Thank you so much Leah, Mike, & TJ Girl for you input. Leah, I'll
definitely look into the Zoom Groom. Mike, I think you're right about it
being unimaginable what they go through before they go to the shelter, and I
believe she probably was hit or taunted/scared at some point. TJ Girl, I
also think that was very sound advice about taking it slow. I need to go
even more out of my way to make the brushing experience a pleasure for her
(although I have been gentle and kind, I obviously have not gone slow enough
to allay her fears). Oh and Mike, you're totally right about the massages;
I've periodically done that with all of my dogs (don't do it on a regular or
scheduled basis, just sometimes when I'm petting them), but they do love it
just like we do.

I really appreciate you all taking the time to help me out. :-)

Brandy
Say goodnight Gracie... Goodnight Gracie

"Michael A. Ball" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 11 Feb 2005 23:19:14 -0600, "Brandy" wrote:

I have three dogs...

This probably is irrelevant in your case, but dogs [usually with long
hair] sometimes react to static discharges during brushing or even
petting. This can be defeated by raising the humidity and/or (wipe the
dog with a fabric softener sheet which I don't feel comfortable with).

What dogs go through before reaching the shelter is often unimaginable.
I would not give up on your dog. It could take many months or forever to
"unprogram" his response.

Have you tried massages on him? I recommend it for all dogs. It might be
possible to substitute the action he fears with an action he likes. Try
to face him when you brush him, so he can read your face.



When I die, I want to go where dogs go!