Keeping your dog's eye area groomed

Although I highly recommend regular trims by a professional groomer, there are those times in between grooms when your pets need some attention, particularly with the small hairs that grow into their eyes from just above the nose.

To solve this problem, I went out to a pet store and bought a small pair of professional grooming scissors with a blunt nose that is designed specifically for this area. All it takes is a little snip every week and those pesky hairs will not be in your dog's eyes.

Of course, this is not as easy as it sounds. Getting one of these innocent looking creatures to sit perfectly still while you attempt this is quite a challenge. However, if you are patient and persistent, you can do it.

My oldest dog didn't take much training as he was familiar with his groomer doing this. He was a bit shaky at first and moved a bit, but a few well-times "no's" in a firm voice kept him quite still.

The little one was not so easy. When he saw the scissors coming towards him, he fought like 40 bears to get away from me. It took three days of constant attempts. First I would hold his chin firmly but not hard...you don't want to hurt them. Then I would slowly bring the scissors toward him and snip perhaps a couple of ends not even near his eyes to let him know it wouldn't hurt. If he wanted to sniff at the scissors, I'd let him so he knew what it was. Of course, the word "no" again worked wonders. I started off quietly but firmly as I held him. As he fought, my voice would begin to rise slightly each time. But never a yell or scream because this scares them and you don't want your dog to be a nervous wreck or associate the grooming session with anxiety. You'll find, if you try this, that saying "no" repeatedly and firmly will work over time. I found with each time I raised my voice a bit more, he'd fight a bit less. We're at the point now that when I bring out the scissors, each dog jockeys for position to have a clipping. But then again, this is quality time spent with "mom" and each wants to be the first to take advantage of it.

Most importantly, when they behave for you when you clip them, do not forget to treat them to reinforce that they behaved well.