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Town Hall Topic - Grooming rituals

28K views 40 replies 37 participants last post by  dobie822 
#1 ·
Topic #5 – Grooming rituals
  • How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?
  • How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
  • How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
  • How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
 
#2 ·
Hmm, I don't have a purebred Doberman, but I do have a mix. So I hope I'm still allowed to fill this out! If not, then... oh well. =)

1. I trim Pippin's nails whenever I "notice" they're too long. This is generally every week or every other week. I use nail clippers but am slowly acclimating him to a dremel. For the dremel I give him treats whenever it's "around", show him it's a good thing. I touch it to his nail when it's not on, and give him a treat. I just kinda work my way around giving him treats and touching his nails. I also will turn it on but not dremel his nails and give him treats so he'll associate the noise with good things. =) I have dremelled one or two nails of his, but noticed I needed to slow down, as it made him anxious. I noticed it'll get too hot after a few seconds and you gotta move to the next nail. I use a sanding band because I have heard the stone heads get too hot too fast. My dremel has two speeds, slow and fast. I use fast, because the slow is too slow. The main problem I have with the dremel is it's very easy to hit something (such as yourself, lol) with the moving band. I've accidentally grinding down my OWN nails once or twice.

2. I clean my dogs ears whenever they have any noticeable gunk. Otherwise I leave them alone. I use a medicated ear cleaner I got from my vet that helps kill yeast.

3. I clean his teeth whenever I remember, which isn't too often. I use a normal human toothbrush along with dog toothpaste I purchased at, I think, PetSmart. I also give him lots of raw bones to chew to help keep his teeth clean.

4. I give him baths whenever he is noticeably dirty, stinky, or when you pet him he feels oily or dirty or leaves a residue on your hand. I bathe him in the bathtub; he's generally pretty good about getting in on his own, though he doesn't enjoy the bath. Between baths I brush him about once every week or every other week with a rubber glove brush.
 
#3 ·
GROOMING:
* I trim Darmok and Sasha's nails usually every 2 - 3 weeks, but sooner if I notice extra growth. It's hard to get Sasha to settle down for trimming, as she is real 'touchy' about her toes! I use clippers, but it's the pliars/scissors type of clipper. I dont like the guillotine style. I want to get a dremel and start trying to get them used to it, because I love the way dremeled nails look! No grooming table, I just make Dar stand still on the floor and pick up her feet one at a time holding them similar to how you you would trim or shoe a horse. Sasha has to be lying on the bed or the couch and I need a second person to help hold her still. They both get treats for cooperating.
* I clean their ears the same day that I do their nails, usually just wiping them out with a dampened wash cloth and my finger. Their ears stay pretty clean.
* I brush their teeth with a dog toothbrush and Hartz brand beef-flavored toothpaste. I used to brush them every other day, but now it's more like once a week. The last time I was at the vet's office, everyone in the waiting room and the office staff all remarked about how beautiful and white the girls' teeth were, and I felt pretty good about that! Both of mine got the tooth-brushing ritual started when they were young, and they sort of like it now! I can go in the bathroom and say "let's brush puppy teeth" (yes, I still call them puppies!) and usually Dar will come in first and stand there while I put the toothpaste on the brush and stand very still while I lift up her gums and brush all around. I constantly talk to them and tell them what good girls they are and how beautiful they are while I'm brushing! Dar used to try to chew on the toothbrush while I was doing it, but now she just stands there and enjoys it! When I'm done brushing her teeth I take a damp washcloth and wipe off her face, mouth, and clean out the corners of her eyes. She gets this real relaxed look on her face! Then I tell her she's done, she walks out and Sasha comes in for her turn! We go through the exact same routine. Guys, tooth brushing is just way too easy with my two girls!!! haha
* Baths are pretty infrequent now that it's winter. In warmer months, however, they get baths about 2ce a month, or whenever they get really dirty. Dar loves water, and I can put about 6" to 8" of warm water in the bathtub, tell her to go get in the tub, and she will go to the bathroom and hop up over the side of the bathtub and stand there waiting for the bath to begin! Good thing, cos she is about 85 lb now, and it's hard on my back to have to pick her up (like at the vet when they want her up on that high, narrow, cold steel table!) She loves her bath! Sasha doesn't. I have to leave a collar on her to sort of drag her into the bathroom, and "help" her over the side of the tub. The collar also gives me something to help hold her still while getting bathed. As soon as they are out and towell-dried, though, they seem to have multiplied their energy level by 1000 times!!!
 
