Every dog parent understands that getting your pup to cooperate during grooming can sometimes feel like a battle of wills. From nail trimming to ear cleaning, they often have a way of resisting even the most patient attempts to keep them clean and healthy. But one Rottweiler’s owner recently discovered that a little creativity and a bit of “reverse psychology” can make all the difference, as can be seen in this video.
Owner uses ‘reverse psychology’ to remove Rottweiler’s ticks in video
The viral video, titled “When reverse psychology works on your Rottweiler,” shows Dyce’s owner sitting on the floor with a teddy bear in one hand and a tick removal hook in the other. Instead of trying to convince the pup to sit still, she starts pretending to remove ticks from the stuffed toy.
It doesn’t take long for Dyce to notice that someone else is getting all the care. Like a jealous child watching a sibling get extra attention, he walks over to his owner, curious about what’s happening. His eyes stay fixed on the teddy bear as if wondering why it’s getting pampered instead of him.
Moments later, Dyce nudges his face toward his owner, silently asking for the same treatment. Playing along, she continues the act for a few seconds before shifting her focus to him. The moment she does, the Rottie sits patiently and even offers his paw, allowing her to check him for ticks without protest. His owner later joked in her post’s caption that dogs “really are like toddlers,” a comparison that many viewers seemed to agree with.
The safest way to remove ticks from your dog is to use a tick hook or fine-tipped tweezers. You’ll want to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out slowly and steadily. After removal, dispose of the tick safely and clean the area with a mild antiseptic. To help prevent future infestations, brush your pup after outdoor adventures and use veterinarian-approved flea and tick preventatives regularly.
