Challenging Grooming Session: Transforming a Reluctant Caucasian Shepherd

[@girlwiththedogs2]

*ALL ABOUT PAWS GROOMING COURSE* girlwiththedogs.com/all-about-paws

[@OanKnight]

I came back from the kitchen momentarily having flashbacks of fragile rock

[@dariasmeh]

can i suggest you do "Small Dog Spring" so that you can give your back a rest and just do small dogs for all of April and May

[@Curlycue99]

Hi Vanessa. Have you ever tested or considered buying a light weight, waterproof shower bench/stool or plastic footstool to sit on when grooming a pet close to the ground? Although they're not perfect solutions, they could conceivably help reduce the stress & strain on your knees, back & neck during parts of the groom. At the very least, they're probably worth a try. (FWIW: Shower benches/stools and plastic footstools are generally inexpensive and very easy to clean & maintain.)

[@Molten4]

@@Curlycue99 great idea! Her poor back. I thought putting a traffic cone or something like it under the dog might keep him standing.

[@kathyf.2002]

Hi! My dog, a rescue, goes crazy when we even try to touch his paws. Desensitizing has not worked. Will this course address that?

[@jackiearnolds]

Jamison isn't stubborn. He achieved spiritual enlightenment and changed into his final form: a rug.

[@GoFetchDogGrooming]

😂 I’ve got to try and remember this, I groom a few “rugs”

[@maeterith1984]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lulumoon6942]

🙏😏

[@SONALI_V]

😂😂😂

[@madonnamotete558]

😂😂😂😂

[@fcrlover5996]

His name should be Gandhi, this is definitely an example of nonviolent non-cooperation!

[@kathyanasamarakoon2261]

Good one😂

[@DiamondLil]

Satyagraha: nonviolent resistance to evil

[@sbdreamin]

Lol

[@pattyconley4096]

😂😂😂

[@Fitzy222]

😂😂😂😂

[@mattROKX]

He's as cute as he is stubborn lol. What a giant pup.

[@babayaga5017]

Jamison is so unbothered 🤣

[@gregpendrey6711]

Depression Hurts. 😎

[@k-lo0007]

Agree! It's a hilarious "situation!"

[@pamelaj.betz-baron2420]

Love the look he gave you when you asked if he wanted to go for a walk or for a car ride. He definitely didn't buy it.

[@katherineduke3232]

For sure haha he was like "lady, shut up"

[@laedifox]

The side eye 👀😂

[@rachelmm05]

Lol ikr he was yea right does it look like I do anything other than wake up, eat and lay back down😂.. silent passive aggressiveness at itsbest😂😂

[@tatianafeitosaaraujo]

I loved when you said “wanna go for a walk?” and he just looked at you like “no mam, I’m good right here, you go ahead and have fun”

[@KatySueWho]

😂exactly right! Sounding exactly like Eeyore in my head

[@reptilez13]

The Floof Department called they want their entire stock of Floofiness back from Mr Jameson.

[@lulumoon6942]

👍

[@carrollkuemper]

Vanessa grooms everything. Dogs, cats, pigs, clouds, marshmallows, voids, and woolly worms.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Lol, "Voids" 😂. I love the black cats with the wide, expressive eyes, then their face looks like an eclipse when they close them 😊

[@InuriJ]

And mammoths 🦣 🙈🫢

[@ledwards7171]

I got a guinea pig I can't get to stop shedding😂. Want the challenge?

[@susycavaleiro1265]

Polar bears, gremlins ,ducks.....😂

[@1GoodWoman]

Even when she turns the world into a snow globe!

[@ForrestAnna]

I had a very furry rescue dog, overweight, and she would not stand, because I had a thorough vet we found out that she had seven bladder stones, and she had surgery to remove them. Man was my dog relieved to get that pain removed. He may have an underlying health issue.

