Scared of Dryer
Should I ignore it and keep it running? Should I be doing something to help him get used to it? Turn it on ever day even when we're not using it? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Diane |
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| Our Ollie loved the dryer, so it never was a problem.
Chewie was afraid, however. We got him at 4 months, and had been bathed and dried before. He still didn't like it at all. We started out with a regular human blow dryer. he didn't like it, but at least he didn't totally freak out - it was managable. He actually is doing better now, and tolerates the big dryer. He is funny - he watches me when I blowdry my hair, and has this look like "watch out Mom!" He is of course always underfoot and in the bathroom with me, so i started alternating between blowing in on me, then him, etc. Now he is thinking it's a game.  |
Most of the time when pups are getting used to the grooming routine the dryer can be the biggest hurdle. We had to use a human hairdryer until we could get the dog dryers from Carl's parents. Needless to say there were teeth marks on MY dryer!  And the shredding of the nerves from the continuous noise drove me crazy so I really understood our pup's anxiety.
So...anywho...  Congrats on starting out with the proper tools. It will be so much easier on you and your pup. You have the correct idea. For a while you could have a short grooming session everyday (or every other day). WITH the dryer on. Maybe not blowing on the pup yet. With some pups it isn't the noise but the air blowing on them that is frightening. I've not found dog dryers to be all that noisy but I'm not a puppy! Remember short sessions, LOTS of praise for good behavior, and give them a good treat at the end after they've shown some good behavior (even if only for a moment). We try to end a grooming session with the dog actually behaving! lol....try not to get into the ..."it's ok...everything is alright...you're fine" routine because then they think there really is something to be worried about. A happy, excited voice and positive thinking really does go a long way. I just assume my pup is going to love our time together grooming as much as I enjoy giving them the one-on-one attention.
And Ollie's mom has a good suggestion also. I know your pup is in the bathroom with you...mine are...so just blow that dryer on them every once in a while! Carl's much better at getting dogs to love grooming...so I'm sure he'll be in with detailed instructions. Updates required! |
| You know, thinking about it, I think you're right. It was the air blowing on him. I alwasy thought dogs love air blowing on them..you know, sticking their head out the window all the time...
No, he isn't in the bathroom with me yet. He stays gated in the kitchen while I get dressed...still a young puppy and not ready to trust him yet with freedom around the whole house - especially when I can't watch him! I am going to try to turn on the hair dryer a short time every day...we'll see. Thanks. Now to tackle the vacuum cleaner!!!! |
| Mine doesn't mind the dryer...only when it hits his face it bothers him a little bit but he is pretty good about grooming.....Of course he will prefer running around the house while he is wet. |
Panda LOVES the dryer....at least at home...when its my hair and not hers...lol....she races into the bathroom and barks...my head is usually upside down and she gets under me and licks and moans...till i blow it on her belly.....then she races out again and back....lol....now when im grooming her, its just the opposite...she just runs away and has to be dragged back ....  |
| after 12 years my girl still barks at the dryer even when i do my own hair |
| My dogs love the dryer, in fact they fall asleep under it and snore there heads off. As baby puppies it did take little steps and positive reassurance for them to adjust to the noise and the air blowing on them.
You will get there, just little steps at a time and I like the idea too of when drying your own hair, have them in the bathroom and blow it on them too in a short burst so they get use to it
If the dog is getting too stressed under the dryer, then stop and positive gentle voice, even a treat and when still and relaxed start again. Just little blows of the dryer on and off each time and they will come to enjoy the whole drying routine. Then you can have it going to the MAX  when they are use to it, woo hoo and blow them dry in no time . 
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| LOL--
Bogart loved going to the groomer-except for the dreaded DRYER 
It took a while (he is almost 3 years) and now he enjoys the grooming experience as a spa day and does not worry about the dryer. Of course, sending him to Lisaoes for relaxation therapy classes on how to enjoy the dryer experience really helped.
Lisa, your picture above is a treasure! We are aiming for that level of relaxation. |
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