Dog Community

I got growled at

Posted : 1/30/2011 8:34:52 PM

Abbie is fairly sensitive to some types of grooming. She doesn't mind the dremel but hates the nail trimmer, like it hurts or something. She doesn't mind baths and likes the doggy drier. Tonight though, I was pulling pickers out of her fur and she actually growled and bared her teeth! I'm shocked. I know it hurts, I mean I'm pulling on her fur, a lot. My other dogs just deal with it though and never complain. I guess I need to muzzle train her.

What's your take on it? She's a pretty submissive dog to me and people in general. In fact she has been known to submissive pee before. Think I should worry?

Eta: I finished getting the pickers out using a comb without incident. I usually do pickers this way but she was laying next to me so I just did them by hand. I think it just hurt and she was telling me that like any dog with an injury or whatever.

CoBuHe

Posted : 1/30/2011 9:03:18 PM

I don't think you should worry about it. Like you said...it just hurt and that was her way of saying that it did.

willowchow

Posted : 1/30/2011 10:35:18 PM

I agree, it probably just hurt. But, definately muzzle if anyone else is going to do the same thing to her.

Xebby

Posted : 1/31/2011 10:07:15 AM

Depends on how she responds to a muzzle. For some dogs it just worsens the problem and makes them more fearful. Other dogs are more relaxed when muzzled.

In a vet clinic there is often little chance to work with a dog on calming techniques because of the severity of the issue and need to do the job in a certain time frame so a muzzle is often the answer to protect the techs and vet. In a situation where you can work with the dog on an issue like this, it might be better to avoid using a muzzle and concentrate on reassuring her that what you are doing is for her benefit. Slow down and use treat, petting or toy rewards for letting her put up with you.