Author Topic: 8 month cocker - grooming issues  (Read 1290 times)

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Offline zazous

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8 month cocker - grooming issues
« on: August 11, 2021, 12:23:47 PM »
Hi

I have an 8 month cocker who is super lovely and everything I ever wanted in a canine best friend :luv: I had three blue roan spaniels consecutively growing up and they're the only breed I ever considered getting.

Jack is clingy and follows me everywhere, but am reasonably confident I can make progress there. He barks and whinnies a bit when left alone but don't think it's 'separation anxiety' per se, he just prefers company.

What's making ME anxious is grooming, or to be specific, fur and claw trimming :'(

I've spent around 6 weeks getting him accustomed to a super-quiet grinder and he'll tolerate it turned on and tapping his paws. But any attempt to lift his paw and he pulls away.

I'm hoping his claws will wear down naturally as he's walked daily on concrete, but that still leave the dew claws...

His first trip to the groomer resulted in him being washed (he actually jumps into the bath!) but that was as far as she got. She couldn't get anywhere near him with scissors or clippers, just too wriggly.

It feels like I've almost broken the internet looking for tips, ideas and solutions and the worry that this is how it'll always be is hugely detracting from the joy of having a puppy.

I've got a high workbench which now plan to groom him on daily with high-value treats, but so far (day 3) he's refusing to even sniff at his treats and just tries to get away.

Thoughts?

Offline phoenix

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Re: 8 month cocker - grooming issues
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2021, 06:03:36 PM »
Maybe a different groomer?  Bobby was impossible at home, and was successfully done by one groomers, but I wasn’t happy with the staff and a production line. You have to ask complete strangers with well groomed dogs about where they go.  So I was directed to a wonderful groomer who was into dog psychology.   She was so confident, calm and quiet, even I  felt hypnotised.  All the owners I met said their dogs were perfect with her.
My daughters dog is awkward, so he’s  booked In as first customer for quietness.  She showed us a special way to hold a front leg from the shoulder . At first , keep the paw on the table  and cut round the bottom, try and do the top. It helps sometimes to lift the other leg so they keep the foot down.  Doing between the pads needs two people, with the leg hold,  turning the paw in on itself so you snip from behind.
It’s good your groomer did not force your pup past the bath.
I wasn’t worried about hand stripping, or close clipping.  I often used a Mars Coat King, a narrow rake with sharp edges, which is good for thinning, keeping the length.  However,  he  wouldn’t tolerate me doing much!
RIP Marti  the EPI springer age 12,  and beloved black cocker Bobby, 8 yrs old, too soon, from PLN.
Now owned by TInker, tiny hairy grey poodle/terrier rescue from Greece and Jack, local rescue,   scruffy ginger terrier mutt.

Offline zazous

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Re: 8 month cocker - grooming issues
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2021, 08:26:28 PM »
Thanks for your response. I have zero experience or frame of reference of dog groomers but this place was recommended by a friend.

My instinct is that the groomer loved dogs, knew not to push them and sensed my 'stressed vibe' and was reassuring.

She also came out to talk to me for a good 10 minutes after about how I could help Jack and to come back in a couple of weeks time.

I'm hoping that after a few more visits - I'll call it a day at six and try elsewhere - that Jack will get to know the groomer and settle.

Thanks again.