Grooming puppies

[rollerbaby]

Any tips? My cocker hates being brushes - he thinks it's a game and wriggles and bites.

Eventually his hair is going to get long, so really need to get him calmer soon.

At puppy class a few weeks ago we did grooming BUT did it on tables with towels on them and it made her calmer

Sort of like going to the vets and putting them on a table

I haven't tried it at home yet but think I may try

I've just read the bit about this in 'The Culture Clash' (which is completely worth buying btw) and am following the approach as my pup is the same as yours OP.

What I'm doing is giving him a treat when he doesn't wriggle and bite, and gradually increasing the number of brush strokes between treats. He quickly realised that he only got a treat when he stayed still with his mouth shut (at the beginning it was only half a brush stroke), and I have built up to quite a lot of brushing before he starts to chase the brush. He also hates me touching his paws - I think because I cut his nails twice under duress a couple of months ago as the kids were getting bad scratches. So I've taken that back to basics too and am treating for him sitting still with me holding his paws, even for a second, and for letting me touch his paws with the clipper - not actually clipping yet, I'm hoping that will come.

Buy the book - there's really so much in it that's incredibly useful for dog owners. here's the link

Yes, lots of treats needed.
My 5 month old pup wags her tail and comes running when I pick up the brushes now.
Don't try and do too much too soon. Aim for say, one leg at a time and try not to wrestle him too much.

I use a dremel for mine's nails on the breeders recommendation. Much easier to use and nice short, smooth claws, with no danger of clipping too far either. It took her a week or two to get used to the sound, but now she will lay still if dh occupies the head end with tasty morsels.

i hold my cockers head with one hand and brush with the other. and if she gets too excited i stop brushing or say no. she always gets a treat at the end and loves being brushed however knotty and painful it gets. so maybe be a game not such a bad thing - at least he thinks its fun

I find it easier to groom my dog when he's tired out after a walk, or in the evening when he's more relaxed. Lots of treats are also very useful, as well as stopping grooming before they get fed up with it. When just stroking and playing with my dog I make sure he gets used to me touching his paws, ears etc so gets used to being handled.
Good Luck. Am very jealous of you having a cocker spaniel pup - they are gorgeous!

Thanks all much appreciated, will try treats and patience and try and build it up. He is so good and I'm sure we will there in the end!