#4 · (Edited)
[*]How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them?
Twice a week with a dremel.

If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any?
I use VERY positive rewards for all my dogs, and if you could see them when I get the dremel out, you'd laugh!! The two climb all over me to go first, sometimes I actually have to put them in a different room to get all of the dogs done!! Lexus enjoys the treats, but has not yet gotten as nutty about it as my other two! But she calmly lays on her side while I do all her nails, not moving till I release her. I do not use the stones, as they heat up, I use the round sandpaper attatchment. My dremel goes from 1-6 on speeds, I use between 4-5. No problems at all!! I will NEVER use clippers again! I hate to hear the nails on the floor, and the dremel gets them so close!

Do you use a grooming table?No

[*]How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?Every bath time, or if she is out in the rain or swimming and gets water in them. I just use a Qtip.

[*]How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it? I was brushing her teeth twice a week, until I switched to the raw diet, now she has NO tarter (she was developing tarter before a year old on the kibble diet), and I don't brush anymore.

[*]How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?Maybe once a month to every two months. Or if she gets muddy or dirty. I'm extremely allergic to poison ivy, so if she gets in contact with that, she gets a bath. Lexus gets brushed about twice a month with a rubber fine tooth curry that looses and removes her tiny hairs. In the summer she is bathed outside with a hose, she is excellant with her stays, and I just put her in a stand/stay, when it gets colder she is bathed in the tub.

What do I use to wash with I am pretty bad about that! When I fed kibble and Lexy's coat was so flaky and bad, I used a treated oatmeal shampoo, now that her coat is so much better, I just use cheap white rain or whatever else I have around! Also do conditioner when I bathe inside (just b/c it's there!)

Good topic Kratty!!
 
#5 · (Edited)
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?
With our dogs, they go to the vet every two weeks to have the nails done. I was going every two weeks to the nail salon for my nails ( OH how Pretty they always looked) But when the dogs came, it was them or me! Well, they won! Their nails are so strong that the male vet has to do them. He clips them first and then uses a Dremel on them. It is a real work out for me as usually I take the dogs to the vet myself. Trying to get into the vets with 4 dogs in tow, weigh in (which my dogs are GREAT at) Check in and then all of us in a small exam room. Boy! LOL Well, the dogs are really good on the table! And boy, all the nail dust flying around! LOL We are all sneezing the whole time and the Vet usually ends up with Nail dust all over him and on his face. He keeps joking that someday they are going to find out that the dogs nail dust causes cancer! On vet day, I am totally worn out when we are done. LOL

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
I clean the dogs ears when I notice they are dirty and I use ear whips from the store. During the summer I clean their ears more as they roll around in the dirt more. As for teeth cleaning.. well, I must admit that I do not brush their teeth. I know I really need too! They get kibble and raw with chew bones also so their teeth are usually pretty clean. Now Raven did just get her teeth cleaned at the vet, and a cyst removed at the same time last month.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?My dogs are very good about baths. I started training them very young about taking a bath. So now they do not mind it at all, Now I am not saying that they love it but they stand for the whole time without any problems.
They get a bath about once a month sooner if they are really dirty. We have a clawfoot bath tub so all I have to do is put their front feet on the edge and tell them in and they will jump in and just stand there. Such Good Dogs!! We get a brush down about once a week also with a rubber currler.
I try not to over groom them as I see that is tends to make them a little drier when I do.

