1.
Prepare Your Dog Early
A groomer’s worst nightmare is
having to cut a dog’s nails if the dog can’t stand being touched on the paws. That’s
why it’s crucial to start getting your pet used to having those paws touched as
early as possible.
The best time to start is when your
dog is just a puppy and you don’t have to touch the paws for very long. The key
is to make sure your pet is comfortable with the touch.
2.
Start Grooming Early
Sometimes the grooming experience
can be somewhat traumatic at first. Fortunately, puppies are much more
adaptable. Bonus for starting grooming early: The fur is less likely to get matted.
Don’t fall prey to the thought that
your puppy doesn’t need a haircut. Just take him for an “introductory”
appointment, and everyone will be happier for it.
3.
Brush Regularly
When thinking about your dog’s fur,
you should compare it to your own hair. You brush your hair every day, and if
you don’t it becomes knotty. The same is true of your dog’s fur. Although you
don’t have to brush it daily, you should do so at least every few days to
prevent knots and make the grooming experience easier.
- Don’t Miss: What to Look For in a Top-Notch Groomer
4.
Check Feet and Ears
Keep an eye on the feet (including
nails) and ears. Remember that debris can sometimes
stick to these places and can be uncomfortable for pets.
5.
Groom Regularly
Regular brushing is not enough to
keep fur in check. If you want the coat (as well as the nails) to be truly
healthy, bring your pet to the groomer regularly.
6.
Keep Calm and Carry On
Your groomer would really like it if
you could try to stay calm when you drop your pooch off. Remember that the dog
will pick up on any of your anxiety, and that will make him scared and more
likely to squirm.
Also, don’t drop in to see if your
pet is finished. This will get him excited and make the job much more
difficult.
7.
Be Specific
Groomers work with a lot of dogs all
day long, and each client wants a slightly different thing. So be as specific
as possible with your groomer. If you just want the nails trimmed and the fur
trimmed a little, then say so. If you want something more specific, try
bringing in a picture to show the groomer.
To see a variety of different cuts,
you can find examples on the internet or attend a dog show. The video below,
from Pets Adviser, shows groomers hard at work at the Westminster Kennel Club
Dog Show:
8.
Listen to Your Groomer
Some people tend to forget that
their groomer has gone through training. This means the groomer has a very good
idea of what types of cuts will look best on which dogs. If you say you want
your pup’s fur cut a certain way and your groomer suggests something else, at
least consider the suggestion even if you don’t end up agreeing to it.
9.
Don’t Be Afraid to Wash
Some people are worried that if they
wash their dog’s fur too often, it will start to dry out the skin. In reality,
this is not a problem as long as you select the right shampoo. If you aren’t
sure which one to go with, ask your groomer for advice. S/he will be glad to
help, because frequent washing will make her job easier.
If your dog has a thick coat, it’s a
good idea to ask about bathing at home so you don’t contribute to any skin
trouble or matting issues.
10.
Avoid Matting
Your groomer wants you to know just
how serious a problem matting can be. Matted fur is uncomfortable for dogs because
it pulls on their skin and can be difficult for the groomer to remove. In most
cases it will need to be shaved off in small pieces.
One last note: De-matting a dog may
be more dangerous than helpful, so listen to a professional groomer’s advice in
this instance.
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