Shaving & Behavior
Due to some matting issues we had to have Kayla shave this past Monday. Her hair was quite long I would say probally about 2 to 2.5 inches of really thick fur, it was probally the perfect length. So she spent Monday at the groomer and was shaved real close over her body, as close as you could get without being to the skin. We had no problem with this at all as that is what we had asked for, but she looked about 1/2 her size (I have to post photos). Well my question is does this affect there behavior or self image? When we got her home everyone was laughing (in good nature) because of how small she looked but for the past two days she has been really distant and skidish. If I try to go near her she sort of backs away and seems really sort of uncomfortable and just a bit off of her normal energetic behavior. I truly believe nothing happened to her at the groomer as they are great people who we trust. Any information would be great as I really hope she comes back to normal soon. Thank You, Jay |
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| My bearded collie growing up would act funny after we shaved her. She didn't want to go out for walks and when she did, she would hide behind us if we saw anyone. It was as if she was embarassed to be naked... |
| My beardie also acted a little embarrassed right after her "summer" cut...
Pearl, my OES does the same thing...for about 2 days she will be a little quiet like she is trying to get used to her new skin.... ( the funniest thing is when she sits right after her shearing...It takes her a couple seconds to get comfortable...where once was padding there is none......  ) |
I just shaved my girl Rags down the other day. I was heartbroken as this was the longest her coat has even been and she was completely matt free. I shaved her down due to our temps rising. It was in the 90's the other day and she seemed miserable. She went right into the pool. 
I did brush her out, but I don't have the time to keep up with her swimming on a daily basis. So she got her Spring haircut. She seemed a bit depressed... or pissed at me. Since I started telling her she's pretty, she's perked up a bit. I know she's a lot more comfortable, especially here in the Desert with a short cut.. Don't worry, this will pass and I'm sure Kayla will enjoy being naked. |
| Did they take off more hair from around her eyes? Wondering if she's simply
seeing more that's going on around her than before. Maybe some sensory overload? They pick up on our actions and reactions. Just tell her she's the most beautiful girl you've ever seen and do it in a happy and enthusiastic voice. Give her a couple of reassuring pats on the side and don't make a big deal about. |
| They really don't like people laughing at them. Maybe there were some issues at the groomers you might not want to know about, or the sensation of wind on her body is just too weird. yeah, it is amazing how much smaller they appear.
My guys LOVE being shaved down, but we don't laugh at them. Quite the contrary, we double up our hands-on which I believe helps them thru the "trauma." My guys know I'm giving more rubbies and will glady throw a blankie around the two of us and snuggle. |
| I shave Tasker down twice a year. He has come to love it, I really think he feels a sense of freedom and lightness without all the hair. He acts like a puppy for days after. But I am sure the first time is a shock and takessome getting used to.
Just give extra belly rubs and lots of praise and your pup will adjust. |
| AJ gets shaved twice a year. For the first two years when her winter coat was removed in the spring she would be very skittish, jumping up quickly and running to a new resting position every few minutes. She would not sit on hardwood or tile flooring, always running to a carpet when told to sit. Also, she shook her head so forcefully the tips of her ears would bleed and leave a red stain on the top of her head.
Now at 3 yrs, for the first time she did not react. She is fine. Before shaving she would pant and drool in the house. For her comfort, we would put her in the unheated sunroom where the winter temperature was around 40 F. After shaving, she no longer pants and drools in the house. |
| wilbur is definately acting a little different!
its only been a day, but i do think hes getting used to it - i think he is feeling a little naked! and it was the first time at the groomers too so he might be a little traumatized with the clippers??? i know when i get my clippers out he starts barking?!?! one thing i have noticed the past 24hrs - hes no longer panting! Thats despite us have extremely cold AC on all day and him having plenty of water too! So i think thats a good sign! |
Chauncey does it better than I do but I'm getting better, I don't throw up anymore  |
| Until this year I always sheared my sheepies myself, usually around April or May depending on the weather. We live in Southwest Virginia/Northeast Tennessee. I use a seven blade when possible. It clips them all the way down but not to the bare skin. Remo always loved getting a haircut (afterward anyway). He would run around the yard with what seemed like much more energy. I think he liked the feel of the air on his skin. During the winter months he was in full coat. A lot more work but worth it.
This year however I had to give him a puppy cut by mommy. It doesn't look professional by any means but he can't go the groomer because he is very old and arthritic. I am also shaving his stomach, trimming his butt closer, and trimming his legs a little closer than normal because he sometimes has accidents and it's much easier to clean. He still seems to enjoy the feeling of a haircut. I don't think he really cares what he looks like and I think he is beautiful no matter how long or short his coat is. |
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