How to Groom a Happy Dog

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How to Groom a Happy Dog

Medium

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Nothing can be better than having a happy fun-loving dog for a family pet. Your best bud loves to play and have a great time with the family. When it comes to grooming, you would think his being so happy would make it easier. However, a happy dog is also a dog who might just have a hard time settling down to be groomed.

The trick is to curb his happy energy and redirect it towards being more useful in helping to make the grooming process go more smoothly. You might also find that grooming in short sessions can be more successful and effective than trying to do it all at once until he is comfortable with being groomed.

Dog's Perspective

Your playful pooch isn't really trying to be disobedient or cause a fuss, it’s just that he is so darned happy, he can't contain his joy. He just wants to share it with everyone and standing still to be groomed isn't his idea of fun. Take your time and let him see that being groomed can be fun too.

The Soak in the Tub Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Towel

Step

Go for a long walk

Hook your dog on his leash and take him for a long, long walk. You need the walk to be long enough that he is quite tired when you get back, but not exhausted. Let him do his business and say 'hi' to the neighborhood while out.

Step

Run him a nice bath

Run a nice warm bath, keep the water no warmer than you would bathe a baby in. Take some vet-approved shampoo and give your dog a good rub down while you are scrubbing him. This will help him to relax and soothe any sore muscles.

Step

Dry him off

Use a nice soft, fluffy towel to dry your pup off.

Step

A toy story

Place some of his favorite toys on the floor to keep him distracted.

Step

Brush now, please

Brush your dog, starting with his head and face as these are his most sensitive areas. Move down his neck, always brushing in the direction his coat is growing.

Step

Good to the last stroke

Finish brushing by going over his back and sides, then his rump and tail. Finish up by having him lie on his side so you can brush his belly and legs.

Step

Get into a routine

Do this every week, it is good for his coat and will help your pup to quickly get used to being groomed.

The Something to Do Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Step

Gather the supplies

You will need brushes, toys, a leash, treats, and of course, plenty of time to work with your happy hairball.

Step

The run around

Take your pup out for a nice long walk, play with him, roughhouse, and anything else you can to tire him out and get him relaxed.

Step

The chill spot

Turn the grooming room into a peaceful and relaxing room by turning on some soft music. Add a little lavender to your diffuser and lay out the tools you will be using. Place a few toys on the floor next to them.

Step

Get comfortable

Bring your dog into the room, give him a treat and then lead him over to the tools and the toys. Give him plenty of time to get used to them before you start using them.

Step

Plan to groom in stages

Mentally break your dog's body into easily groomable sections and take breaks between each stage to play with him and give him a treat. Start at his head and work back until all areas of his body have been groomed.

Caution & Considerations

Try putting some of that happy energy into making the grooming fun for both of you.
Make the walks long enough to tire out your dog without making him so exhausted he could become ill or irritated.
Give your dog lots of time to get used to the tools before you start.
Taking breaks between sections might add time to the whole package, but they will help keep your dog focused on being groomed.
Always brush in the direction hair grows, this will help keep tangles to a minimum.
Use plenty of praise and treats.
Keep lots of toys on hand to keep your dog busy during the grooming sessions.

Conclusion

To a happy pooch, every day is simply another day to have fun with his family. Keep the grooming sessions short and regular if you want the best chance of success. If you work together to make grooming fun, your pup will soon start looking forward to being groomed instead of trying to run away and play.

How to Groom a Happy Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Soak in the Tub Method

The Something to Do Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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