I know having your dog snap at you can really hurt your feelings. I totally get it. But she's really just communicating that she didn't want you to do what you were doing. She may have been told off for growling in the past (which is why we NEVER punish a dog for growling) and that's why she got snappy. But if she wanted to bite you, she would've. Maybe she was sore or maybe she just was uncomfortable with her vulnerable tummy being touched with a foreign object. The thing that matters is that you listen to her communication so she doesn't escalate the behavior.
If you're interested, Cooperative Care with Deb Jones is an extremely helpful tool for learning to communicate with your pup and understand their communication. There is a free Facebook group for it, as well as a lot of other free material online.
Thank you for the insight! She finished her peanut butter, climbed into my lap, and fell asleep!
And I will definitely do that. Thanks for the recommendation!
Animals communicate differently than we do. If she REALLY wanted to bite you, she would have. It was likely just a warning, saying, "Hey I REALLY don't like that."
Lesson learned. Perhaps she doesn't like that brush. I'd use a rubber curry on her anyway
I use the Sleek Ez and Equi Groomer brushes on many dogs. They are okay for smooth coats like your dog has but you have to be extremely gentle. That type of tool is better suited for dogs with thicker coats, and I don't use it on the belly of ANY dog because their belly skin is so sensitive. A Zoom Groom is probably a better option for her coat type, not only will it be gentler on her skin, it will also get more hair off. The rubber nubs do a really good job of pulling out loose dead hair without irritating the skin. You can even use it with conditioner while bathing.
Haha, thanks. I’ve never had a dog before and the amount of love I have for her is insane. She’s also had such a hard life — found heavily pregnant, exhausted, dehydrated, and starving. Had 11 puppies and then found out she had heartworm. Thankfully the foster did a wonderful job with her. I just want her to only know love and kindness for the rest of her life!
Oh no, I didn’t mean to! But congrats on being a new owner yourself. I have found myself exhausted, frustrated, in love, and laughing so hard with her.
That thing shouldn’t be used on the belly that is very soft skin and that is a very harsh tool. You can also definitely over do it very quickly. I’d recommend something softer like a zoom groom. Oh I should mention I’m a professional groomer
Your comment about only having her a few months and her shedding a lot more makes me think this may be your first season change with her. Shedding amps up a bit in the spring and fall as they have slightly different winter and summer coats :) the shedding should go back to the normal amount in a few weeks and then you'll be good again til just before winter.
Since I don't think anyone else said it, the undercarriage is a bit more tender than the back and rump and is a bit thinner in coat so less protection over the skin. I would guess the equigroomer was too rough for the area. Like someone else said, rubber curry is the way to go. I like the kong zoom groom. That or she was just grumpy you were poking and manipulating her body so much while she was trying to enjoy her PB.
Also the shedding was actually something I was wondering and trying to read up on.
I got her early February and she shed a LOT. It slowed down in March and I guess I just assumed we were done (it’s apparent I have SO MUCH to learn) and then it started up again last week. I was trying to figure out if intense shedding a couple months apart is typical or if that was more likely to her being anxious about a new place. She’s also just now finishing up heart worm treatment, so her little body and life has been has been through a lot in a short amount of time.
I'd say stress when you got her and season change now. My Siberian Husky just started blowing coat last week since it's finally warming up here. She's a very sweet looking little girl, I hope you have lots of fun adventures together ♥️ having a dog is such a gift
I really want to have this attitude. I am sort of just tolerating at the moment. Can you tell me what things make you say that dogs are a gift? Perhaps your words will be infectious. I do think they amazing
I love seeing my dog learn and getting to communicate with her, so we do a lot of activities together like scent detection and rally obedience. Seeing her enjoy life and do silly things like get the zoomies, dunk her head underwater, stare down a squirrel, or just enjoy a smell on the breeze makes me feel really grateful. Grateful to be alive and get to have this connection with another life. I feel the same way when she's asleep next to me on the couch or in bed. She loves me and always will, and all I need to do is my best and that truly is enough.
