The Blissful Dog | Applying Nose Butter to Uncooperative, Stubborn, Headstrong Dogs
Not YOUR dog of course. We know you're watching this video for a friend. UhHuh.
Some dogs do NOT want Nose Butter applied to their noses. I know, it hurts me to write that, a lone tear is trickling does my cheek. I've learned not to take it personally, as dogs are being dogs and we need to honor the very dogness that makes them the wonderfully cool creatures they are. But still, it does sting. (sobbing)
The truth is…
Some dogs do not want their faces messed with or touched.
Some dogs do not like being controlled or held tightly.
Some dogs are afraid of being injured.
Some dogs flash back to being held down by littermate as puppies.
Some dogs just want to be the BOSS.
Let's look at this canine psych to see what's behind all of this.
Flat-faced dogs, especially bullies breeds, often don't want their faces messed with as their breathing is already compromised. Nature is telling them to protect their breathing at all costs. So being held tightly AND having their nose messed with is a double dose of STRESS.
Small dogs often don't like to be held tightly as they know (deep inside) they are small. They may act like Tiny Tyrants, but they know.
Dogs don't have armies, planes, helicopters, bombs or other WOMD. They can pretty much just run away (flight) or bare teeth and start sapping (fight). Flight or fight are the two options most creatures (even us) instinctively tap into when threatened or frightened.
If your dog is being held tightly and restrained, especially with their feet off the ground, their flight response is taken away. So, they are left with...fight. I'm not suggesting your Pug is going to bite your arm off in one snap and carry it around like Braveheart's head as he barks "Freedom!" But your dog may struggle, writhe, wiggle and contort like a deranged Cirque de Soleil performer.
You dog may remember when their littermate held them down in play fighting and it scared them then. They don't want to relive that.
Of course there are the dogs who view themselves as the BOSS. They are the pack leader, though they may allow you to think you are. They do not want to be controlled, as it is a sign of weakness and submission. This reason is probably the biggest motivator for many of the bully breeds.
Now you know why your dog struggles SO hard when you try to apply Nose Butter, cut toenails, trim hair, etc. This knowledge lets us work with our dog's natural instincts instead of against them.
First, you set the tone. If you feel yourself getting upset, frazzled or angry, just stop. Wait until you're not in a hurry or annoyed. Have a good supply of whatever treat is of high value to your dogs. We had a Great Pyrenees who would do anything for a loaf of bread. Had to be in the wrapper, she did not care about gluten-free or not, as she just buried them. Some dogs prefer a walk or frisbee toss or cuddles to a treat. But most dogs I know are food motivated.
The easiest and best treat is peanut butter on a wooden spoon. Or slather the peanut butter on their fave bone, chew etc. Those Nylabone dinosaurs are great with all the lumps and bumps. Plus, peanut is strong smelling and a great distractor. Have it ready before you start the application.
Prior to all of this, stick the Nose Butter in your pocket, bra, whatever, so it will get warm. Or scoop some out and war it in your palm. You know.
Allow your dog to stand, so they will feel more in control. Depending on the breed, size, head-type, grab your dog by the side of their face/jowls and quickly apply the Nose Butter. You are a Nose Butter Ninja! Lots of praise, treats, woohoo time.
Before you know it, your dog will associate Nose Butter with good times and treats. Pour yourself whatever beverage you like and give yourself a treat, job well done!
There are more tips, hints and ramblings in the video and on our website. You are the human, you can do this!
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