Now I have a question to add
What type of shampoo do you use? What do you use if anything if you see any bumps on them?
I use Nova Pearls Shampoo, which I love. If I find any bumps on them, it is treated with TeaTree Oil.
I also use, Between shampoos, if I find that they are getting dirty but not enough for a bath, a 10% solution of Listerine (two ounces Listerine to 18 ounces water). The solution is sprayed on liberally and wiped off with a clean terry cloth towel. I finish by brushing through a few sprays of Miracle Coat Lusterizer.
 
#6 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

If I am to trim her nails, Ava needs them done once a week. Her nails grow so fast and we have hardwood floors and that 'tap tap' sound drives me nuts. I had been dremeling her nails for a while and that I'd only need to do about every 2-3 weeks to keep them as short as I like. I just don't have the time right now to sit down and dremel so the trimmers have been used.


How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

I don't clean her ears. They never need to be.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

She cleans her own teeth daily with RMBs.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

She gets a bath maybe every month or every other. Once a week I run a curry brush over her coat to remove any dead hair.
 
#7 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them?
A couple times a month. I haven't gotten a dremel yet but will soon. I use clippers but have recently started filing them after clipping. She is so good and has not had a single issue with the file so I think she'll be fine with the dremel. I have noticed since we've been running daily that I don't have to trim as often or as much.
I don't use a table, she lays in my lap on the couch or kitchen floor and holds her feet up for me.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
2x's a month, on bath days. Can't remember the name of the stuff but I bought it at the vet. As humid as it is over here, yeast infections are a real threat. The tech told me this stuff would help prevent them.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
I kid you not, if there were a contest on the whitest Dobe teeth ever, Chi would win. I attribute this to lots of raw bones, good food, constant chewing on rope toys and nylabones.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
Chi gets a bath at least 2x's a month, sometimes once a week. She gets stinky fast. I use an oatmeal based shampoo and a rubber curry brush to help remove dead hair and work up the lather. She has never been a problem in the tub and now when she sees me grab the shampoo, her towel and a treat, she will race me to the tub, hop in and wait.
 
#8 ·
I have to clip Tia's claws fortnightly so i have to do all the gang starting with Amber very touchy about feet,Tia medium and finally Chelsie who is easy-don't care-whatever you want(God i love that dog)we use clippers

Ears on demand but check often for cleanliness .

Teeth we use a meat flavoured enzyme cleaner

Bathing down to a show time i will not bathe Tia for two weeks before a show giving time to get the oils in her coat back for a shine.

 
#9 · (Edited)
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool)
I don't trim Jeddah's nails, as it is part of the grooming service that is offered when I get Jeddah's hair done. :jonkel: Groomer uses nail clippers. Jeddah is fine, just stands in the hydrobath on three legs while the groomer works on the other.


How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
I don't really need to do it myself, once again this is part of the grooming service that we get. The groomer uses the ear wipes. If it's particulary dry and dusty here, I will sometimes do an in between visit clean myself, using ear wipes.


How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
Never clean myself - raw meaty bones keeps them sparkly clean (particularly the chicken carcasses).


How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
Jeddah is groomed once every three weeks, sometimes, fortnightly in the summer months. Groomer visits us at home with the mobile hydrobath. Full groom is brush down, shampoo with warm water, rinse, towel off and blow dry, nails and ears included. Finish off with a liver treat. If she's getting a little "doggy" between visits, I wet down a towelling wash cloth and give her a wipe down. That freshens her up nicely. I tend to give her a bit of a brush with a short tooth rubber brush, just to loosen dirt, removed dead hair and get the oils moving in her coat. Keeps her nice and shiny.
 
#10 ·
* How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

I never clip them. I send her in to have her nails done. (Last time we had them done it took 3 of us to hold her down while it was being done.) She also wears them down a lot so it doesn't really need to be done to often.

* How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?