[@3possumsinatrenchcoat]

especially coming from what sounded like a hoarding/breeding mill situation. doubt that kinda place did any health testing on the animals they bred there, I'd also assume at minimum he's got some pretty painful joints. poor pup 😔

[@darilynkrupp6309]

Vanessa hobbles off needing a hot bath, chiropractor and massage leaving the gigantic Jameson with a beautiful, clean and well brushed coat. Kudos.

[@tundrawomansays694]

Vanessa hobbles off for some *real* Jamison.

[@gregpendrey6711]

​@@tundrawomansays694Haha😎🐣🐇

[@henrygvidonas9573]

For a furry boulder who refused to help with anything even in the slightest, he turned out looking great. Excellent job!

[@chanaheszter168]

He is a very cute dog. Pedigree actually a cross between couch & potato.

[@kathybrandt6060]

I started crying watching you Try to bathe this beautiful dog. Just imagine how bad his life was to make him just shut down when he’s afraid.

[@Molten4]

I groom a dog that won't stand. I gently ease her on her back to do her belly. lol It's a pain but she lays there all four feet up! Ha! She runs away when we're done too...just like Jamison did in your yard!

[@kathyflorcruz552]

😅

[@emmabovary1228]

I’d love to see a picture of that!

[@jpeg42069]

That is so cute. That dog must really trust you ❤

[@Molten4]

@@jpeg42069 thank you. Yes, I talk to her and sing to her. She is the sweetest.

[@JBOD]

Ha ha! That's funny! 😅

[@dianegoldfarb5692]

He reminds me of my husband... quiet, reasonable,cooperative,stubborn ,I can do what I want as long as he agrees!!!!and very handsome!!!

[@leslieshand4509]

With rescues you just have no idea what they endured in those so important early years. Getting done what you got done is amazing

[@Kv-nb1gm]

Agree, my best friend jus saved a Chihuahua out of a backyard breeder situation. The breeder pulled the dog up on her neck and shacked it right in front of her a total stranger. Imagine what's going on behind closed doors in there hellhouses

[@oonakarki9426]

@@Kv-nb1gm ...that your friend supported by buying a dog from there.

[@leslieshand4509]

@@Kv-nb1gmomg! I cannot stand those kind of people. More countries need to follow the rules and regulations like they have in UK. Puppy mills and backyard breeders actually go to JAIL and pay heavy fines, along with never being able to own a dog for anything from a year to lifetime. They are able to remove animals with the full support of the local police. They have no kill policies for rescued animals. They have access to vets from the moment they remove the animal. They care for sick animals and work with them to make them adoptable. It’s an amazing program. I have undying respect for the RSPCA. I know we have stricter rules in Canada than the USA, but still not enough.

[@mdrakes5129]

I believe I just witnessed the canine version of “quiet quitting”. He wasn’t going to make a fuss but he wasn’t going to help you either…. Good job Vanessa!

[@angelatester2471]

Oh dear....... poor chap...... he looked like he was trying to get the floor to swallow him up.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Vanessa- you need to get one those height adjustable seats/benches old people use in the shower and just put it under the stomach of dogs like Jameson. That way he can stand and rest:)!

[@bkitteh6295]

What a great idea! I wonder if she'd be able to wrestle them on to it.

[@doreenbrownlie771]

He looks a bit like a panda when he’s lying down.

[@therose4459]

I was thinking that too! Maybe some giant panda mixed in with all those other breeds. 😅

[@EdgyEspresso]

Poor guy. He reminds me of my rescue. It took her nearly a year to come out of her shell but she’s really blossomed.

[@Iflie]

He was holding a "lay in" protest but didn't seem to mind the dryer that much. Hopefullt the owners get the last of the matts when he's comfortably standing, licking some peanutbutter or something.

[@bethjeans3780]

You can only imagine what this sweet dog went through. Not moving, staying low, trying to be unnoticed at the hoarder’s place. He’s a beautiful and very good boy. Kudo’s to his owners for adopting him. And I love his freckles and face so much. 14/10.

[@dashydawg]

And also being extremely fat. Mustnt feel great. Kudos!

[@Jalkr]

LGD breeds are renowned for using resistance as their response to being asked. Obedience is NOT their strong suit. AT ALL.

