Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Buy the proper equipment. You need a grooming table that has a grooming arm. Without it, you won't be able to groom the dog by yourself. This helps hold your difficult dog safely in place while you work.
2

Use a Velcro muzzle to protect yourself if your dog is "nippy" while you groom. Using a muzzle not only protects you but it also tends to calm an overly excited dog.
3

Groom the dog by yourself. Some difficult dogs are intimidated and easily agitated when several people are involved with the grooming. Keep the atmosphere calm, familiar and fun for the dog.
4

Reward the dog for good behavior. When the dog pauses her yelping, reward her with her favorite treat. Likewise, when she sits still and calm while you groom her, shower her with praise. Rewarding a difficult dog frequently helps to shape better behavior while you groom her.
5

Address his bad behavior. When a difficult dog misbehaves, you must address it. If he gets completely out of control, put him in his crate to relax and clam down. Once he is calm, continue with the grooming. He must know that his bad behavior will not get him out of it.
6

Build up to the full grooming routine. Don't expect a difficult dog to complete a long grooming session the first time you attempt it. Start with just trimming her nails a few times. Gradually add time to your grooming session. Eventually build up to washing, trimming and brushing her hair and teeth.