How to Groom a Quiet Dog

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How to Groom a Quiet Dog

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

One of the best things about a nice quiet, well-behaved dog like Tilly, is that she tends to take everything in stride. Very little, if anything, can seem to get her too excited. Sure, she loves to play, but beyond this, she doesn't go nuts when the doorbell rings, or freak out when you have to leave her at home during the day. About the only thing that seems to put a bit of a kink in her mellow state of mind, is grooming.

The good news is that with a little hard work on both your parts, you can make the whole process easier for both of you. Think of this time as your personal bonding time with Tilly and be sure to use lots of praise and plenty of treats in the beginning.

Dog's Perspective

Most quiet dogs tend to be relatively docile by nature. This should make grooming easy, but Tilly may still get nervous around the brushes, shears, combs, clippers, and so forth used for weekly and monthly grooming. Take your time introducing Tilly to each of the different tools, let her set the pace, and make it fun.

The Monthly Bath Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Dremel

Nail File

Towel

Step

Set up your grooming station

Start by picking a room with a non-carpeted floor for ease of clean up. Lay out the tools you plan to use where Tilly will be able see and sniff them. If you can, put in a radio or TV set. Tilly loves to watch the new Dog TV channel.

Step

Run the tub

Run a bath half full or full enough for Tilly to soak in. The water should be about the same temperature as you would use to bathe a baby. Bring Tilly in and gently place her in the water. Let her soak for a few minutes and then bathe her from head to toe using a vet-approved shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and towel her dry. Let her finish air drying.

Step

Enter the stylist's chambers

Bring Tilly into the room you have chosen, let her explore and get used to the sight of the tools. Turn on the clippers and let her hear them run. Give her a treat and let her know she is a good girl.

Step

Choose your channel

Your choice--music, TV, or perhaps let Tilly pick. The idea is to give her something to keep her distracted while you work.

Step

Brush

Using the appropriate brush for her type of coat, start at her head and follow the grain of her coat. Brush her neck, chest, shoulders, back, rump, tail. Then have her roll over so you can brush her belly. This is a good time to check for fleas, ticks, and any signs of injury.

Step

A slight trim

Once you have Tilly all brushed out, you can use shears to trim around her eyes, nostrils, muzzle, and ears. Using clippers or shears, trim any long areas of her coat that are shaggy.

Step

Toesies

Finish up by using nail clippers or guillotine cutters to trim Tilly's nails back. Take care not to cut into the quick. Not only is this painful, but it will bleed. You can use styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding if you need to. Use a nail file or Dremel to take off any sharp edges.

The Weekly Brushing Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Clipper

Dremel

Nail File

Step

Set up before getting started

Set up everything you plan to use for your weekly grooming station. This should include the right type of brush (pin brush for long coats, slicker for short to medium), a comb, a pair of sharp safety shears for trimming around her eyes, nose and mouth, or cutting out any mats you find.

Step

On your marks, get set, go!

Get off to a nice slow start brushing her back using gentle strokes of no more than 6 inches. Be sure to brush in the direction her hair is growing. Brush the back, sides, and rump.

Step

Over gently

Have Tilly lie down and roll over so that you can brush her belly, paws, and legs. Trim the hair between her toes and paw pads, if needed.

Step

Those special spots

Once you are done with the step above, you can brush her face, head, ears, private areas, and her legs and paws.

Step

Pedicure, anyone?

The last thing you should do is check Tilly's nails and trim them if needed. Be sure to file or grind the sharp edges so she doesn't scratch anything or anyone. Tilly is now at her very best and you are all done!

Caution & Considerations

There is nothing like a good walk to relax Tilly and tire her out. This will make grooming her a lot easier.
If you are going to use clippers and shears, be sure the blades are sharp. Dull blades tend to rip hair out of the skin instead of cutting it, which can be quite painful.
Give Tilly plenty of time to get used to the tools, this will make grooming her easier.
Keep a bottle of Kwik-Stop styptic or cornstarch handy when trimming her nails.
Take your time, let Tilly set the pace, and use lots of treats as rewards.

Conclusion

Even the quietest and most docile of dogs can be skittish when it comes to being groomed. Take your time, let your pup get used to the tools you plan to use and make the process fun. Use plenty of treats and use this time to truly bond with your pup. Keep sessions short, full of fun treat breaks and before long, your pup will look forward to this weekly grooming sessions.

How to Groom a Quiet Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Monthly Bath Method

The Weekly Brushing Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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