I am horrible with my own ear so I don't even look at my animals ears. (I know bad me, I am borderline OCD with my ears I don't want me to get the same way with theirs and damage anything.) :(

* How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

Nyla bones and a lot of other kind of bones. I also brush her teeth once a month or every other month depending on how they look. She loves having them brushed treats or no treats. It's just an all around good feeling to her I guess.

* How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

Lol your joking right? I try not to give her one alone first of all. To much work on my back to lift 60+ pounds in and out of the tub several times within an hour. Yea it takes me that long because she refuses to stay in the tub. :( If she only figured out how good it feels... My life would be all set. I give her one when she stinks, or rolls in something like dog poo, or when she feels yucky.

I also have a rubber brush thing for the cats that I use on her. I love this brush it is like a hair magnet. :D She also loves it. So I use that a few times a week in the summer and a few times a month in the winter. I know it should be the other way around but it isn't.

I know I know bad me.. :(
 
#11 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool)

I use a mini dremel twice a week

If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc)

A lot of liver treats! Actually Mo is really reasonable

Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any?

A sanding attachment, can't remember the paper grade but not too fine, slightly rough

Do you use a grooming table?

No, I do it outside or in the kitchen

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

Not really but will if they look mucky, just a q-tip and warm water.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

I don't! Every sunday she gets raw bones and often during the week some bully sticks, she has lovely teeth

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

I give her a bath when she starts to smell! If she gets dirty or mucky I rinse her but rarely use shampoo. Mocha will jump right into the tub, again liver treats.....

:boldblue:
 
#12 ·
[*]How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

I clip kings nails weekly with a pair of high end clippers. I had a cheap pair at first, but they just sent the nails flying everywhere. Then i bought a high end pair, which is an acutal blade, and it just sheers it off and drops to the floor.


[*]How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

Kings ears actually dont require cleaning very often. I check them every other day, and if they need cleaning, i clean them. usually i dont do it more than once a month though.

[*]How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

Well, when i first got him, i brushed his teeth daily. But over time, he grew to fight it because he didnt like the tooth brush. So, today I went out and bought some brushes that slip over my finger, and he seems to like it that way much better.

[*]How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?[/LIST][/QUOTE]

Weekly, or more often if needed. He likes to play in the mud, so if he gets really dirty, i throw him in the shower and rinse him off with warm water. I only use soap once a week though. Its actually meant to help his skin...but it doesnt.
 
#13 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?
We Trim Duchess nails every week...they have been nice and short every since she was a puppy...We use nail clippers. Duchess likes to pull her paw back every time when were about to clip the nail...lol its like a reflex she cant seem to control at first.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
We clean Duchess's ears whenever we notice that they are a little dirty. We use a cottonball or Qtip with some water just to clean the crevices...never going to deep.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
We clean Duchess's teeth probably only once a month...we get out her pink toothbrush...(that a human would use lol) and we use organic...holistic...dog toothpaste. We will just brush like any human would brush their own teeth.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
We give Duchess a bath with just water if she comes in with lots of mud on her. We give a bath with organic dog shampoo if she looks or smells like she needs it lol.
We just use the bath tub probably like everyone else and we close the shower cutrain as much as possible especially when she shakes so that we don't get wet. We lift her out so she doesnt slip in the tub. and then she RUNS and SPRINTS around the house with Coco lol She air drys that way.
 
#14 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

I trim about every two weeks with nail clippers. We play a little and trim two nails then play some more and trim 2 more and so on. The only problem we had was getting him to hold his paws still without me holding them.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

As needed. I am fairly good about checking them every couple days. I use cotton balls and some ear cleaner from the vets.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

I have not had to do this yet. He gets enough bones and things to keep them nice and white so far.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

I only give GKar a bath every few months or so and most of the time even then it is because I feel guilty about it and not because he actually needs it. I use Johnsons Baby Shampoo in the bathtub in the winter and in the yard during the summer. He gets curry combed three or 4 times a week. He loves it.
 
