Problems Doing a Brush Out

[Ali]

Okay, so Lola is now 7 months and matts a lot more than usual. I try to brush her regularly at least one good brush out a week that includes getting out most of the matts in her coat. However, she likes to make this difficult for me by rolling over on her belly constantly. Once she sees the brush the rolls over, it is frustrating. I am happy she doesn't whine about it, but I don't know how to stop her from rolling over. I have tried tying her up to different things so it keeps her in one place, I have tried giving her treats, etc. It seems impossible, she just wants he belly rub. I don't know what to do without buying some expensive grooming table with a grooming arm to hold her, but that just is not going to happen... it would be nice. Any ideas?

Thanks, Ali

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I brush my dogs lying down. It is one of the things I find makes it easier for them because of the long time it takes to brush sometimes. Use a table, but if she lies down, go with the flow and keep brushing. If one of my dogs gets wiggly, I brush the part that is exposed. Since a belly brush is not their favourite, they soon quiet down. A groomer doing a haircut would be horrified at this, but really, the groomers prefer the dog completely brushed out when they get it, so it is a non issue in my opinion.

[Jazz & Jane]

I agree with the other comments. Take advantage of the position -- 4 paws up in the air means 4 paws brushed, arm pits, tummy, neck, under the chin.... I found s-l-o-w-i-n-g down the strokes while you're brushing these areas tends to make them relax and even s-t-r-e-tch a bit. I do it all on the floor (mainly because it's convenient while watching the news on TV and Jazz seems to love the attention with me on her level). If she wants to "bite" or "play" -- put a toy in her mouth.

I started with an 8 week old puppy HATING being brushed to now asking her "do you needs to be brushed? and she gallops over and sits for me (but ends up on her back -- haha). I found out by slow-ing down the strokes, when I'm finished with her belly and the other areas (there's hardly any hair on her belly -- LOL), she'll let me s-lo-w-ly roll her over to one side and brush and then slow--l-y to the other. I always finish with a CLAP (all done !) and a quick 1 minutes tug game. (don't every forget)

It used to take treats to tolerate -- now she seems to really like it and requires NO treats. ???? Hope this helps.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Hey Ali, I'd take advantage of the position! It's a great way to brush the inside legs, and you can get the sides while you're at it. My doodle Penny LOVES to be brushed and has always gotten her "brushy-brushy" while lying down. If you slow down the brush strokes and every once in a while stop brushing to give your pup a rub, she'll really come to love it. It relaxes them, and you really can get a lot of the dog while they're in the lying position. Good luck!

[Ali]

I'll try doing that in the middle of brush outs. Maybe even do a little puppy massage.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Hi Kate
I started grooming my dogs lying down after watching and reading all the info that Beverley has out about grooming. I do very little of it with them standing. I never use a grooming arm... just like in Beverley's CD's.

This is part of what I was saying at the very beginning of this group, that the 'normal' way of grooming dogs does not always work best for doodles.

I use clicker training so my dogs get to know sit, down, roll over and stand.