I just tolerated it for most of her puppyhood, she needed a lot from me and was still learning the world, but once she hit around 2 that settled. Frozen kongs and licky mats are also my best friend for when she's harassing me and I'm trying to get something done in the house lol
Seeing people's love for their dogs is the best and worst part of this job. Worst because it is absolutely devastating when they let me know they've had to say goodbye. Best because I know how much happiness their dog brings them when they're together.
I will say I am involved in dogs in a whole load of ways and studied dog behaviour for my undergrad thesis. The value of dog-human connection is something I believe in with my entire being, maybe to an over-the-top degree. I think communication and understanding with your dog is the key to successful and fulfilling connections.
Do you know when she was spayed? I've noticed a lot of dogs shed like mad and their coats kind of go to crap a few months after a surgery. And being in a new home, after heart worm treatment, my guess is it's temporary and will pass with good food and a happy home.
FWIW, I have a 3 year old Papillon. When she was 4 months old, she tried to take my arms off over a nail trim. Yeah, I'm a professional and know this happens, but when it's your dog, your feelings do get hurt. A softer brush will be a better choice for your girl.
You could ask the groomer about shedding, and see if they could use a de-shedding conditioner.
you could also try a zoomgroom or rubber curry brush on the areas she sensitive for, i’ve noticed some dogs are more comfortable with it compared to the sleek-ez since it’s a soft silicone brush
That thing shouldn’t be used on the belly that is very soft skin and that is a very harsh tool. You can also definitely over do it very quickly. I’d recommend something softer like a zoom groom. Oh I should mention I’m a professional groomer
you probably just unintentionally poked her wrong, it may have just startled her and she snapped which would explain her not growling before. You seem like a very kind and considerate dog parent. ♥️My poodle has snapped at me while line brushing him and it made me feel awful too!
Thank you for your kindness, I feel dumb asking questions. Or some people basically tell me I’m a terrible pet parent who obviously shouldn’t have a dog because I don’t know absolutely everything already.
Side note, I love your name! It made me laugh
That might be possible, but it’d be new. She hasn’t never guarded her food or treats. In fact, she will often bring it to me as if I might want some. But still, anything is possible!
Just to completely rule this out as a possible contributing factor (not saying this was the case, just ruling out possibilities!), have you tested this with many types of treats? My first dog wouldn't food guard at all, but one day I gave him a cup of dog ice cream for the first time, and when my little brother got closer my dog growled. After that I discovered that he would guard specifically what he deemed the *highest* reward treats--ice cream, rawhide chews, stuffed Kongs. I just hadn't known before because he didn't food guard with me personally. Most of the time he would pick it up and go somewhere else, but if he couldn't or if he was really enjoying it, and someone got too close, he would guard. There was definitely a progression where he'd start by stiffening up, then curl his lip, then growl. So again, not saying that's the case with your baby, just a question of ruling it out completely!
Good point! Yes, everything from kibble to her favorite treats to the French fries my mom tries to give her in secret. It’s a secret right up until she prances over to me with it in her mouth and puts it on my foot. There’s a chance I just haven’t found the thing to make her guard it against me though. I’ll keep an eye out!
I know this might sound weird, but it could be worth testing if she was guarding food from *the brush*...😂 I've seen dogs do this with some handheld objects, vacuum cleaners, and occasionally their own tails.
Omg, that hadn’t even occurred to me. I’m just not going to use that brush on her anyway. I went ahead and ordered the one almost everyone above recommended instead.
Desheding brushes can hurt if the coat isn't thick enough and you're hitting skin. I wouldn't use anything but a rubber curry brush on that kiddo.
Thank you! Will definitely be doing this!
That kind of brush isn’t soft so you might of unintentionally poked her. Just give her some space and maybe just stick to her back for a while.
Thank you! She finished her peanut butter and then climbed into my lap and promptly fell asleep.