[@cornelia9778]

He’s not lazy. He’s just passive aggressive. It’s a good dog tactic. He is certainly giving you a workout. I’m tired just watching.

[@maeterith1984]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@First._.Last.]

"Passive resistant"!

[@arthas640]

my rottweiler was the same. she was only "bad" when she turned into a furry anchor on the end of the leash. Her neck was as thick as my thigh too so even a choke chain wouldnt budge her.

[@lhmcd5538]

Jameson is a dog who shuts down. It’s the only way he can cope. Past trauma controls him. Thank you. May you please take care and stay safe. Louisa. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩

[@elizabethcobb3316]

You make a valid point! Good insight!

[@Alexandra-mx8dx]

My knees hurt just watching this. This is one of those times a knee pads or a kneeling pad like they use for gardening would be really nice haha

[@mommeroos]

I was thinking the same thing ... 😂😂😂

[@ES11777]

Great idea! I’m sure it would be so much more comfortable for Vanessa’s knees. I love how sweet she is with the doggies ❤

[@peacetrain3333]

My thighs & back would be absolutely burning. Meanwhile that beautiful dog is singing 🎶 I do it myyyy way😅

[@zomggb]

Use a mechanics stool instead. Knee pads only delay the inevitable. A bent knee should not support the body's weight like that.

[@redwitch12]

@@zomggb Use a what now? *looks it up* OH GOD YES.

[@woodkirk_37]

Oh Jameison you are a lovely natured boy. He was just so scared. Hiding in the corner of the shower , maybe you won't see me here and leave me alone ! Bless him xx

[@111sconeful]

What a mix. With a name like Jamison, you'd think he'd have Irish Wolfhound in the "mix".

[@karenharris5141]

Maybe you need some Jameson after grooming him?

[@Molten4]

I thought his face looked like a Wolfhound!

[@ashrowan2143]

​@@Molten4he's face does kind of read as a Wolfhound it's got that big blocky solid build that's still long and doesn't read like a mastiff or bully breed

[@tundrawomansays694]

Oh lawd, my first thought was, “Whiskey! Someone finally bought Vanessa something besides a fur ball, about time…”

[@norabrown5584]

Yes the head and muzzle shouts Irish Wolfhound. ❤❤❤

[@secondone6833]

He's exactly like mine I rescued 2 yrs ago at 1 years old. I'm still realizing that he went through some trauma but slowly getting better. 140 lbs of love

[@bl00ndie91]

Omg this dog. Through the course of the groom he trusts Vanessa more and more. He is healing from his previous situations to become just a happy dog and Vanessa was clearly helping him so much. Was an amazing thing to see.

[@TheTataNini]

His eyes were very telling

[@lorithrower2467]

Who doesn't just love this dog?????? That “ I don't care what you think” look is so funny. Love him.❤

[@DiamondLil]

I know. She's begging him to "help her" and the dog is thinking: I didn't ask for this. This is a "you" problem, Vanessa.

[@unalisawilliams8674]

In regards to ur brushes, we have a saying in the Bahamas "the new broom is nice but the old broom knows where the dirt is" lol! Christenson brush for the win i guess

[@wildflower1397]

What a big, beautiful, chonk of a beast! You need one of those contraptions that squeezes sheep and let's you turn them upside down for hoof trimming. 😂

[@judithbowtell8294]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Makado14]

You have me laughing hilariously...

[@KatySueWho]

I wish we could have seen the owners reaction when they were expecting a partially shaved dog but got to pick up a gorgeous cloud that’s ever so happy to see them, too!💙🥰

[@lisaschwarz-funke5176]

He reminds me of my dog Melli. She was a Turkish rescue and unfortunately passed away in 2022. She was a real angel (her Turkish name Melek means angel), very well-behaved, tolerant and calm. We called her 'the dog that lays down'. During her bath she always practiced the same kind of passive resistance.

