dog will not be groomed

[diamondmoon]

My 8 year old Westie poodle has always let me groom her. I used scissors to trim fur often and brushed her. She sleeps been fine apart front not liking tail. Well last six months she will not let me her with brush nail clippers or scissors. Being difficult in bath as well. She will not let me lift or touch her feet. She tries to bite me all the time and is very vicious with it if I come near me. Can't even clean her eye. Bought muscle no good as bites me while getting it on!! I have booked groomers on sat but don't think they will be able to go near her. Rest of time very loving. It's impossible as times I have to check her feet or ears and being bitten.

If she has always let you groom her and now doesn't, you need to take her to the vets. She could be in pain.

I have a shi tzu who has never let me groom him but is more than happy to be groomed at the groomers. Also let my mum groom him the other week when he stayed with her. Makes me out to be a right fibber!!!

Please don't force her into a muzzle or allow a groomer to be forceful with her. If she's not in pain and there is no underlying medical issue then it sounds lke she has developed a fear or aversion to being groomed. You need to work very slowly on trying to associate grooming and handling with good things but it will take time. Have a look at this - it might help.

Thanks for the link will try it.

As she is 8 years old and this is only a recent problem I would take to the vets to rule out any uncomfortable skin or other issues you cant see yourself. Is she ok with you handling her with just your hands and giving her a good rub/scratch?

Check your brushes and tools to make sure there aren't any sharp bits you haven't noticed before.

I will buy a new brush that's good idea. She def doesn't seem in pain as rolls around with kids and loves being rubbed. It's so annoying hate her doing this. I have tried lots of treats with grooming and still bites me ignores the treat. She then forgets she bite me and wants attention.