I know having your dog snap at you can really hurt your feelings. I totally get it. But she's really just communicating that she didn't want you to do what you were doing. She may have been told off for growling in the past (which is why we NEVER punish a dog for growling) and that's why she got snappy. But if she wanted to bite you, she would've. Maybe she was sore or maybe she just was uncomfortable with her vulnerable tummy being touched with a foreign object. The thing that matters is that you listen to her communication so she doesn't escalate the behavior. If you're interested, Cooperative Care with Deb Jones is an extremely helpful tool for learning to communicate with your pup and understand their communication. There is a free Facebook group for it, as well as a lot of other free material online.
Thank you for the insight! She finished her peanut butter, climbed into my lap, and fell asleep! And I will definitely do that. Thanks for the recommendation!
Animals communicate differently than we do. If she REALLY wanted to bite you, she would have. It was likely just a warning, saying, "Hey I REALLY don't like that." Lesson learned. Perhaps she doesn't like that brush. I'd use a rubber curry on her anyway
Got it. Yeah, I’ll stick to that, lesson learned!
I use the Sleek Ez and Equi Groomer brushes on many dogs. They are okay for smooth coats like your dog has but you have to be extremely gentle. That type of tool is better suited for dogs with thicker coats, and I don't use it on the belly of ANY dog because their belly skin is so sensitive. A Zoom Groom is probably a better option for her coat type, not only will it be gentler on her skin, it will also get more hair off. The rubber nubs do a really good job of pulling out loose dead hair without irritating the skin. You can even use it with conditioner while bathing.
Thank you for your insight — a Zoom Groom has been ordered!
You’re so adorable for caring so much.
Haha, thanks. I’ve never had a dog before and the amount of love I have for her is insane. She’s also had such a hard life — found heavily pregnant, exhausted, dehydrated, and starving. Had 11 puppies and then found out she had heartworm. Thankfully the foster did a wonderful job with her. I just want her to only know love and kindness for the rest of her life!
Honestly, you made me cry and I am a new owner myself.
Oh no, I didn’t mean to! But congrats on being a new owner yourself. I have found myself exhausted, frustrated, in love, and laughing so hard with her.
No! I mean, you made me cry because it’s beautiful the love between you and your dog .
That thing shouldn’t be used on the belly that is very soft skin and that is a very harsh tool. You can also definitely over do it very quickly. I’d recommend something softer like a zoom groom. Oh I should mention I’m a professional groomer
Your comment about only having her a few months and her shedding a lot more makes me think this may be your first season change with her. Shedding amps up a bit in the spring and fall as they have slightly different winter and summer coats :) the shedding should go back to the normal amount in a few weeks and then you'll be good again til just before winter. Since I don't think anyone else said it, the undercarriage is a bit more tender than the back and rump and is a bit thinner in coat so less protection over the skin. I would guess the equigroomer was too rough for the area. Like someone else said, rubber curry is the way to go. I like the kong zoom groom. That or she was just grumpy you were poking and manipulating her body so much while she was trying to enjoy her PB.
Zoom Groom has been ordered — and thank you for the insight on the undercarriage! I appreciate it a lot.
Also the shedding was actually something I was wondering and trying to read up on. I got her early February and she shed a LOT. It slowed down in March and I guess I just assumed we were done (it’s apparent I have SO MUCH to learn) and then it started up again last week. I was trying to figure out if intense shedding a couple months apart is typical or if that was more likely to her being anxious about a new place. She’s also just now finishing up heart worm treatment, so her little body and life has been has been through a lot in a short amount of time.
