Grooming Your Puppy

Not just for looks

Grooming your dog accomplishes much more than just making your pet's coat look nice and shiny. It will provide you with the opportunity to spend some "quality time" with your dog, combing, brushing, bathing and generally bonding with him. You will be able to check your dog closely for any problems while grooming. Move the hair aside and examine the skin closely for signs of flea, ticks or skin irritations. Look for any unusual problems with the coat such as mats, tangles, dandruff, etc. Mats and tangles can be carefully removed while grooming. All dogs have sensitive areas that need to be groomed a little more gently and carefully than others. These areas include under the arms, under the belly, the back of the legs just above the hock, and the tail.  By paying special attention to these areas, you will help make your dog more comfortable while being groomed, and he will not resist future grooming sessions. You will also become familiar with areas that he enjoys having groomed. This is helpful if you need to calm him during stressful times such as veterinary visits.

Let your dog sniff the brush and comb before you begin grooming. If the grooming procedure is made comfortable for your dog, he will begin to look forward to regular grooming sessions. You can also give your dog some treats at this time to associate something good every time he sees the brush and comb.

Health

Regular grooming is essential to your dog's health and well being. Regular combing and brushing with the proper tools will keep the coat clean and healthy. It will stimulate the skin, and allow the natural oils to circulate to the coat. It will also allow you to carefully check for potentially serious problems. Check areas for hair loss, inflammation, unusual tenderness or lumps under the skin. Constant scratching in a particular area may also be an indication of a problem. Check with your veterinarian about any unusual problems found.

Combing

Comb in the direction of hair growth, combing small sections at a time, until the coat is tangle free. For troublesome knots and tangles, use a comb with evenly sized teeth and set ¼ to ½ inch apart.  If the coat has a particularly stubborn knot or tangle, you may have to use a slicker brush. A de-matting comb, slicker or rake can be used to remove mats.  This is typically a problem when the coat begins to change around 4 to 8 months.

Brushing

Begin brushing at the head, working toward the tail and down the legs. Always brush in the direction of hair growth. Pay particular attention to the legs, flanks (thighs), under the arms, and behind the ears as these are areas that can easily mat. I would recommend a pin brush only after you have brushed your dogs coat completely out with a slicker brush.  Regular brushing will help distribute the natural oils from the skin, producing a healthy, shiny coat. Brushing several times a week is recommended for most dogs.  For short haired dogs I recommend using a rubber brush or mitt as the slicker may be too harsh for their coat and a pin brush won’t stimulate the natural oils in the coat to make it shiny.

Puppies

Puppies have short attention spans. They will require some special attention. Select a time when the puppy is less energetic. Begin with short grooming sessions, five minutes or so. Talk to your puppy in a gentle, reassuring tone while grooming to make him feel comfortable. Be sure to check his ears, paws, teeth, and underside during the grooming procedure. This will, in time, make him accustomed to being handled and examined. Eventually, he will be quite comfortable being groomed, and will look forward to these sessions with you.

Frequency

It is important to establish and adhere to a regular schedule of grooming sessions. Schedule these at a convenient time for both you and your dog. A good time to do this is after the dog has been walked, while he is relieved and calm. Select a time when you will not be interrupted and have ample time to do a proper grooming.  These sessions will further solidify your bond with your puppy.

Longhaired dogs should be groomed daily, while shorthaired breeds may require grooming only twice a week. You will soon see what frequency your dog requires.  Consult with your local groomer when you get your puppy to see when they would like to see your puppy for their first “professional” grooming session.  As a certified master groomer I recommend having your puppy groomed “ professionally” at the age of 12 weeks.  This will make your puppy comfortable with the grooming process and make it easier on you, the owner, once this is done.

Nail Trimming

Regular nail trimming is important to your dog's health and well being.

To start get your puppy used to having his paws handled without pulling back.  You should reward your puppy with his favorite treats while you are holding his paws because their natural response is to pull back. Dogs have a quick or vein in each nail and if this is cut too short it will bleed I would recommend having your puppy’s nails trimmed for the first time by your vet or groomer and ask if you could watch them do it so you could trim them in the future.