This is me grooming one of my behavior cases. Where is the biting, alligator rolling, snarling, and flailing? Why aren't I wrestling with the dog and dodging teeth? Why aren't I using a muzzle, Elizabethan collar, belly band, groomers helper, or other tools to make him hold still so I can get the job done faster and more efficiently? Why isn't this dog a matted mess? You may be thinking that this dog is fine for grooming. Here's the thing- If you're working to teach the dog to be good for grooming it's about as interesting as watching paint dry. We don't want the dog to get scared, feel threatened, or be pushed to aggressive displays.
I'm working on Calm, Comfortable, and Cooperative( the 3C's) and Groom S.M.A.R.T. principles. This is really just basic handling skills. This is not the only training that we did or the only training that we will do. This is a modified grooming session with modified expectations. This is a 2-year-old Pomeranian working through difficulty with being brushed, being dried with the high-velocity dryer, and we're working around a short adolescent attention span.
Groom S.M.A.R.T.
*S* Start with the 3C's. We want pets to feel safe.
*M* Maintain the 3C's. Try to help dogs be comfortable through the process.
*A* Act the 3C's. We need to be Calm and relaxed, Comfortable with the dog, and willing to Cooperate with the dog.
*R* Return to the 3C's. When dogs start having a hard time, we help them calm down again.
*T* Teach the 3C's. Pets are learning the entire time. We want them to trust us and build toward future grooming sessions.
I removed the audio because there was music playing in the background and YouTube wouldn't let me share it. I was playing "Through A Dog's Ear" calming music for dogs.