#15 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?
We use a dremel on all of the dogs. They don't like it but they all prefer it over the clippers. We use a grooming table and hook up a leash to them, then we tell them to lay flat (on their side) and have a person or two holding them down with a little pressure jsut incase they decide to fight it. They get their nails done every week or two.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

Ears are done once a week with a cotton ball, q-tips and a bit of rubbing alcohol. Teeth are cleaned 3-4 times weekly with a tooth brush and twice weekly with a dental pick.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
I can't stand to have any dog go longer than 3 weeks without a bath, they usually get a ath every 2 weeks though.


What type of shampoo do you use? What do you use if anything if you see any bumps on them?
They've never had any bumps. I usually use the oatmeal & aloe shampoo by Wahl or Oatmeal & baking soda Fresh N' Clean by Lambert Kay. Sometimes if I can find it anywhere, I'll buy Tomlyn milk bath (I think that's what its called) but that's mostly used on the Tollers. The Dobes are good with the other above mentioned.
 
#16 ·
* How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

I am doing my girls nails about once or twice a week, it depends on how much clicking I hear when she walks. It does seem her nails grow pretty fast and are thick. I am using the Lithium-Ion Cordless Dremel, using the sanding spindle. I tried treats to get her used to it, but they didn't work. She is not enthused at all when we do it, but she tolerates it well. Its the typical sad doberman eyes treatment I get. No grooming table for me, so she sits in my lap for the rear paws and lays across my lap for the front. We can get through it pretty quick if she doesn't fuss much, but that never happens.

* How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

About once a week I check them out and if needed we have those ear wipes to clean them out. It like the handy wipes but for their ears. She seems to really enjoy them.

* How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

Haven't tried brushing her teeth. Since she is a big rope chewer, that seems to help keep them clean. I am expecting them very often but still have not found that I needed to brush them...

* How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

Baths are usually every 6 to 7 weeks, when we make our trip to Petsmart. There is not one close by to us, so when we go we stock up for about 2 months of cat food and stuff. Nikita always goes and she ends up having a bath at that time. Between baths, I also have those wipe down sheets from Nature's Miracle, which helps with controlling the odor...I heard of a listerine /water mixture to use, but I don't remember the ratio. I'll try that to see if that works. In between baths, i might have the occassional emergency bath if somebody, not mentioning name, decides to take a mud bath again...
 
#17 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) Depends on the time of year. example shes doesnt go out as much during the winter so she gets her nails trimmed more. I do not do it myself i'm too afraid of getting the quick.
If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc)
Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use?
What kind of problems did you have if any?Trinity still isnt that big of a fan of her paws being messed with but she doesnt yank them away she just licks your hand and shakes
Do you use a grooming table?
How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?At least 1 a month and i use a cotton ball with a little achole on it ( not the kind you drink )
How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? I have to admit not as often as i should
What do you use and how do you do it?When i do clean her teeth i use one of those doggy tooth brushs and tooth paste that taste like beef
How often do you give them baths?At least once every 6 months usually 1 for flees and then another for there coat
How do you give the bath? I have an attachment i bought at petsmart that hooks to the shower i get trinity in the tub and she just stands there while i bath her
What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?I brush and if she gets dirty i have some of those clothes that you get damp and bath them that way just to get her clean
 
#18 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?
I trim Red's nail once a week. I started using the dremel, which took a little getting used to because of the noise. I sat on the floor, put him in my lap, turned the dremel on a low speed, and then talked to him and gave him a high-value treat as he continued to sit in my lap nicely. Then I'd turn up the speed, and give him another treat. Then I'd pick up a paw and put the dremel on the nail for a second or two, and gave him a treat. After he realized there was nothing to be afraid of and it doesn't hurt, he sat in my lap very well as I did his nails. If he ever tried to struggle to get off my lap, I kept him there until he stopped struggling for a few seconds, finished a nail, THEN let him off. I never let him struggle to get off my lap. Now he trusts that I will let him off when I am finished and he will get a treat.

