Drying Puppy With Drier

[NoodleNut]

I tried using the drier (proper dog drier) on Noodle (15 weeks old) last weekend when I bathed her (been so darn hot that I have not needed to use it and she has gone 'el natural' ... cools her down) Important that she gets used to the drier ... she is a Puli!!

Good grief! She is having a dream in her crate .. goodness knows what she is dreaming ... sheep perhaps LOL ... I digress .. back to the question ...

The drier .... 'Not happy Jan!" She tries to 'attack' the nozzle of the drier. I turned it down very low (barely a breath of air ) and she was still not happy. Barked, growled at the nozzle and tried to 'get it' .. didn't bite it but had her mouth open ... not sure if it is the wind in the face reaction (dog out of car window mentality .. no she doesn't do that .. just trying to give you an example) or what ;) No I wasn't pointing it at her face ... she would turn to do this. :D

Any suggestions from members as to techniques I can use to improve her reaction to the drier? Tried liver treats and bit of cheese ... absolutely NO interest.

Might cross post this on the grooming thread too.

[DeltaCharlie]

I have a similar problem with Delta and someone suggested using a cloth muzzle on her. She quickly resigned herself to the fact that she can't bite the nozzle and if she stands there quietly the muzzle wont go on.

[Jigsaw]

Hmm can understand your dilemma I used to have a toy poodle and drying that fluff is a necessity especially in winter!! He loved being dried and pampered, he was the scruffiest little thing but he looked so cute when he was fluffed!

To the problem, you might have to desensitise him to it so it becomes a positive experience. Try showing it to him when turned off (and unplugged) using lots of positive encouragement and treats, maybe a really special treat like chicken instead of usual treats. Let him sniff it, paw it, sit on it, play with it, as long as it is a positive experience for him. Do not turn it on when it is next to him this first time or until he is used to it. You first of all want him to get used to it as just an another object. It is a slow process and probably should be done over some time, a little bit every day. If possible have someone else turn it on, perhaps in another room initially, again lots of positive praise and treats. Gradually over time bring it closer to him always with positive encouragement. Even let him see you use it on your hair or someone else while you treat him - dogs are great observational learners!!