[@ecbst6]

He looks like a body pillow 🙂

[@iamyou3080]

He does 😂

[@ecbst6]

@@iamyou3080 Right? And not a bad thing at all, I bet he's a great couch-cuddle 🙂

[@TheGelasiaBlythe]

I'll bet he's a snuggle beast at home.

[@caljones]

Perfect for the winter time 😁🥹

[@iamnotme3986]

Like a pillow pet. Lol

[@jaimeefoster2827]

Glad to see you expanding services to woolly mammoths

[@helenburke9507]

What a gentle giant. He knew you would not abuse him but what ever he went thru before keeps him unmovable. It so wonderful of you to even consider grooming him. You’re the best.

[@kellyburnett1833]

Fun to watch him gallop after sitting for hours !! I’m so glad he was rescued and is now lead this best life !!! ❤😊

[@GamerplayerWT]

Can definitely see the sheepdog mix in him.

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

My dog does this too! So I get one side brushed only... Once he is up, he takes off! NOT doing the other side! Jamison is really a beautiful dog!

[@jeanniefromtahini5197]

During the grooms of these big dogs with the heavy floofy coats I always think about how much heavier their coat is when they are thoroughly soaked through. Lovely job!

[@michellesmith6558]

I do too!

[@christinekraeger2151]

What a big sweet lump! He is so lethargic! I feel bad for you doing this groom! Great job as always!

[@heartwork8318]

A shining example of passive resistance 😂 he is so cute!

[@gracieallen8285]

He’s a gentle giant

[@Peter-gi3re]

Vanessa you are one tough little lady. That was a hell of a workout to handle that huge dog and his massive coat. I find your commentary hypnotic…… I can listen to you all day.

[@MsDaideyMaingi]

Impressed by his dedication to just laying there 😂😂

[@jolist3722]

Poor baby nobody knows what sort of life he had.😢

[@lauraharmour]

Yes, he has sad eyes and looks depressed

[@eacalvert]

When I saw him just laying there I instantly thought of the term learned helplessness 😢

[@1Waarheid]

Had? Very overweight after all the time since his rescue is not okay.

[@eacalvert]

@@1Waarheid again it makes me think of learned helplessness. He's finally getting food and they may even be feeding him the exact recommended amount but if he shuts down like this around ppl, he's not getting enough exercise

[@marianvisser3775]

lol … you groomed a Holstein cow!! About the size and level of cooperation. So cute!

[@sheriguy8313]

What a beautiful dog! It was funny that he laid on the shower drain. lol

[@eva-w]

It's a bubble bath! 😂 Who's has ever heard of a stand up bubble bath?! - I get it, Jamison!

[@krystal6137]

Peaceful non-compliance, I love it.

[@lulumoon6942]

I understand him COMPLETELY. You helped open the door to healing, thank you, Vanessa. 😍 🙏🕊️

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

Jamison is a HOSS, which is Southern speak for a very LARGE guy! His coat is phenomenal!!! He seems like quite the laid-back giant!

[@jamiemiesler322]

What a sweetheart of a dog. He was not enjoying his groom yet he allowed you to do everything that needed to be done❤️

[@hilario6128]

Despite his lack of help you did an amazing job!😅😅😅

[@Karen__kamadu]

Vanessa, everytime I see you kneeling on your floor, my knees ache in sympathy! Great job, as always, but I highly suggest knee pads or a garden kneeler pad.

[@pjk1714]

Such a happy boy after the experience. Hopefully next time will be easier. Hope the owner was thrilled. Happy Easter 🐰

[@concernedsouthafrican1828]

You are just an amazing groomer. Thank you for what you do for these fur babies.😊

[@idreamofparis7233]

He is a good boy, gentle giant.

[@DianeSchmidt-jn2xm]

Such a beautiful pup, but he looks so sad😢

[@DustinP1978]

KUDOS to the lady who adopted the Mastiff with a bite history and this mix with a troubled back ground seems like a super nice lady!

[@mrs.y]

I don't know how you do it, but you are amazing. This feels similar to when I used to cut my son's hair, he has autism and sometimes it's just cut the hair where he is sitting and do your best. But he was much smaller than Jamison and I think you are a brave and wonderful lady for being so kind to him.