In the last couple weeks, I've used regular nail trimmers though, because I don't think I have a coarse enough band on the dremel and it takes too long to do and the nails don't get very short. So until I get a more coarse band, I've been using the trimmers, and did it the exact same way I did with the dremel. He knows that struggling does no good, so he sits quietly until I finish. He gets are treat after each foot is clipped.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
I clean them every 4-5 days when I unpost them. First I use adhesive remover on a cotton ball to get any sticky residue from the tape off the ears. Then I use Nolvasan Otic on a cotton ball to wipe away the adhesive remover and any dirt. Then I use long cotton swab to swab down in the external ear canal. Then I use dry cotton balls to dry the ears. The ears dry for about an hour (they never droop in this amount of time), and then they are posted back up.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
I brush his teeth every night using a long-handled pet toothbrush, and beef-flavored CET pet toothpaste. I also brush both my cats' teeth every night before bed with the seafood flavored CET pet toothpaste and the same long-handled pet toothbrushes. (And the cats actually beg to have their teeth brushed since they think of it like a treat).

I got Red used to having his teeth brushed by first rubbing his gums and teeth with my fingers so he got used to me handling his mouth, then progressed to putting the toothpaste on my finger so he could get used to the taste (which he loves!), then progressed to putting the toothpaste on the brush and actually brushing his teeth. He sits very well for it and will be completely used to it by the time his adult teeth come in.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
Red gets a rinse-down every few weeks or so. We use sensitive skin pet shampoo, but never scrub it in. I just a dollop in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and rub it in the direction of hair growth down his back and legs. Then rinse it all off completely - and when I think I've gotten all the shampoo off, I rinse about 10 more times! Then he smells nice, but without the skin-drying effect of having a complete scrub-down bath.
 
#19 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

I do nails with a dremel every couple of weeks on a grooming table. No special attatchment, just the regular sanding band. I have no idea what speed I use, I can tell by the sound how fast I want it. I've never had a dog that minded the dremel, so I've never had to get one used to it.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

Probably just 2 or 3 times a year with a cotton swab moistened with oti-cleanse.
How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

Totally depends on the dog. I check everyones teeth when I do nails. Anyone who has plaque gets it flaked off with a standard dental tool.


How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

The whippets literally never have to be bathed. Dobermans however I personally like to bathe every couple of months. Cher likes to play in the hose and she gets pretty wet and following that with a towel wipe down keeps her pretty clean. I also have a brush, but honestly rarely use it.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Anyone who has plaque gets it flaked off with a standard dental tool.
Plaque is soft and sticky and can be brushed away easily with a toothbrush. I think you mean tartar (dental calculus) which forms from plaque if it is not brushed off the teeth. Tartar is mineralized and hardened on the teeth and cannot be brushed away.

I don't recommend scraping it off with any dental tool since this leaves microscopic scratches in the teeth which causes tartar to stick and come back even quicker. This is why when people and pets have their teeth professionally cleaned, the teeth are scaled, and then polished - the polishing smooths the surface of the tooth, removing the microscopic scratches caused by scaling to prevent plaque and tartar from sticking. You are probably causing more plaque and tartar build-up by using that tool that you would if you did nothing at all.

Brushing would be your best bet to keep teeth healthy and clean.
 
#21 ·
*How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? I'm doing Petey's about every two or three weeks with a regular large clipper. He stays pretty good now, I usually do it when he is already tired.

*Do you use a grooming table? No

*How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use? I do them at least once a week, with a cotton square and a dog ear cleaning solution.

*How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it? Petey is a RAW guy....and his teeth are brand new and very shiny white....I expect them to stay that way on RAW for a long time.

*How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)? No baths for Petey. He swims every day at a pond, and now he has a kiddie pool. I think he will be swimming until November, he loves it so much!!! I didn't bathe him all last Winter either....he seems to have a very shiny, healthy non smelling coat.
 
#22 ·
Topic #5 – Grooming rituals
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table? Annie get dremeled 1 a week on a grooming table at work.

