How to Groom a Small, Eager Dog

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How to Groom a Small, Eager Dog

Medium

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Having an eager and fun-loving pup like Daisy is sure to bring your family a lot of joy over the year. She loves going for walks, learning new tricks, and most of all spending as much time as she can with her family. Not much seems to bother Daisy, but when it comes to grooming time, she simply can't seem to sit still long enough for you to get the job done. Two things to keep in mind: one, use that eagerness to help get the job done and two, keep calm and let Daisy set the pace.

Dog's Perspective

As you may have realized by now, getting Daisy to slow down for grooming can be like trying to catch a Tasmanian Devil. She simply has no real interest in being groomed and would, in fact, prefer to be playing games or simply sitting on your lap and being loved. Remember to take your time and let Daisy set the pace, this will make things go far more smoothly for both of you.

The Brush of the Week Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Step

It's a beautiful day for a walk

Since Daisy has so much pent up fun-loving energy, you need to burn some of it off before you can expect her to remain calm enough for you to groom her. So, take a nice long walk down one of her favorite routes. Keep her out just long enough to make sure she is good and tired, but not exhausted.

Step

Set up the grooming room

For a small dog, you should use a grooming table with safety restraints, a radio, maybe a TV, and something to chew on, like a bone or special toy. Bring Daisy into the room, place her on the table and secure her in the restraints. Give her time to get used to the room, turn on some quiet music, or better yet Daisy's favorite TV show.

Step

Bring on the brush

Starting with her sensitive areas first, her tail, rump, private areas, and then her head and face, brush her hair in the direction it is growing. This will help keep the natural oils in her coat spread out and keep her coat lying flat. Be very gentle in all of these areas so as not to spook her. Give her a treat and let her know she is a good girl.

Step

If she gets antsy

If at any time Daisy starts to get antsy, use something else to attract her attention. Try turning off the TV and putting on the radio or giving her a chew bone once you are done with her head and face.

Step

Finalize the job

Brush her neck, chest, back, and sides. Then have her lay down and roll over. Brush her belly, the inside and outside of her legs and then her paws. This is a great time to trim her toenails and the hair between her pads and toes to finish the job!

The Monthly Bath Time Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Towel

Step

How often should Daisy be bathed?

The first step is to talk to your vet. He should be able to tell you how often Daisy should be bathed and recommend the best products for her coat and skin type. Be sure to use them and never over-bathe her as this can harm her coat and skin.

Step

Prepare the tub

Run a nice warm bath for Daisy. The optimum temperature should be the same as the water you would use to bathe a baby. Any warmer and the water could burn her skin. Using the recommended shampoo, give Daisy a nice thorough bath, scrub her down, make sure you get every nook and cranny. Then rinse all traces of shampoo from her coat and along with it any dirt, dust, and fleas in her coat.

Step

Dry time

Take a nice soft towel (keep one just for Daisy) and dry her thoroughly before letting her air dry for a little while. Dry hair is much easier to brush than wet hair.

Step

Break out the brush

Using the appropriate hair for Daisy's type of coat, start brushing her head and face. Move down to her neck and chest. Be sure you are brushing in the direction her hair is growing. Not only will this make it easier for both of you, it will help spread out the natural oils in her coat making it healthier and shinier. Brush her back and sides, then her rump and tail.

Step

On your back again

Have Daisy lie down and roll over onto her back, so you can brush her chest, belly, legs, and feet. By the time you have done this for a few months, Daisy will probably be standing next to the grooming stand waiting eagerly for you to appear.

Caution & Considerations

Make good use of Daisy's eagerness to keep grooming time fun for both of you.
Going for a long walk is a good way to burn off some of Daisy's eager energy. It will make grooming go more smoothly.
Take breaks as needed during the grooming sessions and use treats to let Daisy know she is doing a good job.
Be sure to brush Daisy's hair in the direction it is growing, this will help spread the natural oils in her coat and help remove any tangles.
Use toys, a chew bone, a different TV program, anything to keep Daisy occupied while you work.
Remember, make it fun and treat it like a bonding moment for the two of you.

Conclusion

Nothing much seems to bother an eager dog like Daisy, in her mind, her only goal is to make you and the rest of her human family happy. By keeping the grooming sessions short and fun, using plenty of treats, and a calm voice, Daisy will soon look forward to being groomed. Are you ready? Let the fun begin!

How to Groom a Small, Eager Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Brush of the Week Method

The Monthly Bath Time Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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