Work in a treat
If your pet is particularly suspicious of the grooming process, or if you’re trying to train a puppy or kitten to accept grooming, treats can be particularly useful when it comes to reinforcing positive behaviour. If your pet starts to understand that they’ll get a treat if they’ve had a grooming session, the idea will start to become more appealing for them.
Eventually, you can substitute the treat for lots of stroking, attention and calm praise.
Choose the right tool
It’s important to choose the right grooming tool when it comes to brushing your pet. They may prefer a softer or more firm brush. If your pet has very long hair, you may need to use a comb first to tease out any matts or tangles in their fur before moving on to a brush.
Grooming brushes come in all different shapes and sizes, so carefully choose which one will best suit your pet’s size, fur type and temperament.
There are also different grooming tools for different tasks. Combs will help to detangle your pet’s fur, while slicker brushes will help to remove excess fur. Soft bristle brushes can also be used for finishing, making your pet’s coat smooth and shiny to help keep them looking their best.