Training a puppy with basic introduction to brush and comb

[Tom Dri (Jaxon's Dad)]

My pup Jaxon is 10 weeks old and constantly tries to bite the brush and comb.  I have been combing him almost everyday but I am using a rawhide chew to distract him.  It is working out OK but I am not sure if this is the best way to introduce him to grooming.  I would love a calm gentle content puppy that loves to be brushed but that hasn't happened yet.  He enjoys the praise when we are done and I constantly talk to him while combing him to keep him calm.  However, I am sure when I bring him to the groomer for trimming him, he will not be getting the passive treatment.  What are your thoughts or what is the best way going forward with training him to get used to the comb and brush?

[Cathy w/Shiloh~Cody]

First off, Jaxon is one of the cutest pups I have ever seen! Jaxon is so young- they can only handle really brief grooming. Maybe just a couple minutes at a time,a couple times a day. He will be a calm gentle puppy when he gets older. At that age, they teeth,they play,they have the attention span of a gnat. Keep up the good work you are doing and you will have a wonderful dog who loves to be brushed. Good luck!

[Tom Dri (Jaxon's Dad)]

Thank you for the encouragement..sounds like you been there done that!

[Karen]

Good question!!!  My Enzo is 9 weeks and does the same thing.  I think with time and consistency they will get better!  BTW Jaxon is super cute!!!  My puppy is a chocolate merle with green eyes (so far!) so he has beautiful unusual coloring as well.  Good luck! 

[Angela, Wheeler & Wicket]

Our trainer, suggested the same as Cathy, to just do a little at a time, just small sections here & there. Spend a few days working on small sections to get started. As for the mouth, Wheeler just turned 1 & is still fascinated with that brush at times. Just keep his mouth busy, to make it a positive experience, I usually take fat free vanilla yogurt (the ones served in the small individual cups) & freeze it, my husby holds the cup & Wheeler licks it while I brush, it keeps his mouth occupied. And one cup last a couple of brushes, when I'm done with brushing, he gets a special biscuit & I wrap the yogurt up & put back in the freezer, when he licks about half way down, then I smear peanut butter on the sides for something different, not a lot of peanut butter though, especially so young, it can give them runny stools if given to much. Good luck!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would also add that anytime he is laying quietly with you be sure to rub his ears, his toes, get in between his toes, rub his tummy, all things to get him used to being handled.  As he gets a little bigger and you are really brushing rather than just getting him used to the brush, be sure to put him up on a table (not on the floor or your lap).  There is something about getting them up on top of something that seems to make them be a little more still.  One of mine is also very picky about what brush I use on her.  I had a little trouble with her before I got my Les Poochs brush.  Now as long as I use that brush she is fine.  If she seems me pick up a comb she gets squirmy.  Just stick with it, don't give in.  Lots of treats as others as said. And make them special, high quality treats that he only gets when grooming.

[Angela, Wheeler & Wicket]

Completely agree with you! Touch is important!