How to Groom a Large, Alert Dog

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How to Groom a Large, Alert Dog

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Grooming a large dog can be challenging enough, but when yours is a large dog who seems to be tuned into just about everything that is going on, this can only make it harder. That is, unless you plan to pay for a weekly or bi-weekly professional grooming service to take care of your big fella's locks.

If you'd rather save some time and some dough, learn how to settle and handle your big, alert dog for at-home grooming. The best thing you can do to make the job easy is to start your dog at a very young age. In fact, even before your pup is ready for a real grooming session, you can start the ball rolling by getting them used to being touched all over.

Dog's Perspective

Your colossal canine probably doesn't really care if she is perfectly groomed out not, very few dogs do. However, just because she doesn’t care, doesn't mean you shouldn't. In fact, grooming is more about keeping your pooch healthy than it is about how she looks. A gorgeous new 'do is just a side benefit!

The Taking It Slowly Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Step

Short sessions at first

Keep the initial grooming sessions short and sweet at first, starting when your dog is just a pup if you can. This will make the whole process go far more smoothly for both of you. Lay out the tools you need to use: brushes, clippers, combs, nail clippers, and shears. Give your dog plenty of time to get used to their presence, something an alert dog will take their time over.

Step

Off to a slow start

Choose the best brush for your pooch's hair--a pin brush for longer hair a slicker brush for short hair-- and bring the brush up to her nice and slow. If she flinches, back off for a minute and then try again.

Step

Before you start work

Now that she will let you get close with the brush, place it on her, but don't start brushing until she has had a chance to get used to the feeling.

Step

Time to brush

Working in slow strokes of no more than six inches, brush along her back, down her sides, and finish up with her rump. Be very gentle around her genitals as this could make her start and someone could get hurt.

Step

Finish the job

Brush your dog's head, face, and ears before having her lie down so you can brush her belly, legs, and paws. Now you have one well-groomed furry family member. Don't forget to put a bow in her hair and give her a treat.

The Clean Pup Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Step

Slip into the tub

Run a nice lukewarm bath and have your pup slide into it. Go ahead and scrub her using a vet-approved shampoo and conditioner. Doing this lets you wash out the dirt, dust, parasites, bugs, and tangles, making the rest of grooming much easier.

Step

Rinse and dry

Rinse your pup off thoroughly and let her air dry before proceeding. This would also be a good time to give her a treat.

Step

Prepare the grooming chamber

Before you bring your dog in the room you will be using to groom her, lay out the tools you plan to use, put on some soothing music, and pour a little lavender in the diffuser.

Step

Let your customer in

Let your pup come in and check everything out. Give her plenty of time to get used to what she sees.

Step

The first strokes

Start out brushing Lucy's head, muzzle, ears, and neck. If you see anything that needs to be trimmed, this is a good time to do so. Keep going down her chest and neck. Follow the way her hair grows and brush her back and sides.

Step

The final strokes

Finish up by brushing her rump, the outsides of her legs, and then after having her lie down, her belly. The most important thing to remember with an alert dog is to take your time, keep her focused on the task at hand and she will soon be looking her best.

Caution & Considerations

To take the edge off of your pup's alertness, try taking her for a nice long walk. This will help her to become more relaxed and give her a chance to pee.
Give her plenty of time to get used to the tools you plan to use.
Use shears and clippers with sharp blades to avoid ripping hair out of the skin.
Keep your clippers well oiled to reduce heat buildup that could burn the skin.
Be sure you cut the hair in the direction of growth, it will lay better.
Let your dog hear the clippers run before using them on her.

Conclusion

One of the hardest parts of grooming a large, highly alert dog is not startling them by introducing them to new things too quickly. The best thing you can do is take your time from start to finish. Not only will this make things go a lot easier, but it will make the whole experience more enjoyable. Make it fun for both of you and a bonding moment you will both enjoy.

How to Groom a Large, Alert Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Taking It Slowly Method

The Clean Pup Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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