Should I just comb?

[Lisa and Tucker]

Not sure what to do about "grooming" Tucker? He is 12 weeks old now and we have a brush, and I have tried to brush him a few times now but he seems to think this brush is a toy that he is supposed to play with and take away from me with his mouth! He is not really curly or wavy but has more fur than a regular Lab puppy has and I am wondering if I should just be using a comb on him right now? And how the heck do you get your puppy used to this? He does not seem to be fan; should I try treats? If so how? I don't want to make this a traumatizing experience. Advice is greatly appreciated. While were at it does anyone have advice on giving a puppy a bath? I have absolutely no experience with it! LOL

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

He is adorable.  Bruin (6 months old now) still likes to go after the brush or comb but he is getting used to it.  Try using a treat in one hand and letting him nibble on it while you brush/comb him.  It is helping with us.  Also use the eh-he or No command as well.  It just takes time.  To a puppy, everything is a game LOL.

As for itching, Bruin itched too.  Our vet said it could just be the new hair coming in and getting used to a new environment...  He has since stopped itching...

My Bailey was straight like Tucker and has really "doodled" out nicely over the years

[Lisa and Tucker]

I was just looking at your photos and your dogs are so cute! If Tucker should get a coat like Bailey's that would be awesome. If not that would be awesome too! LOL  The really really curly coats scare me a bit as far as maintenance but will deal with whatever we get. :)

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

You've gotten great advice here.  I'll echo Joanne's suggestion for using an antler, or some equally enticing chew treat that Tucker likes, to keep him occupied.  That's what I've been doing with Beasley, who is 16 weeks.  She loves her antler more than anything else.  She's not yet a fan of getting brushed, but I'll give her the antler while she's resting next to me on the couch, then start brushing and she mostly couldn't care less what I'm doing.  I also do the "eh eh" when she tries to get the brush - they naturally want to put it in their mouths, 1) to figure out what it is and 2) because it becomes a game.  But really, the antler keeps Beasley so occupied that she barely focuses on the brush - and when she does, she's learned to go back to her antler when I move it away and do the "eh eh".

It's important to get him used to being groomed now, especially if his coat changes and ends up needing more "maintenance" later than a flat coat might.  Short brushing / combing sessions done routinely is how he will learn to tolerate it and even like it. 

[Lisa and Tucker]

Thanks Julie. I did try last night giving him one of these rawhide sticks to chew on that we got when we brought him home and it did great in keeping him distracted so now that I know that works I am going to get him an antler because I am not a huge fan of rawhide.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hi Lisa ~ You have received some good suggestions.  The only thing I would suggest that you initiate brushing when he is tired and first lays down to rest.  Just calmly sit by him and gently brush him.  Check his ears, feet and etc so he gets used to be handled.  It only takes a few minutes and afterwards, give him a treat for being a good boy. BTW - Tucker is a real cutie!

[Lisa and Tucker]

Thank you Linda! That is a great suggestion. We have a loveseat in the family room and its the only piece of furniture he is allowed on. He likes to come up there and lay with me later in the evening while I'm watching television so next time I'll try during that period.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I also am a big fan of lifting the dogs up onto a table specicfically for grooming. They get used to it and somehow behave better when you are at the same level.

[Lisa and Tucker]

Thanks!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Lots of good advice.  I would also suggest placing him up on a table or counter or something of that nature when you are brushing.  You can also have someone work with you.  Someone distracting with treats or a toy or an antler.  You could also while his coat is very short use a soft baby brush.  Doesn't have to be a comb or anything.  Gradually work up to a slicker brush and metal comb as he gets used to being brushed.  When you are sitting and holding him play with his paws and ears and legs etc so he gets used to the feeling of them being touched.  I would definitely find a way to get a handle on it now though as it will be easier than when he is bigger.  He is so adorable.  Brings back those puppy day memories.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I'll comment on the bath part. He probably doesn't need a bath yet, but it's nice to start somewhere, getting him used to it...just like everything else. Maci's first bath was just a little spray off in a sink when she was tiny. Then a rinse off in the tub. Next was a bath in the tub. I did have DH come in and give her a couple of treats to help her "enjoy" it more. She's not in love with it by any means, but we will just working on it slowly, she's 3months now.

[Lisa and Tucker]

Thanks for addressing that Leslie. Sounds like slow and steady is the general concensus for all parts of grooming. As for the bath part I don't even know where to begin! So your suggestions are welcome. I mean do I avoid water and soap on his head and face? What about his ears? How much water should i put in the tub? Should I put ANY water in the tub or just use a hand held shower hose? I feel so stupid......

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I would avoid spraying his head for now. When I wash Yogi's face even now, I usually just use a wet wash cloth and wipe it off. I clean his ears with a solution that is made to clean a dogs ears by applying it to a cotton ball and swabbing the inside of their ears. Personally I never put a plug in the tub, we have an attachment that fits onto the shower head pipe that use to spray them off with in the tub. I really like using it.
Don't feel stupid, I was on here asking all these questions last year when we were getting ready to get Yogi.
I still ask questions. It's nice to be able to share information on this forum.