need some suggestions -Shih Tzu and the dryer

[amante]

ok long story here...I have acquired a client Shih Tzu that I have been grooming for over a year. Her mom was an elderly lady who had dementia and was crippled, she had fallen and was in a rehab home and there was hope she was going to come back home. As time went on, she wasn't able to come home. In the meantime, the Shih Tzu was living in the trailer alone for about 6 months and the neighbor would go and let her out (dog was never potty trained till the neighbor worked her). So, this poor dog had been living in the trailer alone til I found her a home - a friend with another dog, but the two ended up not getting along. Reason why I now have her Hubby loves her and informed me she wasn't leaving

In the time I have been grooming her she has been the easiest dog to groom. Well, I got her around December, but around October she had been starting to 'panic' when i dry her. Mainly the head, she really panics and goes into such an anxiety, and stressed out mode. I don't know what could have changed for her that she feels such anxiety to getting blow dried. I am working slowly on things but thought I would come here and ask for some ideas that you all might be able to give. She is really a great dog but I want to figure how to make our grooming a bit easier.

Thanks,
Amante

[Doubledogdare]

If it is mainly the head and she won't tolerate air being blown at her face/head by a dryer, I'd use a happy hoodie and dry her body first, then cage dry her for the head.

Takes longer but it is better than dealing with a dog going into a meltdown.

[Pixie]

If it is mainly the head and she won't tolerate air being blown at her face/head by a dryer, I'd use a happy hoodie and dry her body first, then cage dry her for the head.

Takes longer but it is better than dealing with a dog going into a meltdown.

I really don't know the answer to your question, sorry. But I do the same as doublddogdare.
So much easier than making them go through something they just don't like.

[Jadenlea]

is it a force dryer or stand dryer? If it is a force dryer have you tried taking the nozzle completely off? we often dry our dogs almost completely with the nozzle on then take the nozzle off to finish drying the head and face.

If that doesnt work could you try a regular human hair dryer on low?

[amante]

I am a mobile groomer... I do have a crate and can set up cage drying...it is a cool air dryer, but it is starting to warm up here so that shouldn't be a problem. I just can't figure out what happened that changed her mind about getting her head dried? The neighbor who was walking her did bathe her occasionally, so I don't know if something happened. If something did, I don't think it was intentional. She adored the dog too.

Thanks for the ideas.
Amante

[tmenne]

Could be so many things. Does she have ear problems. Maybe a soar mouth? I use a stand dryer for any dog that doesn't like their face dried. Maybe try this and then see if she gets better and then go back to the force. What about a happy hoodie or putting cotton in her ears to cut down the noise.

[Jenneversage64]

Try

cotton in her ears and a Happy Hoodie.

I have since heard that wrapping a dog in a tight warm wet towel or just the tight towel makes them feel better, more secure. Maybe hold her in your lap all wrapped in a warm dry towel, happy hoodie, cotton, and low setting. Lots of baby talk too, I spose'.

[pooh13]

I would dry her the best I can with my forced air dryer low setting for the head no HV nozzle ,when drying heads I always hold an ear closed(which ever side I'm working on at the time)always talk to them calmly not a high pitched voice re insure her safety always blow down the head and sides if she really is determined about not using the dryer try a cage dryer( low setting) or just a fan blowing on her.

[Helly]

I agree with what others have said. Use a Happy Hoodie if you have one, cotton in the ears, or maybe wrap a towel around her head while you dry the rest of her. By the time you get to the head, it'll be almost dry, then you can use your dryer on low, no nozzle, and stand back at first, moving in closer until you find the distance she can tolerate. If she's not tolerating it at all, try putting her in a cage when you get to her head, and use your dryer that way. It shouldn't take long.

I'd also pay special attention to her ears and mouth, just to be sure she hasn't developed any health issues there. But it's highly likely that nothing really happened, she's just acting out her anxiety at being left alone so much.

[Yappiness]

Maybe something out in left field, I have found if a dog is on the verge of going blind or losing depth perception, they will get head shy. I also had a dog years ago that had skin mites and she would duck for the dryer, we had to be very light with blowpower.

[amante]

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment. I highly doubt it is her ear. She is fine for me doing other things with her ear (petting, cleaning etc.). She has just become so scared of the dryer. I have done the standing a way from her and letting the dryer blow lightly and she still balks at it, and I just try and calm her down. I am considering getting a stand dryer...not only due to her, but it will help with some other dogs I have too (poodles).
We will work our way through this.
She is a great addition to our home/family and are happy we have given her a better life than living in alone

Thanks!
Amante

[squawbonds]

Is it a must?

Try just turning the dryer on and dry her face with a towel ... then slowly take the dryer up her body..then tell her what ur going to do...(ex.I'm going here so stay...) My shih used to freak but now as I talk her through it she watches,listens and I'm able to at least get close enough to semi-dry her face. It really is a bonding, trust thing. She has to trust that ur not trying to hurt her. They don't like it but take the time to see what she is going to be ok with.

[Smart-n-Pretty]

Maybe something out in left field, I have found if a dog is on the verge of going blind or losing depth perception, they will get head shy. I also had a dog years ago that had skin mites and she would duck for the dryer, we had to be very light with blowpower.

That is interesting. I am going to remember it.