Poop stuck in hair

[Mai Tai]

Sorry about this topic everyone, but how do you deal with the poop that gets stuck in your shorkie's hair at his back end?  I have had to cut it out twice now with scissors.  I can't bathe him everytime he goes potty as that would dry out his skin.  He is only 13 weeks old, so I don't think I can get him groomed and shaved there yet.  Any ideas?  Do they shave this area for more cleanliness when they get groomed?  Thanks everyone and sorry if I grossed anyone out.

[Ann]

I had that problem with Toby. I found if he had just gone to the toilet I would check his back end and wipe it straight off but I know that you haven't always got time for that. So another idea is to just trim all the hair around his anus and the area where it gets on his fur. I trim it as close as I can. Make sure you use blunt nosed scissors other wise you could cut him. Also when you do it tell him to stand and keep telling him he is a good boy and then when you are finished give him a treat. He will learn then that he will get a reward after you do this and genrally will stand still. Please remember this will take time they do not learn over night.

It also doesn't hurt to wash their rear with just warm water all the time as long as you don't use soap.

Hey if you've had kids and grand kids this sort of thing is just routine so no it doesn't grose me out. lol 

[Mai Tai]

I trimmed the hair under his tail, and I will work on the rest later.  I am doing it a little at a time so as not to stress him out or make him hate it.  He did not mind it at all.  My husband held him and fed him treats while I did the trimming.  This boy loves his food.

[Ann]

Yes they are a dog the trains well with food but remember when you train him to slowly reduce the treats and just praise. You do this when you beleive that he know the command you give him. Then at first you give him a treat then you do it again with out a treat but you praise him with a pat and tell him that he is a good boy. Also once you beleive he know the commands you do not treat if he has not completed the task properly. You will find the hardest command is stay but once you get him to stay that is the best.

[Mai Tai]

I agree, we have been alternating treats with praise, belly rubs, and massage.  We don't want him to always expect food. Plus, his treats are merely pieces of the food we normally feed him.  He is a chubby little guy and I don't want him to have too rich a diet.  At home with his mom and siblings, he was the one always at the food bowl first pushing the others away.  I want to teach him to stay as this is a very useful command.  I try at the door before we go out or come in.  He sits and stays for about 2 seconds, but he finds it difficult to remain still for longer than that.  Not sure how to go about teaching him that one.  I try to block him with my open hand and that seems to work, but as soon as I remove my hand, he is up again.  Also, he wants to get to the treat too.  I have to make an effort to remain serious and straight faced because he is so cute.  He turns over on his back and rubs his nose with both paws, and I just want to melt.  Too cute.  I am sure Toby has done all these things too.  What a wonderful mix of breeds the shorkie is.

[Ann]

Yes Toby has done all those things and still does at times. Just keep it up your doing fine telling him to stay with an open hand is right. If he tries to move you need to put him back and try again. At first don't try to make him stay for to long. If it is just for 5 seconds then tell him good stay and give him a treat. don't ever get cross with him if he does not complete his tasks and don't do the training for too long as they do get bored. He is still quiet young yet and he is doing very well.

Hope you are not takeing offence in me saying these thing I do not mean to imply that I now better than you. I'm only conveying what I have been told.

Keep up the good work.

[Mai Tai]

ANn, I don't take offense at all.  I am writing because I need and appreciate the advice.  I am glad you take the time to help me out and thank you for it very much.  Mai Tai stayed for 5 seconds today, and is doing well.  Thanks again.