Dogs That Are Hard to Groom

Some dogs are easier to groom than others, and this is not always strictly a matter of their type of coat. Grooming can be a tense experience for your pooch and temperament alone might make a dog difficult to groom. Even though it isn't always easy, regular grooming sessions can help you bond with your pet and give you an opportunity to check his skin and hair for problems.

  1. Types of Coats

    • Dogs such as Alaskan Malamutes require regular grooming.

      Dogs with longer hair will naturally need more brushing then others, but there is much more to grooming than brushing and the process can be complex. Show dogs require regular and more complicated grooming regimens regardless of their breed or kind of coat. Requirements and trends for show dogs change regularly and owners face disqualification if their grooming strays from current rules. Environment may also be a factor, since many dogs that require regular brushing are also those that live in cold climates, and grooming should help them retain their protective coat rather than deprive them of it.

    Grooming Tools

    • You need two different kinds of scissors to trim your dog's coat.

      Dogs also need regular clipping, trimming or stripping with a variety of tools depending on their breed and professional status. Long-coated dogs that don't shed, such as poodles, will need to have clipping integrated into their grooming, which requires two kinds of scissors, a soft brush and a clipper (mechanical or hand-operated). Any wire-hair terrier or schnauzer also needs stripping, a process that clears the coat of loose hairs. This requires a specialized tool called a stripping knife, which helps to clean and trim the dog's hair and also shapes the ears and jaw.

    Bathing

    • Washing the dog can be fun instead of difficult.

      Dogs need to be bathed regularly but not too frequently, as this can damage their skin and the quality of their coats. It is preferable to use a special shampoo formulated for dogs, but if one is unavailable anything that is hypoallergenic or has a neutral pH balance will also do (like a baby's shampoo). Conditioners and other bathing accessories are also available if your long or medium haired dog has problems with tangles or mats. To help keep your dog calm and responsive during this process and make it easier, use warm water, put cotton balls in his ears to muffle the noise of the water and a few drops of mineral oil in his eyes to keep the water from blinding or stinging him.

    Teeth and Nails

    • Nail trimming and teeth brushing are also part of grooming, and this can be a difficult process depending entirely on your dog's temperament. Pet stores and veterinarians carry special brushes and toothpaste to make this part of the grooming process easier. Many owners supplement regular brushing with medicated treats and toys. Small and big dogs alike are often frightened by the loud noise that accompanies the clipper and generally don't like to have their paws handled, but clipping is important to help maintain your dog's feet and gait.