This is the name of an episode of the Dog Whisperer Show with Cesar Millan, Season 1, and also the nickname of our Chihuahua mix Jack, who way back was just this - a complete nightmare to groom he truly transformed into a Gremlin!
Jack would snarl and "air bite" whenever I came near him with a brush and as for scissors...then his growl sounded worse than one from Max the Dobey! Small Jack may be but is size only, he is a naturally high ranked dog who given the opportunity will dominate others! This was Jack dominating me, only alpha dogs get to choose who they groom and when/how they do it, Jack thinking he was higher ranked than me was warning me off.
Another reason dogs can become "grooming gremlins" is through fear - they are afraid as they have been hurt before (not deliberately but hair snagged with a comb for example or their mind reads the human's energy which may be over assertive) or they may simply have a general fearful/nervous nature, so they growl/bark basically to protest the grooming/vocalize their fear and it works - the owner stops and begins backing away so "hey" the dog knows this behaviour works to keep human from grooming them so guess what? They keep on doing it!
Either way a dog wins the context so they keep on repeating the unwanted behaviour and aggression indicates insecure dog (unstable mind) who needs our help.
With Jack the rehab began with me establishing myself as his Pack Leader, I would not allow any dominance posturing from this little dog, though he could look cute! Once I made a decision to groom him I had to check first that my energy was completely calm and assertive because any hesitation on my part would mean Jack would win again! Well he snarled, he yapped, he escalated his protest trying to bite me (and managed one time) but I did not back down, eventually he submitted to the grooming and to this day is no longer a gremlin - just ask the Dog Groomer!!
For Jack this process is part of discipline - after exercise and before affection = Jack is calm submissive before and during grooming..... sometimes he falls asleep!
Of course I am a professional - so folks don't try this at home unless you are very experienced with your dog who respects you as Pack Leader first - check out Cesar's Way or consult with a behaviourist first as such behaviour can be a symtom of many other underlying problems! IMPORTANT POINT - Any dog of course who seems to suffer pain when grooming 9aggression can be a reaction to physical pain) should consult with their vet first so the dog be checked-out first in case there is a medical expalantaion.
Remember Jack's top tip - growl and my owner stays away!! - So owners don't hesitate - be calm, be confident, be assertive = Be the Pack Leader and then you can groom whenever you wish! Remember too my top tip - If in doubt have your dog wear a muzzle as to get to practice reactive, unwanted, aggressive responses means the dog gets to practice the behaviour so they just get better at it - get in a pro to help you rehab and Stay Safe.
Another way to help a dog who is afraid of the brush/scissors coming up next.
Jack would snarl and "air bite" whenever I came near him with a brush and as for scissors...then his growl sounded worse than one from Max the Dobey! Small Jack may be but is size only, he is a naturally high ranked dog who given the opportunity will dominate others! This was Jack dominating me, only alpha dogs get to choose who they groom and when/how they do it, Jack thinking he was higher ranked than me was warning me off.
Another reason dogs can become "grooming gremlins" is through fear - they are afraid as they have been hurt before (not deliberately but hair snagged with a comb for example or their mind reads the human's energy which may be over assertive) or they may simply have a general fearful/nervous nature, so they growl/bark basically to protest the grooming/vocalize their fear and it works - the owner stops and begins backing away so "hey" the dog knows this behaviour works to keep human from grooming them so guess what? They keep on doing it!
Either way a dog wins the context so they keep on repeating the unwanted behaviour and aggression indicates insecure dog (unstable mind) who needs our help.
With Jack the rehab began with me establishing myself as his Pack Leader, I would not allow any dominance posturing from this little dog, though he could look cute! Once I made a decision to groom him I had to check first that my energy was completely calm and assertive because any hesitation on my part would mean Jack would win again! Well he snarled, he yapped, he escalated his protest trying to bite me (and managed one time) but I did not back down, eventually he submitted to the grooming and to this day is no longer a gremlin - just ask the Dog Groomer!!
For Jack this process is part of discipline - after exercise and before affection = Jack is calm submissive before and during grooming..... sometimes he falls asleep!
Of course I am a professional - so folks don't try this at home unless you are very experienced with your dog who respects you as Pack Leader first - check out Cesar's Way or consult with a behaviourist first as such behaviour can be a symtom of many other underlying problems! IMPORTANT POINT - Any dog of course who seems to suffer pain when grooming 9aggression can be a reaction to physical pain) should consult with their vet first so the dog be checked-out first in case there is a medical expalantaion.
Remember Jack's top tip - growl and my owner stays away!! - So owners don't hesitate - be calm, be confident, be assertive = Be the Pack Leader and then you can groom whenever you wish! Remember too my top tip - If in doubt have your dog wear a muzzle as to get to practice reactive, unwanted, aggressive responses means the dog gets to practice the behaviour so they just get better at it - get in a pro to help you rehab and Stay Safe.
Another way to help a dog who is afraid of the brush/scissors coming up next.
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