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use? when she gets a bath with Chlorahexaderm(sp) and a baby wipe.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it? She cleans them every time she eats her rmb's:clap_1:

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)? She gets a bath 1-2 days before a show
 
#23 ·
* How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool) If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use? What kind of problems did you have if any? Do you use a grooming table?

We don't, Shadow is very, very touchy about her paws, took us several month before she would even let us touch the fronts, several more to touch the back ones. The vet kinda jokingly says you would think that they were taking a limb the way she acts when we have 'em trim them. We let them go no longer than a month, but she walks several miles (whatever I'm up to!) on rough blacktop and this seems to help keep them a little bit shorter.


* How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?

She had a foxtail puncture her eardrum, nasty things they are, surgically removed from her left ear, so we flush with anti-biotic/ear wax liquid we get from the vet. Once every few weeks now, but the vet does a more thorough flush about once every month or two depending on what it looks like in there.


* How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?

We don't, like others we switched to a raw diet, along with a few denti-bones in the beginning, we haven't had a problem.


* How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?

She gets a bath as needed. Usually 1 to 2 months. She gets the hose in a stand-up shower (after the usual bribe of a treat to get her in there) when it's below 80 deg. and outside when its above 80 with the hose left in the sun to warm up the water-no bribe needed. Brushed down every weekend in between, if we include petting, then many times a day!
 
#24 ·
from the groomer's mouth!

How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool)
-every week, even if I'm just tipping them. The more you clip your dogs nails, the more the 'quick' will regress. Long nails can cause foot splaying and joint problems!

If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it? (treats, corner them, etc)
-Usually the vibration will initially scare them, but they'll realize fast enough it doesn't hurt.

Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use?
-high speed if they're long, low speed if you're just touching up.

What kind of problems did you have if any?
-None

Do you use a grooming table?
-Yes

How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use?
-Right now, every week because they're in the crop progress and being taped up they're not able to air out and trapped moisture causes infection. After the tape comes off, it really depends on how often your dog is outside. I usually clean ears with every bath (4-6 weeks) but an outdoor dog will get yucky ears much faster- especially if they are erect.

How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth? What do you use and how do you do it?
-Every week with Petrodex Enzymatic toothpaste and dental spray. And lots of rubber/rope chew toys for strengthening, tartar removal, and flossing.

How often do you give them baths? How do you give the bath? What do you do between baths (i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
-About every 4-6 weeks. I use a rubber "zoom groom" to loosen dead hair and massage the skin, and an oatmeal shampoo and deep coat conditioning. Between baths I use the zoom groom, sprays, wipe down with damp towel.

This was fun!
 
#25 ·
How often do you trim your Doberman's nails and how do you do them? (nail clippers, Dremel tool)Only if they are not wearing them down naturally! If you use the Dremel, how did you get them used to it?Never used a dremel on my dogs nails yet. (treats, corner them, etc) Any particle attachment and tool speed you like to use?N/A What kind of problems did you have if any?N/A Do you use a grooming table? Used to, still have it!
How often do you clean your Dobermans ears, if so, what do you use? Only if they are greasy, grimey! The I would put a few drops of my Super duper homemade ear cleaner in the ear, squishy it a few times, let the dog shake, then wipe out any crud left!
How often do you clean your Dobermans teeth?Never! What do you use and how do you do it? N/A
How often do you give them baths?Rarely! How do you give the bath? If I had to bath, I would mix up a little olive oil soap with some herbal liquids, bath, rinse clean, then a final rince with a herbal tea and organic apple cider vinegar mix.What do you do between baths rub them down and scruff them up with my hands and fingers!(i.e.: brush, wipe down, etc.)?
 
#26 ·
Every night my dogs were put up on the bed for examination. I start at the head and exam ears, eyes and throat. I look at the neck down to the paws and exam the toes. I ask for belly and check their underside, down to the rear and back paws (toes). This is a ritual I've maintained for over 45 years. It not only teach the dog to relax for their home examination but is a teaching exercise for visits to the vets. Home exam are part of your dogs OB.
VON.
 
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