My Dog Won’t Let Me Brush Her — How to Use Lick Mats to Make Grooming Stress-Free
My Dog Won’t Let Me Brush Her — A Simple Fix That Actually Works
My Dog Won’t Let Me Brush Her — How to Use Lick Mats to Make Grooming Stress-Free
A client recently emailed KISS Dog Training with a very common problem:
“My dog won’t let me brush her.”
Before jumping into complicated training plans, I asked a simple follow-up question:
Have you ever rewarded or distracted her during brushing?
And no — not just any distraction.
The distraction has to be rewarding enough to actually change how your dog feels about what’s happening.
That’s where tools like lick mats come in.
Why Brushing (and Grooming) Becomes a Battle
From your dog’s perspective, brushing isn’t automatically relaxing or enjoyable.
It can feel invasive, uncomfortable, or just plain annoying — especially if they’ve never learned that good things happen during grooming.
If brushing only ever predicts:
- restraint
- frustration
- discomfort
…then resistance makes sense.
The fix isn’t force.
The fix is changing the emotional association.
Distraction Only Works If It Pays Well
A common mistake I see is offering a distraction that simply isn’t worth it to the dog.
Talking softly, petting, or trying to “soothe” often doesn’t compete with:
- nail trims
- brushing
- bathing
- ear cleaning
A distraction must be:
- high value
- long-lasting
- engaging enough to hold attention
Lick mats check all three boxes.
Why Lick Mats Work So Well
Lick mats allow you to pair grooming with something your dog genuinely enjoys — things like:
- peanut butter
- canned dog food
- yogurt (xylitol-free, dog-safe only)
Here are two solid lick-mat options many owners have success with:
- Gorilla Grip Silicone Dog Lick Mat — strong suction, durable, and easy to clean
- Bestalk Non-Slip Enrichment Lick Mat — dishwasher safe and good for longer sessions
Used correctly, lick mats can help with:
- brushing
- nail trimming
- bathing
- basic handling and husbandry
“When this happens… good stuff happens too.”
That’s how positive associations are built.
Kansas City Dog Owners — A Quick Note
If you’re struggling with grooming, handling, or cooperative care and want hands-on help, this is something I work through regularly as a dog trainer in Kansas City.
Winner – Best Dog Trainer in Johnson County (2023, 2025)
