Depending on the breed or cross-breed of your rescue you may find that a little bit more than a daily brush is needed to mantain or improve their coat, nails and overall hygiene.
With the help of Happy Paws Spa we have put together some basic grooming for you to keep up with your dog. If your dog cannot be touched or handled please do not try this at this time. When your dog can walk on a lead you can take them to a groomer to keep on top of trims and more.
Basic Coat Care:
Don't worry if you are not sure, you can always get in touch and ask us.
For nail trims, anal glands and hygiene trims please contact a groomer.
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Many Romanian's will be double coated due to their mixed breed backgrounds - German Shepherd, Collie crosses
Less common with Rommies but still can be seen - Yorkie, Spaniel and Lhasa Apso crosses
Common with Romanian Rescues - Jack Russell, Beagle, short coat Chihuahua, Pug Crosses
Not as common but we have had a few, some can have a wire coat and smooth undercoat (double coated) - Westie, and some terrier crosses
Bathing
If your dog can be handled it is likely they will have been bathed following reservation, however, many of our dogs are too nervous to be bathed at the centre.
Due to the neglect they have received throughout their life expect their skin to be a bit skurfy with dander build up. It will take a few baths and a bit of grooming to get their coat and skin in good condition - a good quality diet helps too.
When it comes to bathing, many dogs hate being bathed. It should only be done if necessary, or a groomer who is used to handling Rommie dogs could do this for you. If your dog cannot walk on a lead do not take them to the groomers as you will set them back.
Desensitising to the bath would be your best option but it it will take a while for your dog to tolerate it. In the meantime you could do a sponge bath in the garden instead.
Bath Desen: Ensure to repeat each step until the dog is comfortable
- Begin by walking your dog on a lead to the doorway of the bathroom using treats and praise. This is the first step which needs repeating over and over so that the dog associates the walk to the bathroom with good things.
- Walk your dog into the bathroom, allow them to sniff around - praise and treat for any interaction with the bath. Repeat the first two steps for at least a week if not more to build that association.
- Once comfortable, turn the water on low so the dog can hear it whilst they are sat in the bathroom, treating and praising whilst the water is running. You can practice obedience trick such as sit, paw, lie down to desensitise the dog to the noise.
- Without the water on lift your dog into the bath, treat and praise, then allow them to jump out or lift them out again. It is best to use an old towel in the bath for the dog to stand on so they don't slip or scrabble, this also applies for when you are at the bathing stage. This only needs to be a few seconds to begin with and gradually increase the amount of time they are in there, drop treats into the empty bath so your dog gets used to being in the tub . Keep training sessions short, your dog will quickly lose patience and become agitated if you're lifting them into the bath 10-20 times!
- Once they begin to feel comfortable you can start asking them to sit, give paw or lie down in the bath - taking their minds off of the bath and rewarding the entire time. If your dog is not taking treats you need to go backwards a step as they are overwhelmed.
- It is always best to have 2 people in the bathroom with the dog - one to hold and reassure, one to do the actual bathing in future. When the dog is happy being in the bath, turn the shower/water on for a second or two and turn it off - do not wet the dog, ensure it is pointed away from the dog. Your dog is likely to have a bit of a panic, so reassure them, praise and treat them and them allow them to get out. This step needs repeating until your dog can sit there comfortable with the water running for a while and taking treats.
- You can give the dog something to do whilst you attempt a quick rinse - there are lickimats that are designed for bath time and stick to the side of the bath. If your dog is comfortable sitting in the bath, taking treats as the water is running install a bath lickimat to occupy them. Whilst the dog is busy you can begin to rinse water over the dog. If your dog is happy, continue into a full bath, if not, end the training session there and allow them to get out and dry them off.
- Once practiced a good few times it's time to bathe! Ensure you have someone to help you with this. When bathing, occupy the dog. We recommend mixing up a shampoo solution; placing the shampoo directly onto the dog can be very harsh on the skin, dialute the shampoo in a jug or a bottle. Wet the dog's coat thoroughly - Rommie's tend to have dense coats so you will need to fully saturate it. Begin to pour/squirt the solution into the coat and rub in. Groomers recommend shampooing the dog twice - the first application helps to rid grease build up, the second helps to clean the skin and fur properly. Please ensure you have completely rinsed the shampoos out otherwise your dog will be left with itchy skin.
- Once done give your pooch a high value treat or their favourite toy to enjoy as a reward!
Expect this process to take weeks to months to complete. You must not rush or push your dog to do something they are not happy with.
Groomers with Romanian Rescue Dog Experience
You are welcome to use another groomer, however it is advised that you look into a groomer that has experience with Rommies as they are not the easiest dogs to groom and handle.
Happy Paws Spa
Hull
Noah's Ark Dog Grooming
Hull
Pucci Dog Grooming
Leeds