Being a mum is quite possibly one of the most challenging jobs globally. Raising kids, working, and doing other motherly things take up a significant part of your daily life. You barely have any time for yourself most of the time. What more if you also have to look after a furry friend at home and your dog hates being groomed?
Like many families, you might own a dog or two. And just like children, dogs need constant attention and care. But what if it’s hard for you to groom your precious dog? Here’s a list of things you can do to groom your unwilling furry baby:
Distract Your Furry Member
Even if you’ve got hypoallergenic dogs, you’ll still need to groom and bathe them regularly. Unfortunately, many a dog hates being groomed and they can get very anxious about it. . So, how do you deal with it when your dog hates being groomed?
Dogs are like kids, sometimes. If you can find ways to make your children eat their veggies, you can do the same for your dog to get brushed. And the best, foolproof way to get a dog looking the other direction is through food.
Find a chew toy or any small object that can hide food or kibble, like a rubber treat dispenser for dogs. Your four-legged friend will put all their energy and focus into getting treats out of the toy and eating it, giving you leeway to brush their fur or clip the claws.
When your pet becomes more comfortable with grooming, you can do away with the treats and the toys.
Know Their Triggers
One primary reason your dog hates being groomed could be that it fears something associated with it. Whatever that is, you need to find out what it is, so you and your dog will be more at peace during future grooming sessions.
Reintroduce these triggers to your furry member slowly. Hypoallergenic dogs need regular brushing. If the trigger is a brush, take this out and show it to them, then put it back where it came from. You can also show the item along with your dog’s favourite treat. Doing this helps them associate grooming tools with positive feelings. Do the same for any grooming object they’re scared of one by one.
When doing this method, stay in a neutral area of your house, like the living room or porch. Place the brush or other grooming tools near your dog and touch them with it. You don’t have to brush their fur.
Turn Grooming Sessions Into Bonding Sessions
Spending time with your kids is crucial to strengthening your bond with them. The same is true of hanging out with your four-legged companion. And if you’ve got hypoallergenic dogs, you’ll have to groom them as often as possible, even if they don’t shed.
Never groom your dog after scolding them or after they’ve done something negative. Your dog will think brushing or taking a bath is a punishment rather than something that benefits them. Don’t wait for when your dog desperately needs to be groomed either.
When grooming, use positive reinforcement, like treats and a lot of pats. Avoid speaking in a harsh tone too. Dogs will know if you’re mad. So, keep your voice as measured and calm as you can.
Try building a DIY dog washing station if you’ve got the time and budget. This dedicated area will make baths more comfortable and safer for both you and your dog. And to make doggie bath sessions more fun, why not let your kids tag along? You’ll get to teach them how to be responsible pet owners, as well as let them bond with you and their furry member.
Stop When You Need To
Some dogs are more impatient and irritable than others. If your dog hates being groomed, get getting your dog used to regular grooming sessions might take you a while, especially when you’re taking things slow.
During the grooming session, your dog may struggle several times. When this happens, gently talk to your dog and tell them they’re safe. Try not to give treats or coddle them, though. You might encourage them to act like this more often.
But when your dog begins to show continuous signs of discomfort or agitation, stop the grooming immediately. Don’t give any treats for their actions, then try to groom them again the next day.
Establishing a routine will help your furry baby get over their fear and anxiety of grooming. Brush them before or after feeding or every morning when you wake up.
Reward Them After Grooming
People and dogs both enjoy getting a little prize after a job well done. After every successful session, reward your four-legged companion with all the cuddles and treats they deserve. They’ll soon start to connect grooming time with fun and bits of food.
So, get them used to regular grooming before they get fleas and other canine skin conditions. Issues like these can also affect you and your family. Hence, it’s best to avoid them from happening early or at all.
Life Doesn’t Need To Be Rough
Keeping a dog at home is a big responsibility, just like having kids. For mums with both, you’ve got your hands full 24/7, most likely.
Always make time for your dog the same way you do with your kids. Regular grooming keeps your pet healthier and happier, whether you have a hypoallergenic dog or a short-haired one. In the end, you and your family will feel the same too.
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