Prepare Puppy for First Grooming Early

Imagine the sights and smells of a grooming shop to a young puppy. Lots of dogs have been there before your puppy, and left behind so many smells. The whole experience can be as overwhelming as the first day of kindergarten to a child. Help your puppy ease into the experience by practicing a few good grooming habits early.

Socialize a Puppy

Every dog owner hears about pet socialization. What does that mean? It means taking the dog out of the yard to meet strangers. This will not destroy the instinct for the dog to protect its family. We all want our dog to love us and only us, and they do. No amount of socialization will break the bond of owner and pet. So take the puppy out to the dog park as often as possible. It is extremely important that a dog learn to interact with other people and animals. There will be tussles with other dogs. It happens. Teaching a pet to respect other pets and owners is a duty.

A puppy that is socialized early is far more accepting to the grooming process. A groomer must handle the dog for several hours without the owner. This would be scary for a puppy that has never been away from its owner. To help submissive puppies get past their shyness allow friends to care for the dog at times. Even letting someone stop over and feed the dog without the owner present will help. Allow the dog to be handled by both men and women.

Animal Handling

Start handling a puppy early and often. Every dog must learn to allow people to handle it for its own health and well being. Rub your hands gently over every part of the dog. If you notice a sensitivity in certain areas, wait until the dog is calm or sleeping to gently massage the area. It may cause the dog to feel a tickling sensation so don't continue if the dog shows agitation.

Remember the feet. Dogs are extremely sensitive to having their feet and pads handled. While the puppy is relaxing, gently massage the foot and in between the pads. Don't squeeze, but apply gentle pressure to expose the toenail. Continue to massage the dog's foot and leg as long as the pet allows.

Home Grooming Practices

Start brushing and combing early to get pets used to the process and tools. There will be a lot going on that first grooming day. The more a puppy has been exposed to, the less frightening it will be. Combs, brushes, toenail trimmers, clippers, blow dryers and scissors are all tools used. Many grooming tools are sharp, so it is important that the dog learn to stand still.
*Do not play games while grooming. This should remain a calm time.

Purchase a shedding comb and a slicker brush when you bring the puppy home. When the dog is calm, start running the slicker brush over its body. Use calm tones and hand motions. Brush in the direction of the hair growth. Use the comb to break up matts and tangles. Leave any severe matting to a groomer or veterinarian. Remain calm and use soothing tones throughout the grooming process.

Use care when clipping a dog's toenails. If attempting an older dog, make sure the dog will let you handle the foot first. For puppies, clip only the tip of the nail. Never go past the middle of the nail or the pink quick. A detailed explanation for pet owners is given here: How To Clip Your Chihuahua's Toenails and Survive

The more you can prepare a pet for the grooming shop, the less traumatic it will be. Check out the groomer completely if this is the first time going. Don't be afraid to leave without an appointment or without leaving your pet. The experience should be pleasant for both you and your pet.