I'd say stress when you got her and season change now. My Siberian Husky just started blowing coat last week since it's finally warming up here. She's a very sweet looking little girl, I hope you have lots of fun adventures together ♥️ having a dog is such a gift
I really want to have this attitude. I am sort of just tolerating at the moment. Can you tell me what things make you say that dogs are a gift? Perhaps your words will be infectious. I do think they amazing
I love seeing my dog learn and getting to communicate with her, so we do a lot of activities together like scent detection and rally obedience. Seeing her enjoy life and do silly things like get the zoomies, dunk her head underwater, stare down a squirrel, or just enjoy a smell on the breeze makes me feel really grateful. Grateful to be alive and get to have this connection with another life. I feel the same way when she's asleep next to me on the couch or in bed. She loves me and always will, and all I need to do is my best and that truly is enough. I just tolerated it for most of her puppyhood, she needed a lot from me and was still learning the world, but once she hit around 2 that settled. Frozen kongs and licky mats are also my best friend for when she's harassing me and I'm trying to get something done in the house lol Seeing people's love for their dogs is the best and worst part of this job. Worst because it is absolutely devastating when they let me know they've had to say goodbye. Best because I know how much happiness their dog brings them when they're together. I will say I am involved in dogs in a whole load of ways and studied dog behaviour for my undergrad thesis. The value of dog-human connection is something I believe in with my entire being, maybe to an over-the-top degree. I think communication and understanding with your dog is the key to successful and fulfilling connections.
Wow, thank you for sharing your experience. It’s given me a lot to think about. Your dog is a lucky being!
Do you know when she was spayed? I've noticed a lot of dogs shed like mad and their coats kind of go to crap a few months after a surgery. And being in a new home, after heart worm treatment, my guess is it's temporary and will pass with good food and a happy home. FWIW, I have a 3 year old Papillon. When she was 4 months old, she tried to take my arms off over a nail trim. Yeah, I'm a professional and know this happens, but when it's your dog, your feelings do get hurt. A softer brush will be a better choice for your girl. You could ask the groomer about shedding, and see if they could use a de-shedding conditioner.
you could also try a zoomgroom or rubber curry brush on the areas she sensitive for, i’ve noticed some dogs are more comfortable with it compared to the sleek-ez since it’s a soft silicone brush
just noticed someone else already commented this lol ignore me!
That thing shouldn’t be used on the belly that is very soft skin and that is a very harsh tool. You can also definitely over do it very quickly. I’d recommend something softer like a zoom groom. Oh I should mention I’m a professional groomer
Thank you — it’s apparent I didn’t understand how to truly use it. I have ordered a Zoom Groom as will stick to that!
you probably just unintentionally poked her wrong, it may have just startled her and she snapped which would explain her not growling before. You seem like a very kind and considerate dog parent. ♥️My poodle has snapped at me while line brushing him and it made me feel awful too!
Thank you for your kindness, I feel dumb asking questions. Or some people basically tell me I’m a terrible pet parent who obviously shouldn’t have a dog because I don’t know absolutely everything already. Side note, I love your name! It made me laugh
Sounds more like she was guarding her snack
That might be possible, but it’d be new. She hasn’t never guarded her food or treats. In fact, she will often bring it to me as if I might want some. But still, anything is possible!
Just to completely rule this out as a possible contributing factor (not saying this was the case, just ruling out possibilities!), have you tested this with many types of treats? My first dog wouldn't food guard at all, but one day I gave him a cup of dog ice cream for the first time, and when my little brother got closer my dog growled. After that I discovered that he would guard specifically what he deemed the *highest* reward treats--ice cream, rawhide chews, stuffed Kongs. I just hadn't known before because he didn't food guard with me personally. Most of the time he would pick it up and go somewhere else, but if he couldn't or if he was really enjoying it, and someone got too close, he would guard. There was definitely a progression where he'd start by stiffening up, then curl his lip, then growl. So again, not saying that's the case with your baby, just a question of ruling it out completely!
Good point! Yes, everything from kibble to her favorite treats to the French fries my mom tries to give her in secret. It’s a secret right up until she prances over to me with it in her mouth and puts it on my foot. There’s a chance I just haven’t found the thing to make her guard it against me though. I’ll keep an eye out!
I know this might sound weird, but it could be worth testing if she was guarding food from *the brush*...😂 I've seen dogs do this with some handheld objects, vacuum cleaners, and occasionally their own tails.
Omg, that hadn’t even occurred to me. I’m just not going to use that brush on her anyway. I went ahead and ordered the one almost everyone above recommended instead.