Grooming a 65-lb beast

One challenge with having a service dog is keeping him clean enough to go out in public. That generally means daily brushing, weekly baths and haircuts to keep the poodle-type coat neat and make the first two pieces easier. If you have to pay for that, the prices add up quickly! Weekly baths at the self-service bath place were over $20 (times 50+ per year, and five to ten years of service. . . yipes!). Special shampoo so we don't dry out his skin and a hose & nozzle for the shower were paid for with the second or third bath at home- AND I get a cleaner bathroom out of the deal. Snuffie makes sure the walls and floors are cleaned every week after his bath. (Yes, even clipped short, that poodle hair holds LOTS of water for him to shake on me and the walls!)

We reached a landmark yesterday. In the past, I've had to lift my big dog into the tub. Yesterday he stepped in by himself! That was MUCH easier and safer. I told him I was delighted with this new behavior, so I'm hoping we'll see it again next week.
Day by day, it's hard to see progress, but things come up that remind me of how far we've come. One of those was giving him a haircut this week. When Snuffie first arrived, he'd let me pet him all over his body, but didn't like having his feet held or tail combed, and I couldn't get all the mats brushed out over his hind quarters. If I turned on the clippers (electric shears), Snuffie ran from the room. Last week Miriam helped me keep him close for nail clipping, and Thursday he stood still- on the floor, without being restrained in any manner- for me to give him a full body clip. The only issues were with his feet (minor- still not fond of having his feet held and manipulated to clip between his toes- and they look a bit rough at the moment) and his face. I'm satisfied. By the time he needs another haircut, we'll have made even more progress with trust and desensitization to holding his feet. And I'll be experienced. ;-)
It was a two-day project, as I had to decide if I liked the cuffs around his ankles. I do. What do you think?

 I'm away from home, and will try to get better pictures when I get home.