.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I too have been enjoying grooming my Gracie. I have done it twice and the last time we both significantly relaxed and it went much smoother. I gave Gracie breaks every now and then and we would play for a few minutes in the yard. I would also give her a drink of water. I did the head and face on another day. She was very willing to continue with the grooming because of the breaks we took. It did take quite a bit of time but it was well worth it. She wasn't stressed like when she goes to the groomer and I feel it was another bonding moment for us. Plus, I was very pleased with the results and the compliments I got from family and friends!! :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This blog is a breath of fresh air! It's so great that you are finding enjoyment and strengthening your bond with Muppet by viewing grooming positively, as a shared activity instead of a chore! Good for you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Good for you! I really planned on doing grooming myself, but I just keep "chickening out". I'm afraid I'm going to really mess him up. Maybe one of these days....

[Joyce,David"Mochi,Latte,Popcorn"]

I wished we lived closer so you can groom Mochi for me.
and I don't mind you try any new styles on Mochi first :)