Can someone please help me deal with my dog?

Question

He hates being brushed. He's an Aussie, so he has really long hair and he sheds all over the place. Every time I go to brush him, he bites the brush handle, and I know that is his warning to stop. I am so frustrated with trying to deal with him. If I don't brush him, there are huge clumps of dog hair all over the floor and furniture and my allergies will act up big time. He never used to be like this, this has only started in the last few months or so.

It's the dead of winter where I am at, no flea or tick is alive. It's way too cold. And I know the difference between him wanting to play and him telling me to back off. The reason he bites the handle is so he doesn't bite me. He's been very well trained.

He hates baths. He hates vacuums. He does not do well around people he has never seen before. He was abused when I got him, and I've trained the best I could, but there are some things that he just can not get over and therefore I would not take him to a groomers or leave him with someone he didn't know.

I'm sorry, but I've been bitten by a dog before and it does not feel very good. I know that if I do not stop when has started gnawing the handle of the brush, that he bite me. I don't know about you, but I really don't want to get bit, and yelling at him is not going to do him any good and might get me hurt. Like I've already stated, this dog was abused, severely. Yelling at him and continuing to brush him is not a good way to train a dog.

Answer 1

he could have an infection or fleas/tics u never know what kind of skin infection a dog can have another thing is my dog bites the handle because she wants to play with it i know u said its because he is warning u but u never know

Answer 2

I had the same problem with my Old English Sheepdog. When he was a puppy he would allow me to brush and comb his hair. As he got older he began to bite at the brush/comb and his hair would end up being a matted mess because I was afraid to groom him. The solution was to do little sections at a time and not do the whole dog at once. I also kept his favorite treat (peanut butter) handy and if he let me groom him a little I would give him some peanut butter.

Finally, if his hair was too matted I shaved it off as no amount of grooming is worth pain to the dog. You probably don't want to shave a Aussie, but a good groomer will be able to cut the coat down some thus making grooming easier for you and possibly more enjoyable for the dog.

Answer 3

Does he like being petted?

You can buy a dog brush that is actually a mitten with little brush teeth on it, so you can wear the glove and stroke your dog to brush it. When you're petting your dog, you can slip on the brush mitten and brush him that way. Be patient; if he wants to walk away before you're done, keep things cool and just wait until the next time he wants to be petted. Eventually the job will be done, or at least you'll decrease the problem.

If this is the first time he's shedded like this in years, you need to bring him to the vet, because this can be a symptom of a serious illness.

Answer 4

My dog isn't pleased when I brush her either, I'll give her a rawhide chew toy while I brush her and she'll switch to mouthing the chew toy instead of mouthing the brush or my hand. I also keep the grooming session really short and offer lots of praise. The only other option I can think of would be to ask the Vet for something to calm your dog down during grooming. (or you could try Bach Flower remedies for a holistic slant on calming your beloved pet). Having severly matted fur isn't healthy for your dog and if it gets very snarled you'll have to resort to a groomer shaving him.

Answer 5

Hi there! I have the same prob with my nine year old Chesapeke...you've described him to a T!! Anyway. what I do for brushing is put a soft muzzle on him when I am brushing him. I think he feels a bit humiliated, but it is taken off right after he is finished his brushing. The muzzle is also put on him when he is meeting new people, and when we are out for walks...can't take the chance that he may bite someone. Hope this helps!!

Answer 6

Well, if he like to take baths try to use conditioner and bush his fur when his wet, or use some conditioner out of the bath tub when bushing, or try different bushes. or last resort have him groomed every once in a while or just call grooming places and ask what kind of brush they would recommend. oh and try and bush the dog as much and possible so he gets use to it. hes another thought, if the dog doesn't mind a vacuum try to use the hose off of a vacuum. it works for my dads cat

Answer 7

You will need to muzzle him when you brush him , this is important for BOTH of you. It may be truamatic at first but he should calm down after gentle handling by yourself. Once he has begun to o.k this REWARD him ! Hopefully he will get the picture after a while - also talk to him in a freindly soothing voice - it helps!

Answer 8

maybe it's a new game i gave up brushing my lab x golden retriever for the same reason but to her it was more of a game. maybe try treats or a glove type of brush instead and just act normal around him so he doesn't know your gonna brush him iykwim or be really friendly etc and try again if it doesn't work,

Answer 9

ok don't take this the wrong way please, first thing is the dog has to know who the master is.
he has already learn, that when biteing the brush he or she can be the master and make you stop. keep brushing and when the dog bites
you say NO in a stern voice, and keep brushing. But make sure your really not pulling his or her hair, After you brush your dog then you say GOOD DOG and give the pup a treat.
Good Luck

Answer 10

try a mussel that seems cruel but then you can do what you need and get it over with . not hurting the dog or you. good luck..