How to Groom a Friendly Dog

Having a fun loving, friendly family dog makes most tasks a lot easier--well, almost any task. There are times when there is such a thing as being too friendly, such as when grooming time comes around. At times like this, grooming your super-friendly fluffball in one sitting may not be possible. In order to keep an over-eager four-legged family member from injuring herself, you need to find a way to calm her down or you will need to restrain her. Of course, you can always let her friendliness make the whole process more fun for both of you. 

Your loveable pooch is probably far more interested in giving you kisses and playing than in being groomed. Part of getting her to calm down enough to be groomed lies in tiring her out first and part in finding ways to keep her occupied while you are grooming her. 

• Take advantage of your dog's friendliness to make the whole process go more easily.
  
• Give your pooch plenty of time to get used to the tools, this will make things go more easily.
  
• Use the walk to burn some of that friendly energy before you start.
  
• Use your dog's favorite treats to reward her and to redirect attention.
• If you need to use clippers or shears to trim your dog's hair, be sure they have sharp blades.
  
• Keep plenty of toys on hand to redirect her attention when she starts getting restless. 
  

All your friendly fur-baby wants to do is play, love, and be loved. When it comes to being groomed, she would probably rather be doing something else, though. Take your time, distract her with toys or treats when she starts to fidget and repeat this on a weekly basis to keep her looking her best. She may even come to see grooming as a great chance to get some one-on-one time with you.