learned my lesson

[Sally]

Hi all, just joined. I have a 5 month old Aussie LD named Duncan who went to the groomer for the first time yesterday. I knew he needed his nails clipped, ears cleaned and a little trim but had no idea that my daily brushing wasn't getting to his mats that were forming right at the base by the skin. So I ended up leaving with an unrecognizeable doodle. I cried all day yesterday as my poor Dunkster looks so small and skinny and well....naked!!! I have now learned my lesson and am already armed with the right tools and instructions on combing/brushing because I never want my boy to lose his "shag" again.

[DeeDee and Sheila]

OH MY. I'm going right downstairs to check my baby Sheila. But how are we supposed to get them to hold still for the brushing? It's impossible!! But I see Duncan is back to his usual "hunky" self!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sheila .... It helps if you put them up on a table or counter or somewhere vs trying to hold them in your lap and brush (you may already do that). We were always told as well, from the time we got them to start playing with their feet and ears. Any time they were laying in our laps to just rub their feet, between their toes, their ears, etc., so they get used to our handling them. Then just brush brush brush. Even if they don't need brushed, brush them anyway. Get them used to it. Use high prize treats during the process in the beginning. My girls double dip .... then know if they lay and be good while the other one gets brushed rather than bark the whole time, they they get a good treat then as well as when they are finished being brushed. They always stand and wait for it too if I forget!