HELP! MY DOG HATES THE BRUSH

handling workshop

This workshop will teach you how to successfully handle your dog.

You will learn

Why your dog is refusing to let you touch him and what he's trying to tell you.
How to show him in dog language that you're not trying to kill him.
How to successfully approach your dog to groom him.
How to keep your dog calm when putting on equipment.

Friday, 1st March '24
18:00
90 minutes, £17

THE BEST BITS

Mixed age workshop. It's never too late to start teaching your dog handling and grooming isn't scary. Whether you've had a bad start or no start at all, I've got you covered. No dog is ever doomed to be untouchable or skittish forever. I'll teach you how to convince even the most stubborn dog that grooming is alright.

(Puppies attending need to be fully vaccinated.)

Small group of 4 so everyone gets ample attention, gets to ask questions and on the spot coaching. Avonmouth community centre has on site parking, too and a clean, versatile space with a secure outdoor area for potty breaks (Or a breather for your dog. You could be surprised how tiring learning is!). I always make sure your dog's wellbeing is taken care of.

Resources and post workshop help. You will leave knowing where you've gone wrong with handling your dog and what to do next. You will understand basic principles of how to get your dog to stay put whilst you're brushing them, wiping their paws or brushing their teeth. I want you to be successful and confident so I'll be on hand for 4 weeks after to help you troubleshoot what you've put into practice.

The dos and don'ts You might have tried food and distractions and you can only get a few seconds of brushing before your dog snaps or runs away. Or you don't even know where to start because your puppy bites the brush the moment it touches their back. I'll teach you why it hasn't worked at what to do instead.

Why care about what your dog thinks about being handled?

Save My Spot!

My dog goes to the groomer.

But can you wipe his feet when you need to when come home from a walk ? If your answer is 'not easily' then your dog might be telling you being touched is a problem.

My dog is healty

If I were to list 3 most important things I've learnt from having dogs is that health is unpredictable. Dressing changes and giving medicine is stressful even if your dog is normally chilled. Pain and discomfort make them see the world in a more pessimistic way. Can you be the calm presence when they're hurt?

My dog is cuddly

One of my teachers says "Context is king!". And in fact, your dog operates in exactly this way. I'm sure you can tell going to the vets is a completely different kettle of fish. Or when your dog sees another dog.

Communication is key

CALMNESS - You need to know how to communicate calmness. Excited animals act stupid. I'm sure you can relate!
EMOTIONS - why is your dog acting out? It's only a brush after all. Or is it? Emotions rule behaviour. What is your dog telling you?
CONFIDENCE - and expectations are key. Does your dog feel safe, therefore confident in what's happening when they're being handled? Do you know how to approach your dog so he doesn't run off when you need to check him when he comes back from a walk limping?
FUN - have you found it hard to teach your dog anything because he's not interested unless you have super nice food? Fun helps you get the training done, too.

I can't wait to teach you why dogs avoid touch and how emotions affect behaviour.

We will play The 1-2-3-4 game, I'll teach you how to ask your dog to stay still for you and even a game for muzzles (I'll explain why at the workshop).

Confidence affects everything else in life and considering how much we touch our dogs they are very opinionated on what we can touch, right? Let's change that.

See you there!

Dominika