Brushing problems

*As Good As It Gets* · Junior Member Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 61 Location: NC

Casey is terrified of being brushed- always has been. I have tried 4 different types of brushes. I've tried giving him the brush to play around with (mouth, etc) but to no avail. Right now it's not so big of an issue but I worried that when his hair gets longer- it will NEED brushed.
Does anyone have any tips for me?
He likes baths and being petted etc but now it's to the point where he just SEES a brush and starts flipping out.

SadieFern · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:39 pm Post subject:

I just heard/read somewhere that
1) let them sniff the brush
2) talk to them in soothing tones as you're brushing them
3) If all else fails, give them treats while you're brushing them
_________________
~Julie~ Mom to three kids and two furbabies!
Sadie is a labradoodle, born 10/07, Jonas is a cockapoo born 6/08.

MaxandMe · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:47 pm Post subject:

mine all tried to bite the brush hahaha forgot who tried to run away

anyway, i would take the brush out daily at nighttime when they're tired and sit down with them on the floor and slowly brush them talking in nice calm tone.
anytime they try to bite it i say NO softly and then praise themfor sitting or laying still.

i know for some dogs it can take a few weeks before they are comfortable with being brushed

MINE now stand in line waiting Shocked

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TNVOL · Junior Member Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 41

Vegas didn't like the brush right away either. He hates the comb! I give him treats and hold him firmly. He tolerates it. Last night he was working on a bully stick while I brushed him.

Something I tried that seemed to work is to stroke him with the backside of the brush/comb at first (the site without tines). This helped him get used to being touched by the brush, withour actually brushing him.

Doodlesville · Senior Member Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Posts: 1903 Location: VA

Casey has been brushed since he was really little here
we start them getting used to that starting at a very early age
please call me

what i think has happened is that you have let him get away with bad behaviour ...dont give him the brush,
now you will need to start over

have a extra person to help,, sit down in front of tv
someone hold him, then brush gently being as calm as you can be
if he gives you a fight get onto him
continue brushing,dont let him win!!!

steve and i are always here ,,just call Smile

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Nancy at Doodlesville(Virginia)
www.Doodlesville.net
Aussiedoodles, Goldendoodles &
F1/F1B Labradoodles,

Breeding only Early Generation Doodles!
Keeping the Original Goals for this breed First!!
We do NOT Breed Australian Labradoodles!!

lmtoth2 · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:

I agree with what the other said...we got lazy and weren't brushing Dexter enough and he started hating it. I recently started brushing him every other day (or everyday). We go to a room where he cannot escape and I calmly brush him. He still tries to escape, but I hold his collar for much of it so he can't. I'll take breaks in the middle to pet him and give him kisses so he will learn it's a good thing. I always give him a treat when we're finished too.

We have to work on Kirby next...he barely mats though.
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Leslie M

doodleallday · Junior Member Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 72

kind of off the topic, but - what kind of brush do you find works best? I've tried a few different kinds on Libby but they all make her end up looking like she's got a 'Fro! (puffy all over)

Doodlesville · Senior Member Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Posts: 1903 Location: VA

I use the Les Pooch brushes,,love them
Petedge came out with a flexible head brush that is almost as good and alot cheaper
_________________
Nancy at Doodlesville(Virginia)
www.Doodlesville.net
Aussiedoodles, Goldendoodles &
F1/F1B Labradoodles,

Breeding only Early Generation Doodles!
Keeping the Original Goals for this breed First!!
We do NOT Breed Australian Labradoodles!!

TNVOL · Junior Member Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 41

I have the les pooches (purple mat buster/zapper) for Vegas. This seems to work well, especially around his tail area which gets some tangles/dreadlocks. It does leave him puffy though.

I actually spray the brush with scented detangler prior to brushing, which leaves his fur moist and then it gets its waves back and he smells nice.

L's Mom · Senior Member Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 1092 Location: GA

Yup, I just get them at night when they are tired, and do it softly at first, if they resist, I don't stop, if they move, I follow them...

Soon, they tolerate it, and then they don't mind it and then they actually start to enjoy it!!!

OH!! You must also tell them how GORGEOUS they are while you are brushing them!!!
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Jenny, Sam, Lucas, & Della