Brushing Makes Her Go CRAZY...

[mamamia1]

I've been working very diligently at trying to get my pup prepared for her CGN. Part of which, I believe, is to allow another person to brush her. The problem is she goes as soon as I begin to brush her, she goes completely crazy. She goes bonkers trying to nip at my hands and the brush, not aggressively but in a completely "you must be my new littermate, I'm going to play with you until I drop" kinda way. I stroke her gently and slowly to try to keep her as mellow as possible. I am constantly saying "NO BITE" throughout the whole process, and if by chance there is a 5 second period when she isn't nipping a tell her "GOOD GIRL, NO BITE". Holding her mouth shut gets her more fired up. I even stuff other things she's allowed to bite in her mouth, which distracts her for a few seconds, but I'm not real keen on this method as when we actually try for our CGN, the stranger brushing her won't have chew toys.

I'm not sure she would react the same way if a stranger brushed her, but it should would be nice if I could get her to do this without all the nipping.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[brunie's mom]

Awww..she's young...it's hard to get her not to act up with the brushing. Try putting her in a "sit"....putting your hand under her collar...and just gently brush one area. Give her one command with brushing...you can use "easy" or "gentle" or whatever you want. Even if you get 3 little brush strokes in before she get's jumpy again... praise.

This is something that gets better with maturity.
What kind of brush are you using?

Gina

[moondog]

You can also try holding a large piece of food in one hand (with most of it hidden in your closed fist) that she can nibble, nibble, nibble on while you go over her lightly with a brush. Starting in a sit will also make it easier for her to learn to stay still. When she's good while sitting (you've worked up to being able to brush for, say 15 seconds without a problem), then you can have her stand and begin again with just 2 or 3 light strokes to start, and work her up to a longer time.

For the test, they will just do 2-3 light strokes - so train for more than that and then it will be a breeze.

[mamamia1]

Thanks for the tips. I haven't tried treats yet, but I do make her sit, facing away from me for now, seems to be a little easier.

I am using a Kong Brush. It's rubbery just like a Kong so it really helps get those little fuzzies. I think she really likes chewing the brush cause she's 5 months now and teething big time, and those rubbery teeth probably massage her gums quite nicely.

I try to be patient and pull out some yummy lures.

[moondog]

The nibble, nibble, nibble gives her something to do while she's discovering that not only does brushing feel nice, but she can hold still for it, too!

When you've got her good with you, then start having others run the brush over her.....even just 1 light stroke is good to start, with you standing in front of her with the nibble, nibble, nibble treat. You can phase out the treat quite easily once she is more comfortable with the whole thing.

I think at five months Chili was still trying to kill the brush, LOL! She passed her CGC at 8 months. It's hard for the puppies to hold still!

[webangel2b]

Treats sounds like a great idea.

Dixie hated being brushed too, what is it with that ??. Now that she's older (4 y/o) she loves the brush and even more the blade.

There's hope :)

[mamamia1]

UPDATE: After a recent trip to the vet, where my girl expressed some definite dislike of her paws being touched [no biting or growling more of a grunt], I decided the whole grooming/handling thing needed to be kicked up to the nth degree. Now on a very regular daily basis I "check" her ears, paws, nails and teeth, and give her a nice brushing. When we first started this regimen she expressed her dislike [again, just a grunt] very quickly. Knowing that if allowed this, the behaviour would be sure to escalate, I never gave in. With lots of persistence, consistency, jowl scratching, belly rubbing and treats we are finally making some real headway. I've been able to trim her nails easily, brush her coat, check her ears with no reaction and even touch, brush and rub inside her mouth. YAY!!!! Now the real test will be for her to allow this handling from others as well. I will be speaking to my trainer tomorrow to see if she can help me out with this. Maybe a trip to the groomer as well.

[bliss7373]

Good for you! I applaud your persistence and dedication. Seems like there are too many folks who are willing to accept that their dog "won't let me trim his nails, etc."

You are doing a great job.

[mamamia1]

Thanks Bliss! My hubby thinks I'm crazy for spending so much time "fussing over her". But I figure if I invest the time now, I will have many more worry free days ahead.

I have read lots of people on here having troubles with nails. I found there were lots of responses to muscle the dog into place and get it done. I can understand not letting them get away with not having it done, but I can't see that pressing them against a wall a wrestling them down would ever make things easier down the road. Just not a good experience all around. Maybe I'm just lazy, but I would much rather give treats and belly rubs. JMHO

[bessy-senior]

My girl Bessy used to act up with the brush as a puppy! Holy camoly, she'd squirm as if it's some horrible act of torture!

But now... she absolutely loves it! She's now 1 1/2 years old. More calm, and understands that being brushed is like having a glorious massage!