Puppy That's Scared Of Any Grooming!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It will be two weeks tomorrow since we brought Murphy home.  He has fit it perfectly, and seems comfortable and happy.  He's not afraid of anything...except grooming.  I've been taking it so slow since it was clear to me that he was terrified of his brush.  I let him get used to it a little at a time, giving treats if he went near it....actually putting the treats in between the bristles.  Every time I even touch him with the brush he panics.  I can tell that he is legitimately fearful.  I tried a couple different brushes to see if that would help, but it didn't.  He really needs to be brushed, but he is only 12 weeks old and I don't want to do anything that will frighten him.  It's not getting any better.  Thoughts anyone?

[Karen P]

This is exactly how we started with Chewie. He hated it at first. My DH would hold a long wooden spoon for Chewie to lick while I would get a few brushes in. Gradually I could brush longer. He lets me do it by myself with no treats now. It is definitely not his favorite activity, but he does tolerate it.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Could someone possibly hold Murphy? Ned is not afraid but he HATES being groomed. My husband holds Ned and give cuddles while I brush and comb him. I couldn't get a good brushing in without this technique because you need two hands and if you are holding the collar with one hand.... If Ned is tethered, he just moves within it's range so I find myself 'chasing' him. He goes to a groomer and has since we got him and he is good for her but she has all the proper grooming table and tools.

[Kyoko]

Charlie used to hate brushing, and wanted to bite at the brush / comb. I started to become concern, because at that time, she was starting to matt, ( about 8 months old?) and really needed to be brushed on ragular basis. So, I think it is a great idea for the puppy to get used to being groomed before the matting begins!! :-)
Well, one day, I got her really good and tired, and promissed myself not to become mission oriented to get the matts out. ( I can be yanking her head off, you know? )
I just took time and slowly and gently brushed/ combed her, in the part she will let me. Eventually, she started to feel good about this and fell asleep. I don't even know how I really did it, but Charlie being really tired from going to the park help to gain compliance from her. Even today, I may only brush the section of her, if she is not totally relaxed.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Jane, just now seeing this. I think it will get better. Peri is not fearful of the brush or comb but she certainly does not like us combing her out. She really hates the Les Poochs brush these days. I may try that rotating comb/brush also.
One thing that GREATLY helps us is only combing her after daycare. She is tired and puts up less resistance. Also, she gets very, very, very special cheese during grooming only. Havarti last week, we will do gouda or something like that this week. I know it sounds weird, but she actually does better with better treats.
Keep us posted and go slow like everyone says.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I've tried it all this week. I took the "tough Mom" route....tied him up and sang to him (no more saying "it's okay). That was a disaster....this sweet, gently puppy growled and showed his teeth. I didn't stop...just kept singing and combing him gently. He shook for 15 minutes when we were done (and that was after only 4 or 5 mins of light combing). I tried having him sit and watch while I groomed Guinness so he would see that there's nothing to be afraid of. That didn't work. Then I tried making it a real fun event...we played first, then I made the yogurt and blueberry "treat" so he could see he was going to get that after just a few minutes of combing. That didn't work either. He is absolutely terrified...the sounds he makes when he even sees a comb or brush would scare you. We now have four brushes and two combs....I keep buying more thinking a new one might make the difference. I am determined to get him through this fear. I'm thinking I'll spend a few minutes several times a day with light combing. I need to get beyond this before he gets much bigger, or it will be even more difficult. If only I could crawl into his mind and understand what he's thinking and why he is so frightened.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

The only thing I can think of that you haven't tried is if he likes tummy rubs, just stash the softest brush you have on the sofa somewhere, when he jumps up, roll him over and rub his tummy for awhile, once he is a little into the tummy rub, just slip the brush in and brush a couple times and lay it down and rub some more or rub with one hand and brush with the other. I know that when I'm brushing Lucy and Sophie's tummies (which they don't really like because there are usually teeny tiny little fine matts) I will do it on the Sofa with them rolled on their backs and I switch off brushes to a soft one when they are putting up a fight. I do also think different dogs tolerate different brushes.