8 month old puppy hating being brushed more and more

[Cay]

Hello,

 Does anyone have any tips on getting a puppy (soon to be adult) on board with getting brushed? I’ve tried every type of brush, the rotating pin combs seem to be the most gentle but doesn’t seem to be very effective. I’ve brushed him regularly since I got him at 13 weeks and as he gets older he gets more and more aggressive towards his brush (never tries to bite me, but does aggressively bite the grooming tool). He will let me brush him if I give him a high value chew stick while I brush, but it doesn’t seem to help with the actual problem. He has been groomed by a professional and he doesn’t act this way towards them. His  coat is pretty curly and  is beginning to turn into his adult coat so it definitely doesn’t help things.   

Thanks everyone !

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

Zoey was never big on the brushing either.  I started early, like you, but she still doesn't really like it.  Sitting on the couch while watching tv was a "no-go"  She would squirm and try to bite the brush when it got to her undersides and tail.  She doesn't like those parts most.

I started lifting her up on the kitchen island and doing it there. She still runs off when its time to brush, but knows it is inevitable.  I bought a groomer's arm that fastens to the ledge.  That way it keeps her from moving and sitting down.  I think she knows I mean business!  :^)  I didn't want to store a whole table.  (She's only 24#)

As far as tools, I use a Christensen pin brush first - Les Pooches brush for problem areas, and the good old metal comb for finishing.  Keep at it.  Sounds like you are making a good effort!  It's harder when it's curlier.  

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I love my Chris Christensen big pin brush :) works great and I think Riley actually likes it.  She is not curly though just wavy.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You may find that this is a "two person job".  I can brush my mini by putting him in a "down/stay" and being very gentle and giving lots of praise and a few treats during the process.  For my "big standard guy" I really need to leash him and have someone (my husband) holding the leash while I brush.  I still give the stay command, and praise and treat, but with this guy I need someone holding him still while I brush.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I haven't encountered this problem but can you pet/massage then slowly switch to gentle brushing?  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My dogs do NOT like being brushed. They only stay so that I can do it because of training and even then I have to keep it short and sweet - do a section at a time and then free them.  My smallest doodle - we have always had my husband hold and snuggle while I brush/comb the available areas - hubby moves him around so that I can reach different areas.

[Laura and Angus]

When our doodle was a puppy we would use two people - one to give treats and use a clicker for waiting calmly to be brushed and the other to gently brush. You know what makes the most difference though? Waiting to brush for days when puppy has gone to daycare - he's exhausted and will just lay calmly. If our doodle has too much energy, he will hop up and dash away from brushing even at 4.5 years old! When tired, he just lays and lets me brush him. Maybe (in addition to the other great ideas listed) try running out some puppy energy through playdates, dog park, or daycare before attempting any grooming.