How can I get my 8month old border collie to sit for brushing.?

Question

I have a highly active border who despite trying since she was tiny, still won't be brushed. She attacks the brush every time. I've tried grooming mitts too but get the same reaction.

Answer 1

First, groom her when she's tired out from a long walk or play session. Have her lying on her side, brushing one side, then flip her over and do the other. Since she's still a puppy, it's going to take persistence and patience on your part. But don't give up, I've never had even one dog who didn't love his brush and it's one more great way to bond with your dog. (All puppies attack the brush, telling them no is just part of the training.) My dogs all know they get milk bones when they're done - try giving your puppy a treat, too when she's finished.

Answer 2

My collie was the same at that age. Get someone who kows what they are doing to gently restrain her - arm round the head and bum type thing. Spend only a minute or two brushing her - use a soft brush to start with, it won't cope with her bum and tail hair, but it will teach her that brushing doesn't hurt and is quite nice - after the first minute or so, stop and reward her, especailly if she is settling - don't try to go for too long - as soon as she behaves a little better than previously, reward her. She will soon learn that even if she doesn't like it, being brushed is something she has to put up with and being good ensures rewards.
My collie is three now and will tolerate being brushed - she loves it until you get to her bum and tail - I still have to hold her still for that. Persevere and have patience with her, as she grows up a little she will calm down slightly. You should also take her to training classes, this will use up more energy than a walk can and you can use things like the wait command to get her to sit still. She will also mature through having work to do.

Answer 3

I had exactly the same with my working cocker spaniel - he just kept trying to bite the brush and has pretty much chewed the handle off! I just persisted and did a little bit at a time, a few minutes a day. Have a treat in your hand, everytime he struggles say something like "still", "stop" etc and once he sits still, give him the treat. My dog loves being groomed now, it relaxes him so much he goes into a deep sleep afterwards!. Your dog is still a pup and everthing is new to him. Working dogs are so lively - they can he hard work but you will ge there!

Answer 4

Hang in there and remember you are the adult/master and she is a small child. I have a BC who used to be the same way. She may not like getting brushed, but she will stand still for it. Use the No word in a stern but not nasty tone. If you do not have a grooming table, have someone assist by loosely holding her head. I assume you know that BCs are an extremely active breed and an 8 mo old is a puppy. Be patient and remember you are talking to the world's smartest breed. She will come around in time.

Answer 5

Put on her collar and lead, and tie her to something. Make the lead short. Then put your hand under her hind leg to make her stand. Then quietly praise her and untie her. Repeat a couple of times a day until she accepts standing quietly. Keep the sessions short and sweet.
Then get a comb, (try it on yourself first to make sure its not scratchy), and while she's standing just run the comb over the top of her head.
Keep going like that, combing a bit more each time until you have a dog that will stand still while you comb her.

The secret is to change the routine thats incvolved with grooming. She knows what to expect when you get her grooming kit out, so start with a completely different set of kit and a different routine, and train her to stand still while you do it.
Groomers also find that dogs are often quieter if you stand them on a table off the floor. But you need something secure to tie her to. A solid table leg is ideal if you don't have anything else.

Answer 6

positive reinforcement, if she attacks the brush you may have to put her in a leash and tie her head where she cant trun it toward you, while you are doing that talk to her tell her shes pretty, shes a good dog, and try working on sit/stay for periods of time, with treats and start increasing the sit/stay time longer and longer before you give her a treat, and show her that the brush isnt going to kill her, just to warn you though this may take a while... but good luck and i hope i helped

Answer 7

offer her a small treat hold the treat in front of her so she can see it then raise it up over her head she will automatically sit so she can see it then start brushing if she as a favourite toy use that instead but you must give it to her after a small amount of time or she will be fed up .you got to offer a reward or let her win in the game

the other way is to buy a harness frame which will support her weight and help to keep her still so she got to stand and can not move away but thats more expensive way..

lets face it theres no harm in trying as long as u can keep it up

best of luck ..

Answer 8

First watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic.
Then get your dog in a calm submissive state. You will learn what that means on the show.
Then you will have no problem. You need to assert your dominance first, then introduce the brush and make her ignore the brush. Then she will let you brush her.
Right now she is fixated on the brush. That's bad. Watch the show.

Answer 9

distract her with food,and try this and brush her at the same time,hopefully given time she'll understand that if she sits and gets brushed,she'll get a treat.if all else fails,try the "it's me or the dog"book,it's really useful in giving tips,and an insight to your dogs behaviour.

Answer 10

For my longhair cat, I have to wait until he's eating. He's too distracted by the food to run away while being brushed.