[@marilynturcotte5304]

Your back must have screamed at you that night!! Great Job!

[@mariajoseagostinho9195]

He is lovely. So calm and so big A big angel

[@sueriley4412]

I bet he feels so good after the bath and brushing. Poor you ❤️

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

OMG, he’s so fluffy! You are a miracle worker. He is so handsome. He’s smart, too, because he didn’t bat an eye at the car ride or walk attempts to get him to stand. I would swear he almost fell asleep while you were blow drying him. Has any animal actually done that while they were being dried or brushed?

[@RankinMsP]

Jamieson literally walked 2 steps out of the shower and was like 'yeah, we good'. 😅

[@inmintealucagula]

When i saw the title was like...nooo this is not a caucasian shepherd lol? This looks like our romanian breed...Mioritic shepherd. And then i listen the video and I am very glad Americans heard of our national dog breeds in Romania.

[@BobbieJeanM]

Vanessa, you won’t be done in by a feline with it’s death daggers. It will be by a canine box of rocks! 😟 I know you said before that because of the tile inside the shower you can’t attach anything to the walls. If the ceiling isn’t tiled, you can attach to the ceiling joists through the drywall. Or if you have a half wall on one side of the shower and the room side isn’t tiled you could attach to that. I am a retired nurse and have worked with patients unable to walk. A device called a Hoyer lift is used to get them out of bed and to a shower. If you google Hoyer classic pool lift you will see a metal frame to support the sling similar to what I was thinking of but I thought of using wood lag bolted to the wall, whichever would be stronger. Also Chewy has a Walkabout walkabelly support dog sling that is a style that also might work. Mesh for the fabric to wash and rinse through, parachute cord to keep it light yet very strong OR ratchet straps to easily be able to adjust the drop down length. The ratchet could be attached to the frame and attach to the sling with a carabiner to maintain a light but strong sling. I can picture exactly in my mind how it would look and work so I hope my description has been clear enough for you to understand, usually that’s not what happens though. Your Nonno is extremely intelligent, innovative and creative and I am sure he could take my description and produce a drawing of my idea with many improvements to it. I don’t know if Julian has any carpentry skills but if not, Nonno can supervise and direct while Julian constructs. 😉 Take it from a retired nurse who was your size and build, lifted heavy patients like you do dogs that it will catch up to you. Whenever it does, it’s not fun. Please do something to help yourself now. Even if it’s not my idea. 😊💕

[@bkitteh6295]

It was wonderful of you yo offer such well- thought out, helpful advice to a younger "colleague." I had friend who was a nurse in ortho, but she had to move on to maternity after about 10 years. Her body just couldn't take it anymore. Perhaps with your advice, or other similar interventions, Vanessa will be able to avoid some of the pain you and my pal suffered. I hope you're having a wonderful retirement. Nurses are the BEST! ❤

[@jenniferbethparishwhite688]

"Wanna go for a walk?" "Do I look like I want to go for a walk?" 😐

[@AJJoers]

I finally figured it out. Why I love your videos that is. You meet the animal where they are while clearly demonstrating a respectful balance between providing appropriate accommodations and having the animals best interest mind. ❤

[@AJJoers]

Also the way his fur on your outfit really pops!

[@kristawilson718]

As usual off the charts miracle worker! Great job!!!❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🐕❤️

[@steveminton8329]

He is so laid back.

[@boboso7238]

He's a great looking dog and the groom made a big difference. You can tell the past of his pre-rescue life is still weighing on him as far as trust goes, but he did really well. Like you said, better he just lay down and be non-combative that trying to escape given his size.

[@MoonFairy11]

He is a large fluff cloud! The mellow Jameson ❤

[@tundrawomansays694]

“But it’s legal here!”

[@Niobesnuppa]

This is one of the most huggable dogs I've ever seen. He's adorable.

[@suek6477]

Just wow. This is the most laid-back dog I think I've ever seen L O L just a beauty.

