Dog Grooming

[spotit3]

My mimiature schnauzer really hates being brished or groomed in any way. It is so bad that I have to muzzle her even when brushing her very lightly. Even muzzled she goes mad. Any suggestions. She is quiet good any other time.

[B00]

What about those glove type things? Maybe she'll think you're just stroking her when you do it?

[spotit3]

Thanks, but have already tried them with no improvement.

[LottieAnne]

Maybe your dog has had a bad experience with brushing or grooming at some time. Try a very soft hair brush - a baby's brush would be ideal. Just give her one stroke then give her a treat. Repeat two or three times. Next time try two strokes and treat. Gradually increase the number of strokes between the treats. In this way your dog will gradually learn that being brushed is a pleasant experience. Be very careful to avoid using a brush or comb which drags at the fur and pulls it out. You can buy combs now which have revolving teeth which do not pull the hair or fur too hard. Good luck

[spotit3]

Thanks a lot, will try that.

[robotics]

Forget brushing for now, there seem to be a problem,

Start again, get the brush out, let the dog sniff it etc, but don't brush the dog,

Change the brush then again do the above, but make it a fun game,

gradually attempt to brush your dog but don't expect miricles on the first atempt, priase your dog in the most rediculous tone you have every used when the dog allows the brush to touch his coat.

You have to make it fun not a chore!!!!


joanne

mygermanshepherd.co.uk

[Pajama Girl]

Mini Schnauzers as a breed are notorious for this behaviour. I show Scotties and groom all the terrier breeds so I have a little experience here.

I believe that mini Schnauzers have very sensitive skin and the tiniest tangle drives them wild. They have not been abused in my experience. They are truly uncomfortable when groomed.

Here's my suggestion: keep their back coat quite short and their leg hair scissored in a column but pretty short. The face and ears should be very short and the beard should be correct length (not too long, not too short).

Before washing them, use dog conditioner on the dry leg hair and tummy hair. You will see the little tangles when the hair is wet with the conditioner. Use a low heat hair dryer on the conditioned coat to really get the individual hairs deeply conditioned. Gently comb out any little tangles by holding the hair at the skin to protect the dog from feeling a strong pull. If the tangles will not comb out, carefully cut the smallest amount out to remove the tangle. Do not cut the skin. (They will never forgive you!) You should be able to comb the legs and tummy without encountering a tangle before you wash the dog.

Wash the dog with a good dog shampoo. Don't scrub them which will make new tangles. Rinse really really well. Condition normally. Let set. Rinse normally.

Towel carefully trying to avoid the scrubbing action especially on the beard, legs and tummy. Comb out the wet coat. Now this is the really important part: Completely Comb Out the wet coat everywhere -- face, eyebrows, legs and tummy.

Now you can let the dog air dry or use low heat hair dryer. Use a comb or a nice pin brush to fluff the leg hair as you dry.

You will need to muzzle her -- which is also a problem because mini schnauzers hate being muzzled and are quite strong. Strong enough to rip the muzzle off!

I'm going

[Pajama Girl]

Sorry spotit3. I think I touched the wrong button.

If you feel you can't do this, find a very patient groomer who will help you.

Alo the best.

[lankeela]

Yes I agree, find a groomer! They have the knack of handling them, and dogs often perform better for someone else.

[spotit3]

Thanks to everyone. All the answers were very helpful.
She does get groomed and clipped every few months but I always feel bad when the groomer tells me she has tats and I ought to brush her more!