Question:  I’m so frustrated! My dog has a long, thick coat and I’ve tried to groom him but he just won’t cooperate. Trying to work with him always turns into a wrestling match and I’m the loser. Sometimes he even snaps at me. I’ve heard that dogs like being brushed, but this one doesn’t! Is there anything I can do?

Answer: Yes! You’re not alone many dogs have to learn to behave themselves before they realize how nice it feels to he groomed.

An unruly dog’s attitude toward grooming isn’t much different from that of a small child’s. Toddlers often resent having their faces washed or their hair brushed, but being clean and tidy is a necessary part of life, If your child refused to be bathed or threw a tantrum over it, what would you do? Gently, patiently and firmly, you’d teach him to tolerate it, the same for your dog.

First, the dog needs to learn to tolerate your handling of his body, even the parts he’d rather you left alone. Some dogs don’t want their feet touched, with others, their rear ends or tails. You can easily teach your dog that this handling feels good and is something to look forward to.

To start this training, choose a time when you’re relaxed and in a good mood, your dog should be relaxed and in a good mood, too. An ideal time is after your dog has had a meal and has settled down for a nap. Sit next to your dog and stroke his body. Talk softly to him while you gently massage him all over.

Encourage him to stretch out flat on his side. Rub his belly; scratch his ears, the base of his tail—all his favorite places. Then move on to his least favorite places, usually his feet and rear end. Run your hands down his legs to his paws and gently massage his toes and pads. Massage his ears, rump, thighs and hocks. Praise him for lying quietly. Most dogs enjoy this and relax almost completely. It’s very relaxing for the owner, too!

Give your dog a massage for a few minutes every day. It won’t take long for him to look forward to this time with you. Dogs love one-on-one attention. They especially love to feel good, and this is about as good as it gets~

After a few of these massages, introduce a brush. I recommend a “pin brush” it looks similar to a woman’s hair brush, At first, brush only for a few moments and don’t try to make any real grooming progress. Your goal is to get him used to the sensation and to associate it with the pleasant massage process. Each day, brush him a few minutes longer, spending time on different parts of his body. Again, praise him for lying quietly and tell him how wonderful he looks.

Although your dog is sure to enjoy his massage and this exclusive attention, after a little while he may decide that enough is enough and try to get up. You’ll feel his body tense as he prepares to rise. Before he’s actually lifted his head, place the flat of your hand along the side of his neck, just behind his ears, and gently but firmly push his head back to floor, telling him “No, be still.” Praise him and rub his tummy as he settles back down. Brush him a little while longer you should be the one to decide when the session is over, Increase the length of the session a little at a time until he’ll lie there as long as you want.

Some dogs are too rambunctious or dominant to lie quietly on the floor, Here’s a tip from professional groomers—use a grooming table. On the ground, the dog is in control, He’s quicker and stronger than you are and he knows it. Off the ground, he’s insecure and you’re in control, Grooming tables can be purchased from pet stores or supply companies. You can easily make one with material from the hardware store. A kitchen counter for a small dog or a workbench will do in a pinch as long as there’s room for the dog to stand comfortably and has a non-skid surface.

To get your dog used to the table, put him on it for a few moments every day. Praise him, give him treats, massage him, handle his body all over, and make the table a pleasant place to be. Be gentle hut firm and insist that he stand, sit or lie quietly while you touch him, If he’s really uncooperative, ask someone to help you by steadying him and keeping him from Jumping off. Using the same process that I’ve already described, introduce him to the brush. Each day, increase the length of the session and brush more seriously, praising for good behavior.

Don’t tolerate any growling or snapping! You wouldn’t put up with sassiness from your child just because she doesn’t want her face washed. You shouldn’t put up with sassiness from your dog either, be firm! Correct each and every instance of nasty behavior by grabbing your dog’s muzzle, glaring at him and saying “No!” in your toughest, meanest voice, Then, matter of factly, continue working. As your dog learns that his antics won’t scare you or make you stop, he’ll settle down and behave.