How can I get my dog to like being brushed?

Question

My dog hates being brushed but he is a yorkie and needs to be so his hair doesnt get matted. how can I make this more pleasent for him. I've tried 4 different brushes and he doesn't like any of them

Answer 1

It doesnt matter what type of brush u use. Before u go to brush him let him sniff the brush so he know its not going to hurt him. Then when he gets use to that have somebody else help u brush him. Have the other person hold a treat in their hand and let the dog try to get that wile your brushing. Once in a wile let the dog get the treat so he doesn't lose intrest and then replace that with another treat. This will keep his intrest.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 2

A lot of times smaller dogs are scared of brushes because they are scary- they are large hard objects with stuff sticking out of them. I would try sitting down and waiting til the dog is relaxed. Hide the brush under you or behind you. Start with a small plastic comb. Run your hands through its hair so it settles with your fingers. When the dog settles, slide the comb out so that they cant see it and start on their behind. Do not waive it infront of their face. Don't even let them see it. GENTLY (dogs have skin too) comb over the ends and work your way to the top of a small patch of hair. Work your way towards their head all the while praising them calmly (you dont want them to get to excited, it makes it difficult). It may take a couple times of hiding and relaxing to get him to like it but eventually he wont fear the comb or brush anymore. Also make sure they arent metal combs or brushes. They have sensitive skin and being gentle makes all the difference.

Answer 3

What I have done in the past, is to make her think I am petting her and very slowly switch to a really soft pet brush! Also when it come to the snarls and tangles, did you ever think that maybe conditioner would work. IT comes in so many convenient ways now. Like spray it on and then gently comb/brush the tangles away! They have special tangle -free products for children you might also want to give that a try. It might just work! best of luck to you!

Answer 4

Dogs are pack animals. So knowing that dogs will only allow certain members of the pack do the grooming.

You and every member living in your house is a member of the pack.

You have to make your dog believe that you are the pack leader.

Apparently a dog determines who is in charge from the minute they walk into your house.

For example when I got my two dogs from the shelter I had brought one home 4 days earlier than the other. The first one tried to push me around, but I quickly put a stop to it and she then realized I was the provider and the one who took care of the "pack" she looked at me as the leader.

Four days later I brought the other dog into the house. All hell broke loose within minutes, I had a dog fight. I quickly broke it up and put the both outside. These two dogs no need to figure out between them their ranking in the pack. So watching inside I saw that after a lot of sniffing a little squabling they both settled down and went to sleep.

My wife is a little more passive with the dogs and they get away with more with her. So her ranking in our house is lower in the dogs eyes.

So the way it works in our house is like this. I'm the pack leader (provider and protector), my wife is more like the mother (she is the only one allowed to wash and groom), Miko (the first dog) is the canine leader but still submissive to me and Misha is at the bottom of the pack.

So what I'm trying to say is that if your dog doesn't trust you and looks at you as weak and cannot protect him, he doesn't see you as the leader of the pack. Therefore you are the weaker and he is the leader....you cannot groom him. In his eyes he is there to protect you.

You have to switch the situation around and show him you are capible of taking care of him.

I learn a lot from a book called "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell.

I know this stuff sounds corny but if you read the book it'll all make sense.

Answer 5

My dogs did not like being brushed until I got a brushing glove. Now they argue on who gets to be brushed first. It feels more like petting to them.

Answer 6

he may be uncomfortable because of a skin problem. if this is the case a vet will help. If he's just picky give him a treat when u brush him and praise him the whole time. he will learn to associate brushing with good and will learn to like it.

Answer 7

Try using a comb instead of a brush. My dog hates being brushed but really likes his fur being combed. But he is the weirdest dog ever.....but try it.

Answer 8

try using a conditioner on his hair (one made for dogs not people) and brush him while he is being bathed...the brushes might be hurting him and pulling his hair. Try brushing gentler too maybe.

Answer 9

try giving him a treat while you are brushing him... start brushing him a little at a time....do this every day..might take awhile so be Patience with him...praises will go along way....make sure you don't pull his hair...

Answer 10

He may never like brushes and just have to deal with it. I suggest letting him play with it or chew on it a while. Let him take his anger out on the brush. Or even better (and cheaper) let him chew on his favorite toy or feed him while brushing him.