Discover the Best Dog Grooming Tips From a Top Expert

All dogs require grooming, how frequently depends on the coat
type of the dog. When you bring your new puppy home the last
thing you might be thinking about is getting the grooming kit
out, especially with his lovely soft puppy coat. However,
introducing your dog to grooming early in his life is essential
if you want a dog that will find the process of grooming
tolerable – if not pleasant. At this stage of his life it will
also strengthen the bond between puppy and new owner.

Get him used to his feet and nails being held, examined and
gently squeezed and gently open his mouth and check his mouth,
teeth and gums. Lift the ear flap and look inside and lift his
tail to check the anal area. As well as him being conditioned to
letting you examine him regularly, these checks will ensure an
easier and less stressful time at any forthcoming parlour visits
or veterinary examinations.

This is particularly important for the high maintenance breeds
that require regular grooming either at home or at the grooming
parlour. In addition to regular home handling it is wise to get
the dog used to being placed on a table, but do ensure that
grooming sessions for the younger dog are not too lengthy or you
run the risk of him becoming bored and restless. Shorter
sessions are best, and inviting other members of the family to
take over will increase his confidence in being handled by
different people.

Introduce him to a soft brush at an early stage, just a few
strokes at a time before he becomes restless or tries to chew
the brush. Reward his patience with praise or a small treat
gradually increase the amount of strokes you apply to the coat.
A little time in the first few weeks of your lives together will
make a great difference to the way he can be handled in the
future.

Keep him comfortable and support him on the table making sure
that nothing loud or scary occurs. To be spooked now might
affect his confidence in the future. Use the correct command
"stand" and praise as necessary.

Regular grooming allows you as the owner to assess the
condition of your dogs' coat through inspection.

The coat should be glossy and healthy looking, the eyes should
be bright and alert, tail held aloft and wagging with a spring
in his step. A good healthy balanced diet, the right amount of
exercise and regular grooming contribute to the condition of
your dog's coat.

Choosing a particular breed of dog suits our personalities and
possibly our own personal image. To choose a stylish dog and to
keep it looking stylish a great deal of work is required on the
owner's part or a great deal of money to send him to the
groomers!

When a dog has had his weekly groom or visit to the
hairdressers, it makes both him and us feel good.

About The Author: Madeleine Harding is a dog grooming expert
who runs a successful http://www.dog-grooming.org.uk dog
grooming business in Chichester, West Sussex, UK. She trained at
the renowned Brinsbury College and works with all kinds of
different dog breeds. She uses her specialist skills to groom
each dog according to their individual needs.

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