Brushing Your Dog Has Never Been Easier

As a general rule, dogs should be brushed weekly. You may need to brush more frequently, depending on your dog’s coat needs. When discussing the importance of brushing with students in my dog training class, many admitted skipping it because it’s such a chore for them. So I asked all of my students to bring their dog brush to the following class, and then I understood their struggle. After a few minutes of practicing the three tips below, we had quietly lying dogs and pet owners actually enjoying the dog brushing process. Give these tips a try and let me know your thoughts!

Make Him Stand Still

By far, this was the biggest obstacle to stress-free brushing. Dogs don’t understand they should stay completely still, as they were never taught that. Remember teaching your child to stay still while you coiffed his hair or pulled her hair into the perfect ponytail for school? Yup, it’s the same thing.

Watching students struggle to keep their dogs still with one hand and brush with the other was a sight to see. If your treat hand moves even a tiny bit, your dog’s head will move too. He’s following the treat. Frustration builds quickly!

Instead of holding treats in one hand, smear peanut butter or cream cheese along a vertical wall. Bathroom tile is best. Please don’t use dry wall :). Keep smearing within a 3 x 3 inch area to prevent your dog from moving around. With this method, you can really get some brushing done now that both hands are free.

You can also smear peanut butter on floor tile or all along the inside of a heavy plate placed on the floor–weight keeps it from sliding around while your dog licks. As you’re brushing, keep an eye on the smeared peanut butter supply and reapply when needed.

Before you frown at the fact it took several spoons of peanut butter to brush your dog, you have to admit it was super easy. Plus, the smeared treats are teaching your dog to enjoy brushing and standing still. See, it’s not a bribe!

WATCH: Make Brushing Your Dog Much Easier – Standing Still

https://youtu.be/54vdWZSphFY

Rotate Your Dog’s Body Effortlessly

For long-coated dog breeds, it’s probably easier to brush your dog while he’s lying on his side on the floor. Once that side is done, it’s time to turn him over to brush the other side. Instead of pushing and pulling, try luring him to lie on his side.

Place several treats in a small bowl on the floor and have a seat next to it. Hold a treat on your dog’s nose and lure him onto the ground. Refrain from saying “down” because you’re teaching him to lie on his side instead; it’s totally different than laying down. Once his elbows and behind touches the ground, keep the treat on his nose and slowly turn it toward his shoulder.

A funny thing begins to happen when he follows the treat. His body turns sideways and he ends up lying down. Bingo, give him the treat. Afterwards, ask your dog to stand. If he doesn’t stand on cue, ask him to “touch” your hand, which will help him stand up. Now, practice luring him onto his other side. You’ll find some dogs have an easier time turning their body in a certain direction, so be patient. (We’re the same way.) Practice several times before introducing any type of brushing.

When first brushing your dog, give him a treat once he’s lying on his side. Brush once and then give him a treat for staying still, then brush twice and reward. You can see the pattern. If he’s struggling to lie still, have someone hold a food stuffed toy next to his face, so he can happily lick while you brush.

WATCH: Teach Your Dog How to Roll on His Side

https://youtu.be/bPlN5WWsLVQ

Use the Right Brush

When brushing your dog, make sure the right brush removes the maximum amount of loose hair. Super short-coated breeds need a rubber currycomb that won’t damage their exposed skin. Use a slicker brush for short- to medium-coated breeds, but never push down since it may cause skin abrasions. Long coats tangle and break easily, so I recommend using a pin brush.

Brushing should be bonding time for you and your fuzzy friend, so never rush through it. Relax and soon your dog will fall asleep once the brush touches his body.