Brushing Your Dog at Home
Brushing and combing a dog can be a tedious task for pet owners. Often the dog doesn’t like it or wiggles around too much. But there are steps you can take to make this an easier, more pleasant task for all involved.
When first beginning it is best to have frequent but short sessions, perhaps three to five minutes a day. Once your dog is trained you can lengthen the session and decrease the frequency. For most breeds brushing once or twice a week is enough, but for those with long hair such as Yorkshire Terriers or Lhasa Apsos in full coat daily brushing or combing may be necessary.
Have the correct tools.
For short haired dogs — like Dobermans or Beagles — a rubber curry brush, boar bristle brush and a de-shedding tool, such as a Furminator, work well.
Slicker brushes and greyhound combs are used on furry dogs such as Golden Retrievers and dogs with long coats like Shih Tzus.
Have the correct tools.
For short haired dogs — like Dobermans or Beagles — a rubber curry brush, boar bristle brush and a de-shedding tool, such as a Furminator, work well.
Slicker brushes and greyhound combs are used on furry dogs such as Golden Retrievers and dogs with long coats like Shih Tzus.
Make it a routine.
It’s important to have an area designated for the task. Trying to brush your dog while sitting on the couch watching TV can be confusing for a pet. Normally that is where they relax or play. A better approach is to always brush them in a specific area.
For smaller dogs the top of the washer or dryer work well. It’s a comfortable height for the pet owner and if the dog is used to going to a groomer it’s very similar to being on a grooming table.
For larger dogs a specific place on a porch or in a garage will work. Take your pet to that same area every time you brush them. Eventually they will learn that when in that area it is time to settle down and be brushed.
Make it a happy and enjoyable time for your pet!
At first, this may not be easy. When they are behaving, praise them. Sometimes it’s best to stick with the word “no,” or not to say anything at all when they are being difficult and use words and inflection of praise when they are being good.
One thing that is very important is to only stop brushing or combing when the dog is behaving. If you stop when they are being difficult, they’ve just learned that whatever they are doing worked because it made you stop….and that’s not a good thing for them to know!
Always end the process on a positive note. Treats can come in handy here. I recommend waiting until the end of the task to give a treat so that pets have something to look forward to and that signals the session is finished. This encourages them to be good, enjoy the praise while being worked on, and know when they are free to go.
When first beginning it is best to have frequent but short sessions, perhaps three to five minutes a day. Once your dog is trained you can lengthen the session and decrease the frequency.
For most breeds brushing once or twice a week is enough, but for those with long hair such as Yorkshire Terriers or Lhasa Apsos in full coat daily brushing or combing may be necessary.
