See the brush.....run away

[Annie Norton (Missy May)]

I recently purchased a lovely LesPouches brush. Ever since I started using it my dear Missy is "spooked"

When she sees me with any grooming tool....brushes,combs, etc.she runs away.

 I am not sure whether I hurt her with the new brush or it was a bad experience with the last groomer that kept her for over 4 hours and did a terrible job. Any suggestions on how I can solve the dilemma she and I are in.

[Carol Brand]

Put her on a grooming table.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned does not like to be groomed and if he sees grooming tools he 'disappears' - I think it is because he has a high maintenance ooat.  My husband snuggles with him and for the most part Ned dozes.  This took a  loooong time to happen. A table was suggested and while we did not get one we tried putting him on one and it did help, but it just didn't work with our home.

[Kemp Rader]

Hi Ann,

My doodles are more calm and relaxed when they're on a grooming table, they practically fall asleep while being brushed. It's difficult to know exactly what is spooking Missy, perhaps she was accidentally cut or nicked at some time during grooming (it happens) or maybe the noise of the electric clippers ??  I've never hurt my dogs with my Les Poochs brush, they seem to love it. Les Poochs polishes the tip of each bristle to provide a more comfortable feeling for the dog. That makes a big difference especially when the coat is trimmed rather short.

One of my doodles (Shiloh) always runs when he sees me with the nail clippers....but that's because I accidentally cut a nail too short one day...he was not happy with me. That was 2 years ago, but he remembers well. I'm still trying to figure out is why my doodle (Truman) runs whenever I pick up a pillow....very odd. LOL

Be calm and assertive with Missy on the grooming table. She will pick up on your emotions, so always be confident and at ease. Give her a treat periodically as she is being groomed...she will begin to see it as a potentially rewarding experience.....but it will take some time. I always have some cubes of cheese handy during grooming....my doodles' favorite treat.  :-)

 

Best Wishes,

Kemp

Ripley, Shiloh, Oliver and Truman

 

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Kemp,

I am curious about the polished tip of each bristle.  I have been wondering a long time about what makes these

brushes so special, as I own the copy of it available from PetEdge.  It the tip of the metal bristle rounded off or

just smoothed out?  Please give me some better idea.  I recently got a metal bristle brush that didn't feel

as sharp as the rest of the others I own, but would still prefer one that is a slicker type with a more rounded end.

[Kemp Rader]

Hi Sally,

 

The tip of the bristle is not actually rounded.... It is more "squared off" and polished instead of leaving an unfinished pointy tip that could possibly feel sharp. I'm not sure exactly how they polish each tip but I can definitely feel a difference when I test it on my arm, as compared to one of the "copy" brushes...I got one of the copy brushes and used it on Oliver....he looked at me like I was crazy.....a friend of mine also had one and the handle snapped with the first use.

 

Les Poochs is the best grooming brush for all dogs, and that's why I have all of the varieties available at my store. They are widely used by professional groomers. The Green variety is the one I use on all four of my doodles.

 

Kemp

[Annie Norton (Missy May)]

Thanks, Kemp. I definitely have to be more assertive with her. Noticing every day that she is testing me more and more. I do not want a spoiled disobedient "doodle."

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

One thing I've learned with Murph who throws a temper tantrum every time I groom him, is not to give in.  I leash him, show him the comb or brush, and then let him have is tantrum (holding him on the leash).  It usually takes a few minutes and then I start working.  He tries to bite whatever tool I'm using non-stop.  I don't stop....just keep holding him and brushing.  Eventually he just gives up, and that's it.  From then on it's pretty easy.  I realized that what I had been doing was getting upset myself and eventually just stopping.  This was a big mistake because he felt like he had won.  I've been noticing that the tantrums are getting shorter and shorter because he's finally figured out that I'm not going away.  I don't have a table yet, but I'm thinking that might help as well (although I can't figure out how I'm going to get him on and off the thing).

[Annie Norton (Missy May)]

Thanks, Jane. Will take you up on your suggestion and show my Missy May who is the boss.

Will let you know how I make out!

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Kemp,

Thank you for answering a question I have been wondering about for a very long time.  Looks like I may now

consider getting an L.P. brush.   (hmmm.....somewhere in my old brain that sounds a lot like a phonograph record) lOl !

[Kemp Rader]

Thanks Sally,

I'm happy I could help. If you decide to get a brush for "Ditzy Mitzi Fluffmuffin" I would definitely go with the wide Green variety....I have them available if needed.

 

I just noticed on your page you are in Fort Lauderdale....I was born there (Broward General) on Andrews Ave..........I lived there 41 years.  :-)    I could use some of that warm weather right now.

 

Kemp

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Kemp,  I have the Red Les Pooches, what is the difference between the red and the green?  My puppies coat is long with individual spiral type swirls.  Do you think I'm using the correct brush for his coat type?  Annie, Rooney ran from me too at first (but he was only a puppy), now that he gets regular grooming from a groomer he adores - he does let me brush him.  I agree that if you don't let her know where the doodle poops in the woods - she'll think she is calling the shots.  Do let us know how it goes :)

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Good Morning Kemp,

I would love to share some of our "warm" weather with you, however, it has been cooler than normal here this winter, though I know its a lot warmer than up North.  Funny, we spent 40 years up North to come home to

Florida.  We grew up in Miami and ended up in Plantation, just 5 minutes away from Broward General.

 

Thanks again for your advice, when we are ready I will definitely remember Green!