Any tips on how to brush a dogs tummy hair? (Dog not too keen on grooming)

[Tuppity]

We manage to groom her now all over - along her back, bum area, behind ears etc she stands there while we feed her treats and brush her. But I am not sure how to brush the tummy area. I can’t get access to it and she is prone to knots. Does anyone have top tips. I haven’t managed to get her to learn the “lie down on your back” command. It seems a complicated thing to teach. Would it help if she has her front feet on a couch maybe so we can get underneath?

Does she never lay down on her sides? Our dog is always lolling around looking for tummy rubs and scratches so we do it then.

My dog really disliked being groomed until I started using a banded comb - thread an elastic band or two through the teeth of a plastic comb. I tend to groom her when she's settled on the sofa for the evening, and she loves this comb so much that she's belly up in no time

She does loll around on her back but as soon as I get the comb she flips back on to her feet and certainly not in a relaxed mode.

Can you explain banded comb a bit more schoolnightwine? I am not sure what you mean. I am going to have a good try for a few weeks myself then if it isn’t successful I will have to take her to groomers

I would get the groomer to cut the problematic area shorter. If that doesn’t work maybe a trip to the vet to see if there is anything actually hurting the dog in that area.

I'll take a photo of mine to show you when I'm back home.

Thank you

Can you get a grooming kit? Then you will be grooming while stroking.

It’s just that underneath area which I wouldn’t normally stroke so it feels alien to her

Teaching a (front) paws up command is useful anyway - good for focus out & about.
Do paws up on a stool, ie she puts both front paws on the on the stool, then just gradually progress to touching then stroking then brushing her tummy area, if she tolerates it.

Use a very gentle comb, make sure it doesn’t snag her hair.. I’d do it when she is lying down , and reward with praise and treats if necessary.

Mine hates being showered, tries to escape under my arm when l reach for the controls..
But she’s small enough for me to gently lift her back in.

Rewards help.

What breed is she? If she isn't too big then pop her up on a table or even ironing board if you can hold her safely. Once she is out her domain you may find her much more willing for you to brush her tummy plus you'll be able to see and reach better.

This is the banded comb. Simple enough, but you'd think it was a full on pamper the way my dog loves being brushed with it!

Thanks. Any idea what the point of the bands are? Why is it different to just a normal comb? I googled it and a banded comb does seem to be a recommended technique for dog grooming . Wonder how it came about !

I think it pulls the dead hair from underneath out, but not certain.

This is my girl tonight when I started combing her😊

Amazing . I will need to try that !

I stand mine up on his back legs to do his tummy.