Brushing, nail trims, grooming can be happy & relaxed

So what to do with a dog who objects to brushing, nail clipping, bathing, veterinary exams/vaccines, or things that we need to do?
When we train dogs to choose to participate in these husbandry activities (called Cooperative Care), it makes the process easier and less frustrating for all, and preserves a positive and trusting relationship between human and dog.

Below is a little bit about cooperative care and the work Malli and Leroy have done in Day Training :

• Cooperative care is training, and a training process, with the goal of having the dog (or cat, parrot, lion, rhinoceros, polar bear, or even crocodile!) understand the handling or procedure they are involved in, and choosing to participate.
• These are just a few of Day Trainer Leroy’s cooperative care skills: mouth handling/teeth brushing, voluntary muzzling, feet handling/hair trimming, brushing of the body and detangling longer areas… did I miss any?!
• Leroy cooperates and “opts in” by placing his chin on the towel (on the chair) and holding it in place, or by moving his face into the muzzle. If he lifts his chin, changes position, or otherwise becomes uncomfortable, we stop, however if he can cooperate he knows yummy snacks abound!
• Training Leroy in cooperative care allows his people to be able to examine him, keep his coat brushed, feet trimmed, etc, in a manner that is low stress for all (humans and dogs) involved. This also preserves and strengthens their relationship and trust.
• Please note that the muzzle is “for practice”, and all skills were trained at a level where Leroy was comfortable and the muzzle was not needed.   

Malli Hutchings is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer located on the Southern End of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.