Photo courtesy of Long Beach Animal Hospital.
This article is the eighth in Dr. Palazzolo’s series on dog behavior.
The next goal is to prepare your puppy to be handled, restrained and groomed throughout its life.
One of the saddest things to see is a dog that is absolutely terrified of something as simple as a nail trim. I have seen dogs lose control of bodily functions, scream in terror, struggle violently, and bite and scratch in their frantic attempts to avoid what seems to us like a normal manicure. Some dogs have to be sedated or even anesthetized for this simple procedure. Others go without nail trims, which might result in dangerously long nails that can get caught in carpeting and can also cause the dog to adopt an unnatural gait, which can cause joint discomfort. It doesn’t have to be this way. All dogs will eventually have to be groomed, vaccinated, examined and at times restrained, so it’s best to teach your dog early in its life to if not enjoy these procedures, then at least allow them to be carried out.
A gradual process of desensitization to the equipment as well as the discomfort associated with many handling procedures will help your pup avoid the psychological trauma described above. It is easiest to teach a young pup to cope with being restrained if you do it at a very young age—6 to 10 weeks of age at best. Older puppies will struggle more and have developed more strength and coordination to resist your efforts. And in no case should this procedure turn into a wrestling match or a test of who is “dominant.” It is a natural reaction for animals to resist being restrained—it’s not a show of dominance! It’s scary to be restrained, and fight they will since they’re hardwired to do so.
Hold your puppy comfortably in your lap. Gently place your hands over his or her shoulders with the heels of your hands on the top and your fingers wrapping around on either side toward the chest. Briefly (no more than a second or two) apply a small amount of pressure, say “Yes!” To the puppy for not reacting (if the dog reacts, you are using too much pressure or holding on for too long), and give the pup a treat and pet and praise him or her. Gradually build on the pressure until you can exert a little more for longer periods of time without your pup resisting. Reward profusely each time. Slowly move on to legs and feet, using the same technique.
Gently open your pup’s mouth an inch or so. Say “Yes!” for no reaction (if he or she reacts, back up and just briefly touch the puppy’s lips or open the mouth less wide), and give the pup a treat and pet and praise him or her.. Gradually build up the pressure until you can open the mouth wider, move your fingers around the lips, and gently press down on the tongue.
Accustom your pup to all of the different tools used in grooming. This includes brushes, combs, scissors, and electric clippers. Place each item on the floor for the puppy to sniff. Reward for any curiosity or interaction with each item. Gradually build up to placing the brush in your hand and gently brushing.
It is especially important to get your pup used to the sound of electric clippers even if he or she will not be routinely groomed with them. Many veterinary procedures involve the use of them, and dogs are often afraid of the sound if they have never heard them before. Let the pup sniff them on the floor with the power off and give treats for sniffing them. Next, hold them and reward the pup for sniffing them. Then, turn the power on (be sure to hold it a few feet away from the pup initially) and toss treats!
Our website has even more handling information, including foot exams, nail trims, discomfort, and bandaging.