Most people buy or adopt their puppy and think that it is practically washed and used. Well for those smooth-coated dogs I guess that’s mostly correct, but what if your dog has a longer coat? What if you’ve become attached to an Afghan, a Yorkie, or a long-haired dachshund? You knew I was going to sneak the Dachshund somewhere and long coats have been my specialty since I raised them. You can get away with just bathing and brushing liberally, but what if you want to show your dog or just not make him look like a chia pet? Well then you have two options. Groom the dog yourself or take him to a groomer.
If you are going to groom yourself, my suggestion is that you spend some time with your breeder and learn how to do it properly. Any reputable breeder will likely show their dogs and know how to groom them. If not, they will have a hairdresser they can refer you to. I learned from my first Dachshund puppy’s breeder, who is also a groomer, and have spent hours learning tips and tricks from other breeders. If you want to spend this time with your dog, great; I say, go ahead. While it can be frustrating at times, it can also be a good bonding experience with your pup and also cheaper in the long run. But if you don’t have the time or the will, then you need to find a good hairdresser.
There are some basic principles that you should teach your puppy before sending him in for grooming. Spend a lot of time touching and handling your puppy all over the place. Don’t forget about your feet, toes, and ears, as they can be sensitive and “scary” areas for her. Once this is done, the next stage is brushing and combing. Very young puppies generally do not like to be brushed to begin with. Usually you have to convince them that it is fun. Using lots of positive, reassuring words along with a few treats usually gets the point across. If you are using a professional groomer, your puppy should be presented at approximately 12 weeks of age. Contact the groomer of your choice to discuss your puppy’s specific grooming needs. This, of course, will be different for each breed. You and your groomer will work as a team to provide the best care for your puppy so that he can have a positive experience and look great.
A beauty salon is full of loud noises, a lot of activity, and strange smells. The groomer may suggest that you take your puppy to the salon for a couple of short visits to acclimate him to this sensory overload. After these brief forays, it will be time for your appointment. The first ones can be long, but that’s okay. It is extremely important that your puppy develops confidence in the groomer and is comfortable with everything he does. Many puppies find grooming to be a fun adventure, not something to be feared. Your groomer should give you time to come back to look for your puppy or call you when you’re ready. Whatever you do, don’t come back early. If your little bunch of firs sees you or hears your voice, they may get so excited that the groomer may not be able to finish properly.
To prepare for the care of your puppy, take several trips in the car so that he becomes familiar and comfortable with the trips. Also, set aside a special time each day to brush or groom your puppy and provide quality care. Before taking the puppy to the salon, make sure he has relieved himself and don’t be afraid to bring his favorite toy. This will help your puppy feel at home in the crate or crate while he waits for his turn. On the way to the living room, be happy and on the go. If you’re anxious, your puppy will pick up on it and it can make the experience more stressful. The grooming salon should be your puppy’s “special place” where he can positively interact with the groomer and staff. The main goal is to make your first experience a positive one, one that you like, as you will stay with it forever.
If you’ve never been to a beauty salon, you might be wondering what goes on there. Generally, the first thing to do is thoroughly brush your puppy. This will allow the groomer to spend some time with your puppy, touching and petting him so that he can calm down and feel safe; then comes the clipping. This is usually done with an electric razor and / or scissors. The important thing is that the puppy should start the grooming process at a comfortable pace, not rushed. Sometimes hairdressers will clean your ears and trim your toenails before you start bathing. Often times, they will put a drop of eye shield in your pup’s eyes to prevent the soap from irritating him. Hairdressers often use a good quality shampoo and conditioner with a very thorough rinse. After the bath, your puppy will dry off with soft towels to avoid chills. Now here are some salons that differ. If it’s a high-traffic salon, the dogs will often be caged and blow-dried. This is called “cage drying” and can sometimes scare dogs. It also makes the fir tree not so flat, so if you are showing your dog, be sure to find a groomer who will dry your hands and comb the dog or ask if this is an option. Sometimes you will have to pay more for this if it is not routine, but your pet will look better and feel better about his grooming experience.
When you return to pick up your puppy, you will be greeted with a fairy tale and lots of kisses. Your puppy can even sport a scarf or pretty hair bows. Puppies sometimes feel strange after being groomed and may want to roll on the carpet or rub against furniture. This is normal behavior, but make sure you don’t overdo it and cause skin irritation. Also remember, if your nails have been clipped, the edges can be a little sharp at first and easily irritate the puppy’s skin. If you have any concerns, be sure to contact your hairdresser. You will want to groom your puppy every 4-8 weeks, depending on his coat. In the meantime, be sure to bathe and brush her regularly. A clean coat is a shiny, healthy coat. If you have questions about brushing, contact your hairdresser. They will usually be happy to help you with the correct brushing techniques, as well as give you ideas on the proper tools to use. I hope this article has been useful to you and do not forget to visit us at Doggie Bloggie