Every dog at some point in their life will need to be groomed. It’s important to get them comfortable with the tools you’ll be using for both you and your dog.
How to Introduce:
- Choose a grooming tool that you expect your dog to be neutral about (we’re using a brush in this video but this process applies to all grooming tools).
- For example if your dog is concerned about getting their nails trimmed, but is o.k. with being brushed start this exercise using the brush.
- Hold the tool up for the dog to see, mark (click), give them a treat. While they are eating their treat, put the brush behind your back.
- Repeat step 2 until the dog is comfortable with the tool being presented in this first location.
- Once your dog is comfortable with step 3, present the brush a little closer to them, mark (click), and treat. Again repeating the presentation to the same location until your dog is o.k. with the tool at this distance from them.
- If at any time your dog disengages from the training or shows stress signals make the game easier for them by placing the tool further from them.
- Repeat the process above moving the brush incrementally closer as your dog remains comfortable.
Note: You can use this same process for any handling exercises you need to do with your dog.