Trouble grooming Paws

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think Riley is going through the coat change.  I brush him every day but in the last few weeks have hit a few snags which I have dealt with. I use a comb and the Les Poochs brush.  The only area Riley does not agree with me dealing with is his front paws.  When he lies down, he tucks them right under him and when he stands he starts hopping and prancing around when I attempt to groom them.  I now see there is one small mat on one of his paws.  Any ideas how I can do this area so I can attack the problem before it gets worse please? 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Front paws are challenging here as well.  We have come to an agreement, with each dogs desires being different, but at least it allows me to get the front legs and feet.  Lucy's desire is that she gets to lay down while you do her front legs and feet.  If you try to do them when she is standing, she keeps pulling them away from you, but if you just let her lay down, she is puddy in your hands.  Sophie on the other hand doesn't care if she is setting or standing, but if you come at her feet with a comb she is going to have a fit.  You can do whatever you want with the Les Poochs, but stay away with the comb.  My only suggestion since it sounds as if you have already tried these two things, is to have someone give treats while you are working on the paws.  Something of high value like cheese or hot dogs or something.  It's easy to just sort of do it 1/2 way when they are fighting you, but the toe area is one of those spots that will get away from you really quick if you don't keep after it!  I'm assuming you are up on a grooming table also.  If not, I'd try that as well.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Cooper isnt too keen either - she prefers to lay down while I groom so thats my excuse for my cutting not being to great!!!! I have to keep telling her "wait" and I do not let her move til I am done. I will often brush one paw, then somewhere else, then another paw and so on so im not concentrating on all 4 paws in one go. Ill often give her an ear massage in between too, she loves that. And extra yummy treats!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I actually just got my partner to hold him while I did them and they are fine now though I hate doing it this way.  He is now officially mat free (for the next hour or so at least!)  I am actually (fingers crossed) dealing with everything quite well and I am signing up for a day course at a great groomers in the next few weeks.  I can bring Riley plus all my own tools and be taught how to do it myself!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Oh wow, don't I wish they offered a day course around here.  What a great opportunity.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Wow Nicky, that would be so awesome if we had something like that here.  I would love to take a course in grooming and I have even looked for one.  I don't want to go to groomer's school for a huge price and time commitment and have to learn how to groom all types of dogs.  Only Doodles for me!  You are so lucky to have found a place to go.  Gracie Doodle does not like her front paws or legs messed with.  I can scratch them and rub them but the minute a comb or brush get near them she also tucks them under her chin or body so I can't get them.  Or she gets up and moves out of reach.  She will let me inspect them for thorns or things stuck between the toes and she is pretty good about letting me cut the hair out between the toes which really gets little mats and knots in there.  When I need to comb her legs I have to do it now when she is standing.  I hold the leg up and pin her with my body on the down leg side.  She is such a baby when it comes to her front legs only.  Not a problem when I use clippers on them...just combs and brushes.  My groomer said most dogs act the same way.  Good luck at your class.  I want to hear all about it!!!

[Laurie Young]

I had the same problem, I gave Puk something to chew on and he only got it when it was time to be brushed and combed,  distracted him so I can do his paws.