Hates to be brushed

[Rick, Susan & Kaiser]

Kaiser hates to be brushed. What are suggestions to help. Even the pro groomer says he is almost to difficult and she is afraid he will hurt himself trying to dodge the brush/comb.

He is perfect for bathing.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Pam- I think the best way to start your pup off on the right foot with grooming is to get him/her used to being touched everywhere. When Ragley was little, I called it her PET time. At least 2-3 times a day I would lay her or sit her in front of me and touch each paw- making sure to massage each toe and the pad of her feet. I would also gently hold her head in my hands and separate her lips on both sides to expose her teeth. Finally, I would take each ear and turn the flap "inside out" over the back of her head and gently rub my thumb on the inner part of the FLAP (not actually inside her ear). Paws, Ears, Teeth: PET time. Rubbing and petting and handling regularly will help calm her and get her used to being touched. Ragley is now a star patient at the vet when getting her ears, teeth and body examined. (ps sorry if you are getting a boy- I'm used to the "she")

[Brittney & Cally]

You sound just like me, always looking for an excuse to buy Cally another toy!

[Christy&Riley]

I can definitely sympathize. Riley tries every trick to get out of it. Eventually I get a few minutes of calm before she acts up again. I get so tired of saying no.

[Pam Thomas]

Do you freeze a whole banana and give it to her, or a part.?

[Brittney & Cally]

I freeze the whole thing. I take them out of the peel and pop a bunch of them in a freezer safe bag and put them in the freezer, that way I have them when I need them!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My groomer has no problems with Ned in a formal setting, but Ned hates us brushing him.  Since he is small, my dh holds and snuggles while I brush.  Ned hates being brushed because he has a very difficult coat and I am SURE it is no fun for him.   Clancy has an easy coat and just lays on one side and then another with a stay command.

Something we did when our hyper Springer was a puppy, was to give him calming meds before going for grooming.  It just took the edge off for him until he matured.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Have you tried a comb?  A steel comb. We really like the comb with rotating teeth.

I have a Les Pooche Brush that is wicked. Wicked wicked wicked! 

I also have a dog that is 5 and he hates grooming of his legs and feet. He does not mind his back, head, or ears at all.

A massage therapist explained to me that dogs have all thier nerve endings in their legs and feet and are very sensitive to touch in those areas. Go very easy.

Anyway, we have good luck going slow, little by little, with just a dog grooming comb.  Good luck. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I used to think Finn hated to be brushed but not true.  He hates certain brushes because they hurt! I had a natural bristle Mason Pearson Brush for my Bearded Collie.  Finn comes running when I take it out. He'll lay there all day while i brush him with that, but it doesn't do much for his fleece coat. I bought a Les Pooches brush and it is nasty. He sees that brush and runs to the farthest corner of the house.  I've even cut myself on that brush. Not using it anymore. I found an Oster slicker brush which is a softer slicker. Works well on his coat and he doesn't mind it.  Once I've used the Oster, I use a wide steel comb. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I too use the Les Pooches brush, always have, after trying a few cheaper/softer brushes. They are fine until I get to the legs, feet or tail. Then I will use a comb. And go slowly. The Les pooches is very stiff and sharp, and needs to be used with the right angle and pressure. I have drawn blood on myself many times with it.

However, and I'm not saying anyone is not using the right angle or pressure, it is the best for keeping matts at bay and getting them out. I do treat occasionally now, but started with treats the whole time I was getting them used to brushing. The kong or frozen banana is great. A little messy w my guys, but if it helps him be less anxious , and he really enjoys it, then it's worth a try .

Brushing or combing is such an important part of their maintenance that it's just one of those "training" type things that takes a lot of time but needs to be done. If you wait until he goes to the groomer to be brushed, you will end up with a shaved dog every time.
I like to think of the phrase "what's in it for me" that they are thinking as soon as they see that brush come out. Treats? Cuddle time? Massage? Gotta make them want to be there. Good luck.