Getting your dog groomed is a very important part of their overall care. They need haircuts, nail trims, and baths just to name a few.
Like us, we have to maintain our overall care and hygiene so we must extend that same effort to our dogs.
Some dogs might not be the biggest fans of some grooming procedures, but that is why we are here to outline some ways you can help your dog enjoy being groomed.
Get your Dog used to Grooming Tools and the Environment
It would be wise to get your dog accustomed to the grooming tools that might be used as well as any noises associated with being groomed.
For example, if you purchase a nail clipper to try and trim your dogs nails at home, let them explore the tool first before going straight to attempting to cut their nails.
Besides using a nail clipper, some dog owners may want to use a dremel dog grinder which is another option to look into for your dog.
Always provide your dog with treats and praise as they do this so they know that this is a good thing.
If you have a blow dryer at home, you can try turning it on for a couple of minutes to get your dog used to the noise. If you want to blow dryer your hair after a shower, that’s even better!
If your puppy or dog backs away from the blow blow dryer then you know they are scared and you should stop what you are doing.
If you want to bring your dog to the groomer, try to bring them around multiple times before their first appointment.
This will help them get acquainted with the environment so when they are brought in for the first time, it won’t seem so scary.
Giving the groomer some tips on your puppy or dog and what works and does not work could be helpful as well.
Related Blog Post: How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Touch and Handle Your Dog’s Paws Often
Most of the time, our dogs are not use to having us touch their paws. However, this is something that we need to work on as it will benefit you both.
We want our pups to do great when getting their nails trimmed. It will be harder for your groomer to trim your dog’s nails if they are constantly pulling their paw away or trying to bite.
If you have a new pup, this is something you should start practicing right away. At first, they will not understand what you are doing, but going slow and working on touching the paws a little each day is a good way to start.
Make sure you have some high value treats (baby food, chicken are two examples) when you are working on touching your puppy or dog’s nails. This helps them to learn it is a positive thing.
Whether your dog is young or old, this is something that needs to be worked on regularly. Lots of praise and keep it short is a way to set you both up for success.
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Introduce Tooth Brushing As Soon As You Can
Taking care of your pets’ teeth are just as important as taking care of your own. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a wide range of health issues for your pet.
Plaque and tartar will begin to form on your dogs teeth, which can quickly lead to tooth decay. Periodontal disease is a very common, but serious issue. It can be fatal if left untreated.
Pet friendly toothpastes comes in a wide variety of flavors to help your dog enjoy the tooth cleaning experience. Most pet toothpastes are enzymatic, which means they work best when they come into contact with your dog’s saliva. It will begin to break down any plaque on your dogs teeth, keeping them fresh and clean!
Using a toothbrush can also help remove any debris on your dogs teeth and gums. Your local pet supply store will have options to fit every dog, no matter what the size of their mouths are.
Never use human toothpastes to brush your dogs teeth. They are extremely toxic to your pet. Only purchase a toothpaste from your local pet store.
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Brush your Dog Every Day
You can also help your dog enjoy being groomed by brushing them daily. Dogs who have fur that is susceptible to matting should be brushed out daily to prevent further issues. Be sure to choose the right brush based on your dogs’ size and type of fur.
The last thing you want is to use a brush that is too rough. You don’t want to pull at your dogs’ fur and hurt them. This will ruin the brushing experience for them.
Spend a couple of minutes brushing your dog daily. Feed them treats as they do it so they know they get something yummy while being brushed out!
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Touch Your Dog’s Ears
You will have to clean your dogs’ ears at least once a week, which can be an uncomfortable experience for them if they aren’t used to having their ears handled.
To start, gently play with your dogs’ ears every now and then. Giving them ear scratches is a great way to warm them up to you touching their ears. All dogs love ear scratches and will melt into doggie bliss.
Dog Ear Cleaning Tips
- Typically the best way to clean your dog’s ears is to purchase an ear cleaning solution from your local veterinarian. Typically the bottle has a nozzle that can fit perfectly into your dog’s ear canal.
- Allow your dog to shake their head, and prepare for some of the solution to fly out. Gently massage the base of your dog’s ears to help loosen any ear wax or debris that may be stuck in there.
- Never insert a Q-tip or cotton swab into your dog’s ears. You can damage their ear canals this way. If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning their ears yourself, then do not try to do it yourself.
Using the tips above, you can certain help your dog enjoy being groomed. A good time to put these practices into action is when your dog is either tired, or hungry.
If they are relaxed from being tired, that will give you better chance to touch the ears and avoid he/she moving around a lot. Keep it short and positive for you both.
Not all techniques and strategies will work for every pup. It is important that you know your pup’s personality and how to properly handle them.
If you run into issues, or you would prefer guidance on how to help your dog become comfortable being groomed, the Dog Training Survival Guide is here to help. Fill out a contact form to book an in person or virtual consult. We want to help you create a stress free experience for you and your pet.
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