How to Restrain a Yorkie for Her Haircut

Many dogs prefer not to be restrained or held still. Combine that with the possible fear of grooming brought on by water, clippers, and new sounds and smells, and restraining a Yorkie for grooming can become a challenge. Utilize positive reinforcement and the proper tools to restrain a Yorkie effectively for its haircut.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Groomer restraint harness or cables
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make restraint a positive experience by training the dog that restraint can be fun. Use treats and play a game of restraint. Hold the dog gently but firmly and give it lots of treats for calmly accepting being held or restrained. Restrain it for short periods at first, building up gradually as the dog comes to learn that restraint means fun treats and praise.

    • 2

      Use treats to accustom the dog to a groomer restraint harness or cable system. These systems can be purchased from groomer supply stores online or some specialty pet stores. Hanging from a suspended pole, often over a grooming table, the restraint systems keep a dog in the proper position for grooming. Introduce a Yorkie to these restraints, consisting of a harness or series of cables that go around the neck and abdomen, with lots of praise and treats. Make sure to start with short amounts of time, working up to longer time periods.

    • 3

      Begin grooming only after the Yorkie is comfortable standing in restraints for some period of time. Utilize the same technique, treats and building time increments, to introduce foreign grooming tools and sounds. Don't scare the dog while restrained; it may cause a negative association with grooming and grooming restraints.

    • 4

      Restrain the Yorkie in between grooms for short periods of time with lots of treats and praise to maintain the calm and accepting restraint behavior.