We hear it a lot. “My dog doesn’t like to be brushed” or “my dog doesn’t let me brush him/her”. But when they come in for a grooming session, they let us brush them just fine! Well, we’re going to let you in on a little bit of groomer magic for how to keep your pet brushed and tangle-free at home!
Most dogs like to be brushed (and some, like our shop mascots, LOVE being brushed). Like with anything else when training your pet, they have to get used to being brushed regularly. Make brushing a regular part of your and your dog’s routine with these three easy tips from our team of pros!
1. Establish some “ground” rules.
Dogs live most of their lives on the floor. This is where they eat and play, where they run and roll around, and where they feel most comfortable and in control. When it’s time for brushing, you’ll want to remove them from this setting so that you can have full control. If your dog is too heavy to be safely carried off the ground, designate a special spot that the two of you can use when it’s time to get serious about brushing.
At Scottie Paws, we have a grooming table and loops to help us; at home, we’ll need to get creative. Place a towel or mat on your washer and place your dog on top. You can also use a chair, table, ottoman… really anywhere that is safe and off the floor.*
*NEVER leave your dog unattended when brushing.
2. Use the right tools and techniques for your pet.
Proper brushing tools are important! A proper tool is a slicker brush or any brush that doesn’t have the little balls on the end because this causes the hair to break off and thus pulls on the coat. Pets don’t like their hair being pulled!
Adding a comb to their brushing routine is also a good idea. Sometimes a brush is very superficial and doesn’t really go all the way to the skin but a comb does this job perfectly. I always like to go over with a comb after brushing my dogs and the comb always catches any tangles.
If your pet has a lot of hair or long hair, it is best to break up the hair in sections or parting the hair just like you would a human. This enables you to fully brush out your pet. I use hair clips (like for humans) to hold the sections/parting in place.
3. Treats, treats, treats!
Getting your pet used to brushing takes time! Be patient and be sure to use positive reinforcement to take brushing from “chore” to “fun”. Speak softly and use positive words while brushing. When you’re done, reward them with their favorite treat. This way, they associate brushing with treats and bonding time!
When it’s time to bring in the pros, book your pet grooming appointment at Scottie Paws Pet Resort!
