What To Do When Your Dog Hates Brushing
If brushing has become a battle, you're not alone. Most dogs aren't born hating brushing—they learn to fear it through negative experiences. The good news? They can unlearn it too.
The Key Insight
Dogs don't hate brushing—they hate the experience they've had with it. Pulling on mats, being held down, sessions that go too long. We can change this by creating new, positive associations. It takes patience, but it works.
Why Dogs Learn to Hate Brushing
Past Pain
Brushing through mats hurts. If your dog has experienced pulling and tugging on tangles, they remember. They're not being difficult—they're protecting themselves.
Sessions Too Long
Dogs have shorter attention spans than we give them credit for. Thirty minutes of brushing feels like an eternity to them, even without any discomfort.
Restraint and Force
Being held down or restrained triggers a dog's fight-or-flight response. Even if you "got through it," your dog learned that brushing is something to escape from.
No Choice or Control
Dogs feel stress when they have no control over a situation. Modern training gives dogs agency—the ability to consent and participate makes all the difference.
The Brushing Reset Protocol
This protocol works by starting from zero and building positive associations step by step. Most dogs show significant improvement within 2-3 weeks. Some take longer—and that's okay.
Start Without the Brush
For the first few days, don't even pick up the brush. Instead:
- Sit with your dog in the spot where you usually brush
- Give treats just for being there calmly
- Let them sniff the brush if they choose (but don't push it)
- End while they're still relaxed—never push to the point of stress
Use high-value treats your dog loves—chicken, cheese, or their absolute favourite. This is bribery, and it works.
Touch Without Brushing
Once your dog is comfortable near the brush, start stroking them with your hand in the way you would brush. Treat frequently. If they're relaxed, briefly touch the brush to their body—don't brush, just touch. Treat. Remove.
Watch for stress signals: yawning, lip licking, turning away, whale eye. If you see these, you've moved too fast. Go back a step.
One Stroke, Then Stop
This is where most people rush. Don't.
- One single stroke in an easy area (shoulder or side)
- Immediately treat
- Put the brush away
- That's it—session over
Repeat this for several days. Yes, really.
The urge to do 'just a bit more' is strong. Resist it. Ending on success is more valuable than completing more strokes.
Gradually Increase
Only when your dog is completely relaxed with one stroke, add another:
- Day 1: 1 stroke
- Day 3-4: 2-3 strokes
- Week 2: 5-10 strokes
- Week 3+: 30-60 seconds of brushing
The timeline varies. Some dogs progress faster, some slower. Follow their lead, not a schedule.
Film your sessions. It's easier to spot stress signals on video than in the moment.
Build to Full Sessions
Gradually work up to longer sessions and more areas of the body. Always start with easy areas (shoulders, sides) before sensitive areas (legs, armpits, face). The goal is never to reach the point of stress—always end before that.
Introduce Problem Areas Last
Areas like legs, feet, armpits, and rear end should be introduced last, one at a time. If your dog is fine with body brushing but hates leg brushing, go back to step 1 for just the legs.
Tools That Make It Easier
Lick Mats
Spread peanut butter or wet food on a lick mat and stick it to a surface at your dog's level. Licking releases calming endorphins while you brush.
Highly RecommendedA Softer Brush
If your slicker brush has stiff pins, try a softer one or a detangling spray brush. Once your dog is comfortable, you can introduce the regular brush.
For Sensitive DogsCalming Aids
Adaptil diffusers, calming treats, or even a familiar blanket can help. These aren't magic solutions, but they can take the edge off.
Worth TryingHigh-Value Treats
Use treats your dog only gets during brushing. Chicken, cheese, freeze-dried liver. Make brushing time = jackpot time.
EssentialWhat NOT To Do
While You're Working on This
Keep your dog mat-free with professional grooming. While you're rebuilding trust at home, let us handle the maintenance. We have techniques (and patience) for anxious dogs.
Consider a shorter coat. A shorter clip needs less maintenance and reduces the stakes during your training sessions. Less coat = less brushing = less opportunity for stress.
Celebrate small wins. Your dog let you touch them with the brush? That's huge. One stroke without flinching? Amazing. Progress is progress.
Signs You're Making Progress
Keep Learning
Need Professional Help?
Our groomers are experienced with anxious dogs. We can help maintain your doodle's coat while you work on rebuilding their confidence at home.