GSD x hates back end groomed

[Singinginshower]

My dog will happily run up to me when I get the brushes out. She loves having her chest and tummy brushed. However I can't brush her backend.
She will either get up and go, or growl and air snap at me.
She has always been like this so although she is older now, it was the same when she was younger. We have tried different brushes, and lots of treats etc.
She has very fluffy 'trousers' which contributes to the problem.
Any ideas?

[MrsZ19]

My rottie used to be like this.
we cooked up a load of liver as a treat Also really cheap and hubby will give her positive interaction and give her the liver while I brushed her, now she is fine with it

[vanillandhoney]

Could it be pain? Dysplasia or something?

GSD's are well-known for having joint problems unfortunately.

[Singinginshower]

She'd love that MrsZ19!

I have wondered about pain vanillandhoney I don't think she has dysphasia, but she is on anti inflammatories for a bit of arthritis.
It's just that she's always hated it, even before she started stiffening up.

[vanillandhoney]

It could be that she was groomed or touched there once and was injured or felt pain, and now her reflex is to growl or snap to stop it happening again.

[Ylvamoon]

Check out for pain, my first thought was hip dysplasia... as they are prone to it.
If that is all fine, go with positive enforcement: go all the way back and start by just stroking her gently in all area (Google vet health check), then use a soft brush and gently run over the coat.... do the same with a comb - one with rotating teeth is much gentler! Then use your usual grooming brush. Plenty of treats will make it even more fun and enjoyable!!

[Borderstotheleftofme]

I bet she is sore.
As a PP said, the breed is known for joint problems.

My dog also particularly hates her back end being brushed but unlike your dog she hates grooming generally.

[RiaRoth]

She may be in pain but it is very very common for dogs to hate having their feathers groomed. The fur can mat and tangle and is on a very tender part of the skin when brushed.

I use licky mats for grooming. It may take a while to build up to it but if the licky mat has yummy food in it you can usually get some of the grooming done in a stressfree fashion.

[Singinginshower]

RiaRoth. I have never heard of lickymats, what a fantastic idea! I have looked them up and ordered one. Thank you very much!

[AmberShadesofGold]

If you've ruled out medical causes then also look up Chiraq Patel's bucket game - essentially one way to set up grooming as something the dog has control over, but gets rewarded if they participate. Can help some dogs that are nervous.

[Syrrup]

My GSDx is the same! I think it's because the hair at his back end is kind of longer and frizzier and stiffer so it matts more easily, combined with the fact that because it's his bum he can't see what's happening and has less control.


I combine bum/tail brushes with lots of treats and bum scratches then make sure I'm alternating so if I see he's getting a bit antsy I move to his shoulder, then move back once he's calmer so he doesn't get overloaded. If it does get to the point where he's clearly had enough then we stop and try again later. The treats and fuss go away when the brushes do though He's started to realize that he can put up with it for a few minutes in exchange for a continuous supply of liver sausage!