hurricane Shih-Tzu

[canadaone]

Hi
I have a Shih-Tzu, which, as you know, should be groomed (brushed) every day, or he will get matted. But he hates being grooomed, and squirms the whole time almost. I try to be gentle with him. I use a brush with plastic not metal so it does not hurt. He especially hates me trying to brush his underside. Any tips for me?

 

[Pam111]

Try brushing small sections at a time and praising and offering treats. Eventually, you can work up to brushing the whole dog at once. You have to make it really pleasant for him so he will look forward to grooming

 

[PoodleMommy]

Try brushing small sections at a time and praising and offering treats. Eventually, you can work up to brushing the whole dog at once. You have to make it really pleasant for him so he will look forward to grooming

I agree with this advice.

As well, I dont know the condition of the coat but if the dog is already very matted, you may want to have it professionally groomed and cut down first. Brushing out mats is very painful and you dont want this to be the first experience the animals has with brushing.

 

[youbetcha1018]

Give him a haircut in order to lessen the grooming.Cuz short hair needs less grooming.

 

[Tankstar]

Making grooming a small thing, do it for a few minutes a day. in small sections, praising and giving treats. If he struggles, dont just let him free, as this will just let him think *if I struggle, I get what I want*

Give him a haircut in order to lessen the grooming.Cuz short hair needs less grooming.

depending. if its short to the skin, like right on the skin. becuase even short fur can mat VERY easily.

 

[kaponte]

Making grooming a small thing, do it for a few minutes a day. in small sections, praising and giving treats. If he struggles, dont just let him free, as this will just let him think *if I struggle, I get what I want*

This is exactly the key. You need to show your pooch that it's time for grooming and there's nothing that'll change your mind about it. My husband trains as a hobby and we found out that it all comes down to basics when grooming: entice and reward. Try this:

1. Fill the bowl and place it in front of you two. Do not allow him to go to the bowl. Wait a couple of minutes (and after a few corrections) before you start the session.
2. Focus on a section (say the head) while talking softly to him.
3. Praise him for cooperating and let him eat.
4. After he finishes eating, praise him again and finish the back and legs.

Repeat these the very next day but instead this time cover the head and neck. Work progressively for the next 5 days and by the 6th day, groom him completely before allowing him to eat. Let me know if it works and good luck!

 

[noa]

I agree with what others have said, and would also add that certain brushes/combs are more agreeable. My Noa is a Havanese, and we also have to groom daily. i start with a medium rotating comb (the teeth rotate so it doesn't pull her hair as much) and then progress to the finer tooth comb. We also use a pin brush, it's metal but I tested it on my arm and it's a good brush. By testing it i mean running the brush (or comb, it works with both) down my forearm - if it's rough or scratchy, leaves red lines, or is in any way uncomfortable it's not a good brush. I've found that combing is far more effective for mat-prevention though. We do as much as she'll let me at a time - at 7 1/2 months she's learned that all the squirming in the world won't make her grooming sessions go away, and she's gotten pretty good at sitting still for me. Of course there are also treats involved; I usually bring the treat out so she knows it's on its way, and don't give it to her until we're finished. it's good incentive for her to let me do my thing...

 

[jacko]

try to use your hand and rub his fur so he can get used to it.. then use brush..