Whether you have a high maintenance dog or one that gets a bath as frequently as you roll in the mud, there are certain grooming tasks that must be done often to ensure your dog stays healthy. In this article, we'll share six secrets your groomer wishes you knew!
Many owners prefer to leave the dirty work of dog ownership to
someone else. That's why they turn to a groomer when their pooch
is in need of a nail trim or anal gland expressing, and most
assume that their grooming responsibilities come to an end once
they have dropped their dog off at the groomer's door.
After all, it's the groomer's job to worry about all the mats and
your dog's unruly tabletop behavior...right?
As it turns out, most dog groomers would love it if dog owners
pitched in a little bit more. Not only would it make the
groomer's job easier, it would also help their dogs get more
effective results.
No matter how big or small your dog is, grooming them is
definitely a hard job. From the bathing to the blow drying to the
brushing, detailing, and ear cleaning, there are countless
aspects that need to be considered in order to keep your dog
looking their best.
Many dogs are uncomfortable being handled, especially by a
stranger, and that can make for a stressful time. Add to the
yelps and whimpers the consideration that your dog may injure
themselves (or others) wiggling around, and any responsible dog
owner would quickly realize that they need to pick up some slack.
Following these six dog grooming tips will help you and your
pooch feel much more comfortable next time you pull up next to
the groomer's door.
Tip #1 Start Grooming Early
It doesn't matter what breed your dog is. Grooming is an absolute
necessity because the job of a groomer goes far beyond trimming a
long coat or even bathing them to keep them smelling fresh. Your
dog needs their nails trimmed, their ears cleaned, their eyes
rinsed, and their whole body looked at and pampered every so
often in order to keep them healthy and thriving.
That means, as soon as you bring your puppy home, you should go
ahead and get them used to the standard manipulation they'll
endure at the groomer's as they grow older. Lift their paws,
inspect their ears, and move their tail around to prepare them
for a positive grooming experience.
Begin bathing them at home from a young age, involving plenty of
treats in the process and taking things slowly. Let them check
out the bathtub and brushes beforehand to get them acclimated
rather than just throwing them right into it.
This low-pressure setting allows them to get used to all the soon
to be ordinary duties a groomer will be putting them through.
It's also helpful to do a meet and greet with their groomer
before an official session just so that they can alleviate any
fears once they are left with them for the first time.
Tip #2 Put Your Dog Through The Paces
A bath at the groomer's is much more than the average bath at
home. Acclimating your dog to the extra steps will make sure
their first real grooming experiences goes well.
When bathing your dog at home, use a simply scrub brush and a
conditioner. The scrub brush will help remove stuck-on dirt and
exfoliate their skin. It also helps remove dead fur, which will
prevent mats. A conditioner will be good even for short-haired
breeds because the conditioner is made to close the pores and
protect the hair shaft. It will also prevent tangles for long
haired breeds.
Tip #3 Brush Between Every Trim
Ongoing maintenance is important, whether your dog sees the
groomer once a week or once a month. Daily brushing, for
instance, will not only help your dog feel more comfortable at
their next grooming session, it will also prevent mats and
tangles from forming to begin with. That means a quicker pickup
next time you drop your dog off.
Plus, daily brushing will give your groomer the opportunity to
leave some length in your dog's fur next time you drop them off
rather than them having to trim down short due to mats and
tangles.
Tangled fur is also unpleasant for your dog to experience. A
slicker brush will help you begin the process. Once you have
thoroughly brushed your dog with that, move on to a fine-tooth
comb to ensure their hair stays nice and smooth. It really only
takes a few minutes and, the more often you do it, the quicker
the process it will be.
Tip #4 Take Them On A Potty Break First
Your pet is likely to be a bit anxious as they head to the
groomers. This feeling is likely to be multiplied if they haven't
had the chance to go to the bathroom in a little while. Take them
to the bathroom both before you leave the house and once you
arrive at the groomer's, before taking them inside.
Most of the time, salons have back-to-back appointments and they
probably won't have time to stop and take your dog out to the
bathroom for you. For that reason, they should relieve themselves
before arriving at the salon.
Tip #5 Don't Stick Around
Unless your groomer specifically requests that you stay present
and help them handle your dog, you should not stick around. In
fact, most salons have a policy that the owner cannot stay or
watch during a groom.
That's because, while you may think that your presence will be
calming, it can actually make your dog more anxious. They will
likely move around trying to get to you and that makes it more
dangerous for your dog and the groomer.
You should trust your groomer and leave your dog with them. That
will also help your dog bond with the groomer. Oftentimes, a
sitting room is available out of sight but closely enough that
you can be called in immediately if your assistance is needed for
some reason.
Tip #6 Keep Things Light
Oftentimes, pet owners will walk in and instantly start
apologizing for their dog's anxiety. They'll often tell staff how
much their dog hates grooming, thus projecting very negative
emotions that dogs can sense.
If you want your grooming sessions to be as enjoyable as possible
for your dog, you need to keep things light. Keep the mood
upbeat. Talk to your dog and pet them. Tell them how much fun
they'll have. Even though they can't understand you, they can
hear the tone of your voice.
Make grooming a relaxing experience for everyone. Be laidback,
calm, and happy when you leave your pooch and they will behave so
much better.
The Right Way Of Grooming Your Dog (Yes, You’ve Been Doing it
Wrong All Along)
One of the most important determinants of being a responsible dog
owner is regular and proper grooming. It is an important part of
the relationship you share with your furry companion. Not only is
it hygienic, but it also helps you get familiar with your dog,
and strengthen your connection.Remember that it takes patience,
so start gently and slowly, and keep in mind that using treats
work well.
Brushing
Regular brushing is a must for every dog, regardless of the
length of the coat. Shorter coats can do well with one brush a
week, but longer ones may need daily attention. Choosing the
right brush is as important as the act of brushing itself. For
short coats, rubber bushes, followed by bristle brushes work
best. For long coats, remove tangles gently using a slicker
brush, followed by a bristle brush.As you brush, keep an eye out
for ticks and fleas. Regular and careful grooming is beneficial
for your dogs in many ways. It removes dry skin and dead hair,
helps to spread natural oil throughout the skin, and improves
blood circulation. It is important to remember that your dog
needs time before he learns to enjoy it, so start slow and keep
it short.
Bathing
The good thing is you don’t need to give your dog a bath
frequently. The bad thing is it takes a lot of time and effort to
thoroughly bathe your dog. Frequent baths can lead to overly dry
and flaky skin and rough, dull coats. So unless your dog has
gotten into something dirty, you only need to bathe him once a
month.A bath mat is a great way to avoid slips while bathing your
furry friend. Use a mild dog shampoo that will not cause any
irritation or allergic reaction, lather and rinse thoroughly. Do
not leave any residue on the fur as this can lead to all sorts of
irritation. It is recommended that you bathe your dogs in
lukewarm water, and make sure that you do not spray directly or
get shampoo in the eyes, ears and nose. Bath toys are great to
facilitate your bathing experience, as they help to keep the dogs
distracted.
Nails
Clipping nails regularly isn’t beneficial only for your dog, but
for you as well, as it prevents damages to your floor, carpets
and sofas. Check your dog’s nails regularly. Usually, clipping
them every two weeks should do.Make sure to use a sharp pet nail
clipper that fits well in your hands. This helps to prevent any
accidental clipping that could cause bleeding. In case this
happens, have styptic powder handy. Keep in mind not to clip off
too much that you clip the quick too, which is the vein at the
bottom of your dog’s nail.
