Charlie will not let me brush him!

[Megan and Charlie]

Charlie is almost 2 years old and I'm desperate to find ways to keep him calm while I brush him. I've tried grooming him after a run or a long playtime and he will still fight back. I've tried to remain calm and sit on the floor and gently pet him but he still geeks out.  I'm tired of just waiting until he gets groomed - then I always have to pay a mat fee. 

Any one else have this problem? What's the best way to calm my doodle down???

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

I think most of them do it, at least the higher energy ones.  Here are my thoughts:

-Keep up with brushing, every day.  Especially on the legs, butt, armpits, etc.

-If at all possible don't let the dog get wet unless all tangles are out first.

-Buy good equipment.  Les Pooches brushes, if you can find them.  Also you can use the Safari dematter before taking them to the groomer to be certain there are no mats.

-Cowboy Magic (or the spray on one that is similar, I forget the name).

-Get a good forced air dryer and let it help you do as much of the work as possible.

-If necessary use a comfort cone.  He won't be able to see the brush coming so you can stay a step ahead of him.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I spent a lot of time desensitizing Tara to grooming. She just hated it. What I did was start very gently using the BACK of the brush on her so there was no way it was uncomfortable and then I would reward her with a favorite treat. One brush and a treat, repeat, repeat. In the beginning she would jump even when the back of the brush touched her.  Eventually, I was able to move to the side of the brush that actual did something and used the same process. It does help to get a good brush-Les Pooches or Chris Christensen. I also use a comb with rolling teeth which doesn't pull as much. Have you thought about getting a grooming table? Even if you are not home- grooming the table can help give you more control when brushing.

[Jeanine Bandini]

Wally is like this too. I got a grooming arm and now I put him on the table (outside) to brush him. It is so much easier! He seems to know I mean business when I put him up on the table. I highly recommend this approach!

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

I can only Brush Chester well on the grooming table. He knows on the table is brushing time.

 

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Sounds like you need a grooming table with a no sit harness and a clicker and lots of treats. Teach your dog to stand on the table and once you have accomplished that, slowly start the brushing. Ask your groomer for proper brushing techniques. It is very easy to unintentionally make our dogs uncomfortable and if that happens, they will not hold still.

[Marie Dennen]

Totally agree with Jay and whoever said something about Les pooch and Chris Christensen brushes.Investing in grooming equipment as a doodle owner. I am a groomer myself with years under my belt. But I remember coming home from grooming school all excited with my equipment and was crushed when I attempted to groom my dog at the time. He wanted to nothing to do with it and wanted to bite me. But I worked at it gradually over time and a year later that and that dog were in a grooming competition and he stood there like a show dog. It can be done.I have to admit to this day I am a better groomer than I am a trainer. Getting a table and arm will help. Getting them up high throws them off. Some groomers use something called a Groomer's Helper that secures them to the table. It is pricey.Or just increase your grooming visits to keep him better maintained. Or do once a month visits alternating with a bath and brush and then a a haircut on the other one keeping him on the shorter side and you will never have a matted dog.You are paying a matt fee anyway so just pay once a month for the service that you would have to pay anyway if you wait longer in between grooms

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

I did buy the groomer's helper but I gave up on it after a while.  I know a lot of people love it but I couldn't seem to get the hang of it.  They make it look so easy in the video but every time I would try it the dog would just freak out that much more.

[Marie Dennen]

Yes, I do think there are some dogs not appropriate for the groomer's helper. I firmly believe in using discretion and good judgement with it. I have seen dogs completely fight against it. For the most part it is very helpful. With some dogs less is more. The more you restrain or hold tight the more they freak out.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Kira, could the tines/bristles on the brush be uncomfortable for him?  Tara reacts differently to different types of brushes and combs.  The one she tolerates the most is the Bamboo comb with rolling teeth.  Plus a comb is what you need to make sure the mats are out,usually brushing alone isn't enough.