Tail-Wagging Tips To Help Your Pooch Get Comfortable With Grooming

(DOGS/PET CARE) Having pets can be overwhelming at times. They become our nearest to dearest ones in just no time, which makes us willing to do anything we can to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

When it comes to grooming, we’ll discuss how it relates to your dog’s hygiene and betterment. Just like training a puppy, making him/her comfortable during groom time requires some effort and close attention.

Whether you have a big dog with minimal hair growth or a smaller-sized breed with long hair, here are some tips to make your furry friend comfortable when being groomed.

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How to Prepare a Puppy for Upcoming Grooming Procedures

As you know, grooming is not only important for the pet, but for you and your home as well! So bathing your dog and grooming different areas of their body is much more important than you think.

1. Start With A Gentle Bath

Start preparing your pooch for regular baths when he/she is young. Bathing is crucial as it removes any unpleasant odors and the dirty layer of their coat. It also helps remove loose hair and debris, which can bring out the coat’s natural shine.

2. Talk With Pets

To reduce any of your pet’s fears, make them believe that it’s safe to be groomed and these procedures will not harm them. To acclimate your pets with the grooming process, look into their eyes and talk them through the process. For example, you can tell them how brave they are, and promise them a reward or treat after completion.

3. Initiate Grooming With Brushing

Brushing keeps the coat clean and maintains its good condition by removing any matted or knotted hair. This way, you’ll familiarize them with the use of combs or brushes. So to prepare a puppy for grooming, we should start brushing them on a daily basis and eventually move forward with other grooming procedures.

Dog breeds like poodles and Afghan hounds particularly need regular brushing because of their heavy fur coats.

How to Calm Pets During Grooming Sessions

It’s vital that pet parents do not rush the process and gradually train their puppies to feel comfortable about grooming. Dogs can get frightened and start barking at various grooming tools (particularly electric trimmers and blow dryers), and if they do not stay still, the situation can become hazardous.

1. Maintain Certain Intervals

If your pet is being groomed for the first time, it’s imperative to keep the session limited or work in intervals, if necessary. Keep in mind that dogs, especially puppies, can barely tolerate the sound of a trimmer or nail clippers.

2. Find His/Her Favorite Place

Find a neutral place for grooming, or go to the same veterinary clinic where you usually take him/her.

Your dog is more likely to remain calm if you choose a place where he/she prefers to play, like your backyard or garden area.

3. Choosing Grooming Tools

Believe it or not, choosing the proper grooming tools are just as important as the grooming itself. Consult a professional groomer who can help choose the best tools for your breed as there are many different tools for different types of fur coats.

One can also choose the right tools based on your pup’s reactions. It’s essential to use tools that will keep them calm during the grooming session. Be sure to select combs, brushes, nail clippers, etc. according to their specific needs.

Tips for Reducing Dog’s Grooming Anxiety

Regular grooming is a vital part of responsible dog care. But not all dogs are fans of grooming at first, so here are some tips for reducing their anxiety and making them comfortable with grooming.

• Initially, start small and accomplish one task per day. Select one day for bathing, one day for brushing, and one day for nail cutting or hair trimming.
• Offer as many rewards as possible during the grooming session–whether its dog treats, words of encouragement, or both. This technique will not only help ease their fears, but will hold them still, allowing the groomer to complete his/her job.
• Leave their sensitive areas like ears or teeth alone during the first session. First focus on making them comfortable with hair cuts and nail trims, then eventually ease your way to the more sensitive spots.
• Familiarize them with all of the grooming tools and their sounds at an early age so they will eventually no longer feel afraid and will trust you and the machines.
• Carry out regular grooming and don’t let the fur surpass the average expected amount. More fur means more grooming! Allocate some time each month and stick to a consistent schedule. This way, sessions will be shorter.
• Train your pooch to find the grooming experience as pleasant as possible. Show your affection and massage him/her from time to time to make them calmer.
• Be 100 percent sure about the angle of the nail clipper before using it. As dogs have blood vessels running down into the nail (known as the quick), it can hurt the animal when cut too short.
• Exhibit patience. It’s possible your dog may take a number of sessions to grow comfortable with the whole grooming process (whether it’s the setting, the tools you’re using, or the groomer you’ve chosen).

Always keep in mind that we must not force a puppy or even an adult dog into anything he/she is not comfortable with as it can increase their anxieties and fears. Don’t worry if the first session fails–just stay persistent. Train them well and they will eventually learn to cope.

Also, try to avoid frequently switching groomers or grooming areas. If the first session goes well, then take it as a positive sign and keep up the good work!

Source: https://www.globalanimal.org/2018/07/02/tail-wagging-tips-to-help-your-pooch-get-comfortable-with-grooming/