I, on occasion get dogs that are committed to the idea that I'm here to remove their innards through their ears. Often times these are ear plucked dogs in which case I can't blame them but on occasion it's just a normal ear cleaning. Personally I have found the solution with using a ear cleaner that doesn't burn like rubbing alcohol, wetting down some cotton, stuffing it in their ear gently, and then giving the outside of the ear a rubdown. Gunk sticks to the cotton which is easy to pull out.

If the objection isn't the ear cleaning itself but rather the fact that you're asking your dog to hold still while you do X to it. It's just a matter of trust and desensitizing. Treats do wonders.

I try to distract him with toys or rags, or even after our walk, to clean and or cut nails, we have been doing this since he got home, I wet an end of a towel, get on the floor, rub his head or body, find a chance to drop three drops of cleaner and while playing I put the end of the towel in and move around until clean. once every two weeks or as needed.

Point taken, as far as put away without going thru exercise again. I got overwhelm, in a moment notice.

As of now, base on his demeanor, tail waging, ears back, playful, and accepting commands, water under the bridge. Thanks for reminding me. Dan

Ana, most time I do ignore him, continue to walk, sometimes I Shutz under me breath, it might get out LOL.

Rob Thanks, I am already trying to find the best combination that will work for us. I got in training my Chico and when the bell went off in his head was a great moment. I glow for day's.

This episode, was to me I needed to clean this spot or at least see if it was a tick. for his good and my responsibility. Now, we both will learn, and already moved on. And I will remember like an elephant.

Don't know if this is comparable, but playing golf when I could, what work in your mind one day, might not work the next. So I am now doing, short, fun, sessions. Will look about Ivan. Thanks, Dan

Betty, I did distraction, never taught about food. He is a chow hound. Thanks. Dan

Melissa, both will be fine with me. Know how, and trust. We have done this several times before. so I will do the treat, and continue to get better. thanks. Dan

Hi Danilo,
If it will make you feel better, I have the most affectionate, bonded, loving golden retriever I have ever known -but when he was 4 months old he would try to bite me over brushing, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, practically anything involving his paws! I stayed patient and knew that it wasn't because he was a dominant aggressive dog, it's just part of being young and not liking what is happening to him and reacting. I used treats as the others mentioned for grooming types of things - I started out just touching his toenails and if he didn't bite, he'd get a treat. Then I would handle his whole paw and if he didn't bite, he'd get a treat. It was just like training! We did that for brushing, cleaning ears, everything and eventually he started to get used to it and the biting became more infrequent. Now that he's 3 yrs old, he acts like it's spa day when I do all those things for him and even enjoys it!

Just know that so much of that is normal at that age. If he were 2 years old and still biting that would be a problem! Try to connect all the things you want him to do to something pleasurable - food, a massage, playing with a toy, etc. And don't expect so much so soon from either of you - you're both learning!

 Quote: Lori Hall

...don't expect so much so soon from either of you - you're both learning!

Lori said it much better than I without writing a novel.

Dan, When Falcon was younger he was an idiot about letting me cut his nails. I decided to use a dremel and used marker training to get him comfortable with the tool. Started by just showing him the tool, marking and treating. Then simply touched his foot (tool not on) marked and treated. Then each toe - still not on - etc... Now he freaks out (excitedly) when I get out the dremel, because he knows he is going to get treats (and his nails filed, but I don't think that is what he is so happy about).

Perhpas this could be used for the ears too. Go slow, make it rewarding for him. Rome wasn't built in a day and his attention span is a fraction of what it will be in a few more months, so keep in mind he is still a baby.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

Dan, When Falcon was younger he was an idiot about letting me cut his nails. I decided to use a dremel and used marker training to get him comfortable with the tool. Started by just showing him the tool, marking and treating. Then simply touched his foot (tool not on) marked and treated. Then each toe - still not on - etc... Now he freaks out (excitedly) when I get out the dremel, because he knows he is going to get treats (and his nails filed, but I don't think that is what he is so happy about).

We've got an iggie (Italian Greyhound) who has always been the biggest baby over nail trimming, and his nails grow so fast you can almost see them grow. I'm going to try this with my Dremel. Sounds fun for both of you!