Question:
I haven't posted much in a while due to extra hours and school, but I am trying to get back on the board as much as possible.

I have a 1 year old Shih Tzu, Sammy. We have had him since he was a puppy. He's the sweetest dog, very tolerant, well almost always. He absolutly hates being brushed ever since we started taking him to the groomers. For his first goom we had a friend who is a groomer and she was great, but she lives a far ways from us so I started takng him to a local place. He's been there twice and had 2 groomers. Ever since then he gets really nasty with both me and my boyfriend when we try and give him a brush.

Take tonight for example, we tried working on a couple of matts of fur that have gathered near his collar and ears from him rubbing his face on the carpet. Well he doesn't mind his back being brushed, but any where else, no matter how gentle I try to be he goes nuts. He growls, barks (which he never does) and tries to bite the brush/comb or us. As soon as we stop, he goes back to being one of the sweetest dogs in the world.

Do you have any suggestions on how to help him? I try to brush him often to try keep him used to it, but when he gets so agitated, it makes it difficult to keep going. Here are a couple a pictures of the "sweet" Sammy.

Please help!



Answer:
Sorry no advice but he sure is a cutie! And one of my puppies is named Sammy


Answer:
Sammy has grown alot!
It sounds like he may have had an unpleasant experience at the 2nd groomer. I'd suggest having a daily grooming session.. only a few minutes at a time. He has to know that you don't want to hurt him. If he is food motivated.. use very tiny treats after each brush stroke that he doesn't growl or snap. If he does growl, he doesn't get a treat. This worked with my dog who opposed nail trims.
I'd also find another groomer... or better yet, buy a good set of clippers and do it yourself. It may take a long, long time before Sammy trusts you again but he's still young and you don't want to go thru this for the rest of his life.
Good Luck!