Problems grooming 5-month Schnauzer Puppy

by Denise
(Nottingham, UK)

My little 5mth old mini is a nightmare to brush, she has had her first puppy haircut about 3 weeks ago, and because I want to brush her every day in between her visits to groomers I was wondering if anyone out there has got any good tips on me being able to control her tantrums when being brushed?
I have bought a little grooming table with restraints on, but it doesn't stop her from being silly and nipping (that's another issue I've had with her from 12wks old...lol)....
But, I really don't want to stress her out and hate being groomed, I would love to get to a stage that she looks forward to our time of brushing and bonding sessions....anyone else had this problem?

Thank you :)

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Jun 29, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		What about her overall social skills?
by: Betsy, Alpharetta

How is she at all other times? Is she good at sitting, staying, and the other important commands? And, are you diligently working on her behavior? I ask this because most groomers say the most difficult dogs to groom are the ones who have not been taught the various social skills at home.

Assuming she is well trained, then I'd follow Michele's advice and gently begin to introduce her to grooming. Make it a daily 5 minute activity with a special reward after. Maybe a tummy rub or something she really likes. Then increase the duration each day.

As things fall into place, you both will begin to look forward to the grooming times.
Jun 28, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Grooming Millie..
by: Michele

Your groomer should be STRUCK OFF suggesting a "Sleeping Pill " as this is completely out of order and you should not go to this Groomer ever again as goodness knows what she might do to Millie if you are not there... and especially if she gives Millie a pill.
As for you grooming her legs, I suggest you get a very good friend who knows Millie to help you and please persevere and you will be rewarded.. but never take her to any groomer again as she will get upset.. BE PATIENT.
Jun 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank You
by: Denise

Thank you Michele for your reply, I did start doing her on my knee and giving her a chew stick (to protect my poor hands:) but was finding it most difficult to groom her legs which are the parts of schnauzer in most need of grooming to avoid knots, doing her short hair coat on her back is a dream....I was struggling so much :(
Since I wrote my post Millie had another appointment at the groomers and to say it was disastrous is an understatement!! I was appalled and extremely upset in what I witnessed on collecting Millie that day...the groomer was "man handling her, scruffed her neck! and then had the audacity to say to me "this dog needs a sleeping pill to calm down!!!" I was in shock!!! I do not ever treat my dog this way!! I want to teach her in Positive reinforcement not have a poor dog do its told out of fear!!....
anyway, now I got that off my chest :) I will go back to grooming her on my lap, keep it short and sweet for a while :)
once again, thank you for your reply.

Denise
Jun 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Grooming
by: Michele

Oh Gosh .. you are having a problem... Restraints are NOT a good idea... this is maybe why she is getting tantrums whilst you are brushing her. Perhaps your groomer has restrained her whilst she was there?
I have never restrained any of my puppies, as I always groom them on my knee, and talk to them. Benji, my ten week old little boy is a bit of a nightmare and likes to chew the brush, but I do not get cross, nor do I restrain him, as he will learn that being groomed is making him look good! I have yet to use the clippers on his head, chest and ears, but I will be with my groomer when that time comes as she does not use restraints.
Hope she improves and BE PATIENT.. remember to give her a treat when she behaves and she will associate that, and think I get goodies when I'm good and still... try grooming her on your knee, or on the floor, with either the TV on or the radio....

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