Background: I brought our pup home at 3 months of age. She had one bath a month in our tub until she was 6 months. At which time I went to a facility that had a DIY grooming station. It was a horrible experience from the start. I believe i rushed her into it too quickly. She bit me when i tried to use air dryer on her there...didnt draw blood, but got her point across. Since I have reverted to bathing her at home in our tub, where she is most comfortable. I towel dry her. And it seems to be going fine. I want to get an air dryer for our home, but am worried about her getting aggressive when I try to use it. She will let me brush her all day, everyday. But she still isnt fond of the tub, either. I need advice. Should I bath her more frequently so she learns its a way of life and shed better get on board? I take my time, use high value treats, etc. But she seems to just not like water. She wont even swim in the creek nearby. Anyone have a newf that doesnt like water?!?
Trouble grooming
- Thread starter Sadie2016
- Start date
Brandie&Maggie
New member
Keep doing what you are doing for the bath. We have a sprayer that attaches to the shower head to help with tub baths. We have never been able to use ones of those DIY places.
For the dryer, start with your hair dryer. Start it far away and let her come close - lure her with treats. Praise when she gets near it. Don't point it at her. The next time, turn it on and let her get close. Then work your way up to gently blowing it on her (on the cool setting). Start over with a real dryer. Take your time - lots of treats and praise. It will happen.
As far as swimming, you need to introduce it just like anything else. My Maggie girl would go in but only if we were in. We gradually got her in by standing in the shallow and luring her around my body with a treat. On the front of me she was standing - behind she had to paddle a couple of steps. Take your time and use high value treats. She may never love it, but you can try!
For the dryer, start with your hair dryer. Start it far away and let her come close - lure her with treats. Praise when she gets near it. Don't point it at her. The next time, turn it on and let her get close. Then work your way up to gently blowing it on her (on the cool setting). Start over with a real dryer. Take your time - lots of treats and praise. It will happen.
As far as swimming, you need to introduce it just like anything else. My Maggie girl would go in but only if we were in. We gradually got her in by standing in the shallow and luring her around my body with a treat. On the front of me she was standing - behind she had to paddle a couple of steps. Take your time and use high value treats. She may never love it, but you can try!
Darwinsnewfie@1855
New member
Is she tethered when you are drying her. My 9 month old pup never nipped me, however, if she is not tethered when the dryer is on she tries to nip at the dryer. I think the noise really scares them.
She was tethered at the time when I used the air dryer on her. She was going for the air hose and caught my hand instead. I give her a chewy while I towel dry her at home and she is very polite and doesnt need to be tethered when it happens. Is there a good way to get her over the noise?? I doubt theres a dryer that is silent because of the power behind them, but maybe I could find a quiet one...?
Brandie&Maggie...what type of attachment do you use for your shower?? I cant seem to find one with a long enough hose to reach her whole body without making her turn a bunch of times. Also, she is gray in color so I dont want to use the black shampoos that ive seen, but do you have a recommendation? Shes had a flaky skin a few times, but i attributed it to not being fully dried, almost impossible when towel drying!
Darwinsnewfie@1855
New member
The K-9 III is a really good dryer. There is a member on this site who is a distributor. If you look through some of the older grooming threads, you will see how much people love it.
Brandie&Maggie
New member
We have this one http://www.petsmart.com/supplies-tr...36-catid-100096?var_id=36-12686&_t=pfm=search
It works fine.
Don't use any of the colored shampoo - that is mainly for showing.
We use Earth Bath shampoo & conditioner. usually the oatmeal one.
Put some shampoo in a large pitcher or bucket and dilute it with water, then pour onto her and scrub. Don't put the shampoo directly on the dog straight from the bottle. It does the job and is easier to rinse if diluted. Same for conditioner.
See my post above for how to get her used to the noise/sensation of the dryer. :sunflower: