What do expect from a 5mth?

[Oliver21508]

Hiya

I was wondering what behaviour you would expect from a 5mth old puppy when grooming? The only way I can groom Ollie is when I have treats in one hand to distract him from the brush, otherwise he tries to eat it, or my hand. He's not frightened of it, but I think he finds it a little uncomfortable. Is this all you can expect of a 5mth old? And I'm using a soft bristle brush at the moment, when can we move onto the metal pin brush?

[Clover]

From my memory (17 months ago) not a lot 

It was just a game with Willow and I cannot suggest anything but keeping it short and sweet. Rewarding the good ignoring the bad. I'm sure someone will come along with some sound advice.

[Joules]

Yep, Coco was the same as a pup, in fact she was almost impossible to groom for ages    Keep your grooming sessions short and sweet and give him lots of praise and rewards when he is good    It will get easier but like everything with a pupster, it will take time and a lot of patience    I started with the metal brush straight away - just do it gently and for a very short time - let him smell it first without using it and reward him for being calm around the brush, then gradually start to brush him with it - start on the less sensitive areas like his back before you try head, feet etc. 

Good luck!    It seems like it takes ages to get them used to it but I suddenly realised that Coco was letting me groom her no probs 

[Clover]

Just thought of something, are you attempting it on the floor ?  cos that makes it ten times worse. If so, try a nice steady surface, like a table, just make sure he's secure though.

[Top Barks]

wriggly is my memory!
try one stroke of the brush one treat and keep it short sessions.
I would also handle the dog in the same way which should help.

[Hurtwood Dogs]

Yep totally normal 

I introduced harder brushes quite quickly - I had to as Dave (and my other cocker pup) had such a thick coats. Another tip used by quite a few of us is to pop them on an ironing board (covered with a towel!) when you do it as the slight wobbling makes them concentrate on balancing and with food distrations too they start forgetting about the brush. Do make sure you're with him the whole time when doing this or have a 'helper' just in case.

Rewarding lots with praise and food distractions and keeping it short and sweet are all good things.. the more positive the experience the better and the sooner he will let you do it for longer.

Saying 'no' to both my pups in this situation has never worked but waiting until they are still and putting up with it then telling them in a soothing voice what a good dog they are repeatedly has always worked... good technique at the vets too!

Hannah x

[Oliver21508]

Thanks. I think I'm doing it the right way. I'll introduce the metal brush now, as he has a thick coat. He's not at all bad if he gets treats. He stands still, and lets me brush him, but if the treats go, brush is in mouth. Can I ask why it's better to groom him on the table than the floor?

ETA: Do I have to trim his legs/feet yet? He has quite fluffy feet, but I love them. Looks like he has socks on.

[Hurtwood Dogs]

Thanks. I think I'm doing it the right way. I'll introduce the metal brush now, as he has a thick coat. He's not at all bad if he gets treats. He stands still, and lets me brush him, but if the treats go, brush is in mouth. Can I ask why it's better to groom him on the table than the floor?

If it's a small table or (ironing board! ) he has less space to mess around that's all... if he's on the floor he only has the brush and play to focus on and it's likely he'll be more inclined to mess about with that rather than concentrate on balancing or not falling off. It just helps and is personal choice whether you do it that way or not but a lot less necessary when they are older and used to it all and a bit calmer.

Hannah x