Keeping bows in Maltese hair

How do I keep bows in their hair without him trying to take them off?
Connie

• My Maltese is 8mo old and I started putting bows in her hair as soon as I was able to get a couple of hairs long enough to go in so that she would get used to it. She still only tolerates it so long and she has learned to lie on her back an wiggle until it is either out or hanging. I just put it back in over and over again in hopes that some day she will leave it alone. I have tried barretts, small flexible bands as well as orthodontic rubber bands and she has no problem g etting any and all out. Hopefully you will have better luck than me. Good luck to you.
  Sandy in Michigan

• This might be a "dumb" answer, but I'll tell you what worked with Lucy. I tried all kinds of bows (including the ones for babies that are on velcro) and Lucy got rid of them as fast as possible. The groomer fastens bows in her ear hair using tiny rubber bands, "woven" into the strands. Lucy managed to get these off or hanging too. I thought the bows looked adorable and decided to just keep pointing this out to Lucy. So when I'd pick her up at the groomer I'd say things like "Oh Lucy, you beautiful girl and such pretty bows." I give her hugs and kisses, etc. I just kept reinforcing lots and lots the fact that the bows were pretty and wonderful--You'll have to make up whatever feels right..I said over and over to her that the bows were wonderful and pretty and she was cute and adorable. Honest to God, this worked. She is now "proud" of the bows and leaves them in until they get ragged and I take them off. Don't know if this will help you out, but truly it did work for Lucy.
  Cathy Brown

• If hair is pulled too tightly into rubber band, bow, or barret, most dogs will figure out a way to get relief. Sometimes hair can be pulled so tight that the eyelids won't close completely, which can lead to dry eyes. Also, if part of the bow or any hair is hanging in a manner that is visible to the dog, it may become a toy to the dog and will most likely be removed.
  Janie Charles