Grooming our two shih tzus started out as a very frustrating to-do in our peaceful little home - that's why I always found something else to do when Hubby Dan would say "Hey, Deb, the boys need brushing." I would swish out of sight quickly to another room OR I may jump in defensive mode and say "I feed, water, take them to the vet, take to groomers, give worm and flea/tick meds, plus .............." Then the ole guilt trip would trickle down his face and out of the corner of my eye, I would see his hand move toward the brush. Don't get me wrong, he's still in his recliner with the remote in reach - whatever he does, has to be from this area.

First the boys, Boop and Sam, would run for the hills when they saw the brush come into view. But slowly Dan would pick up little Sam (who is the youngest and most naive) and calmly talk to him while brushing his beautiful brown locks. Then a promise of a Pupparoni "treat" would only entice him a little more. Letting Sam have a tiny sniff of the ole Pupparoni and promising that he was earning this delicious prize, Sam decided it was worth the pull of the brush. Starting out maybe 5 minutes and gradually adding more time, both groomer and groomee became more comfortable and both knew that at the end of the torture that both felt a sense of accomplishment. Now ole Boop, who is now 6 years old, was a little harder to convince but over time and seeing Sam chomping on the delicious treats, helped change his mind and now he more willingly will jump up in Dad's lap for a short brushing.

Brushing between one professional grooming appointment to the next sure helps prevent matting and hearing the groomer bark, "Have you brushed these dogs since the last time you had them here?" Ouch......... oh, I need to add that to my list of what I do for the boys!

Maybe you should hear the tale of ME giving them both a bath in the tub at the same time! One suggestion - go ahead and get naked cause you're gonna be soaked! If anyone needs advice in this area, I can make a few suggestions.