[@rneidermyer5266]

He is not laid back. He is withdrawn.

[@IChooseJesus9091]

​@@rneidermyer5266 & yeah but apparently only when bathing & grooming. As someone else mentioned it's passive aggressive. Instead of "Catch me if you can" mentality, it's "Fine! Groom me - If you can.....". Because you can see him running around the yard after.

[@trenaareen1216]

So he’s not actually comfortable/ laid back. He’s doing a behavior that trainers call “shutting down”. Between fight, flight, or freeze he’s a freezer. Dogs that shut down basically just curl up in a corner and do not move. You can see it in animal shelters if a dog is pressed against the wall laying down and will not get up for anything.

[@elaine_of_shalott6587]

What a stubborn bump on a log. But adorable.

[@Marta-Aya]

What a floofy floof.... and the defence mechanism of 'I'll just plop myself down and what you're gonna do about it, eh?' Is so cute. Ok, maybe not to Vanessa's back, but otherwise defiant bag of rocks is hilarious

[@jenreckard6431]

What a beautiful coat you uncovered! Way to push through, especially on the "tree trunk" nail clipping. It was evident by how he was running around in your backyard that he was glad his nails got clipped.

[@TheInvizigoth]

he was so friggin cute when he was hiding his paws from you! 😂

[@brannwen]

7:19 love the tiny little back leg kicks he does right here because you happened to blowdry him in a spot that he was itchy 😂

[@pamelamcdermott7716]

Well, wasn't he a stubborn angel. You amaze me with your never-ending patience. He turned out so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. God Bless you and your family. Happy Easter.

[@susanburrows5288]

Such a beautiful dog. So glad you didn't have to clip him.

[@Jen7867]

Good job doing what you could, Vanessa. Jameson looks great!!

[@ilonak7847]

What a gorgeous dog! I am glad you didn't need to shave him, as he has such a beautiful coat.

[@emmajames1084]

Oh the gorgeous big old pile of floof! Think he went to sleep at one point while you were brushing him. ❤❤❤

[@sue8237]

He's gorgeous! Love the nose frecks. Had rescued Old English babies for 40 yrs.

[@nemoignorat2443]

My rescue has the same defence mechanism. It is difficult enough with a 30 kg/66 pound GSD mix I can't imagine how it is with someone like Jameson.

[@lillachrissay5564]

Around 14:06 in when Vanessa makes him turn around and Jamison's face goes "was that really necessary - I already was laying down" 😅❤

[@slidewithme]

What a sweet boy XD Thank you for letting him stay comfortable during the groom. Forcing a dog to stand that really doesn't want to may result in a better grooming outcome, but with an overweight dog I can't help but think it'd be a little mean.

[@heathermiller1318]

You are always so optimistic. You'll help any animal in any way you can. Even if you know you can not get it done, perfect, you do what you can to help the animal.

[@ljjackson7106]

Stunning progress! Now for a shot of Jameison’s!!!! (too early?)

[@lindseymetcalfe]

This dog seems like the definition of "no thoughts, only vibes"

[@elizabethcobb3316]

😂

[@valeriehowden471]

Jamison is definitely a largest-of-large dog mix!

[@Worldbuilder]

Poor buddy. He’s hefty enough I would have guessed Newfie. But he’s really sweet. ❤

[@j.l.emerson592]

My sister had a male Bassett hound. She gave him an unforgettable name: Khan, you Bloodsucker... (from Star Trek) Yes, she really did. She usually called him Khan, but if he was naughty, he got called by his full name...

[@B1ackWo1f13]

I had Chihuahua at one point and when we first got him he was a little a-hole so I named him Riddick. He stayed an a-hole for the rest of his life.

[@leonardhatcher3272]

@@B1ackWo1f13so normal Chihuahua then

[@janemurdock6988]

I'm in love. What a good boy. Thanks for taking care of Jameson.

[@tatiananikulina7917]

He tried so hard, he tried his best not to give himself the opportunity to wash himself, but he failed! And he will go home outrageously clean! ))