How to Groom a Small, Friendly Dog

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How to Groom a Small, Friendly Dog

Medium

115 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

There is nothing like having a friendly little family dog, you know, the kind like Ringo. He likes everyone, or at least you can count on the fact that if he doesn't like someone, you probably shouldn’t either. On top of this, Ringo will go along with just about anything you ask him to do, you even have him trained to bring you an ice-cold beer. But, every Sunday morning when grooming time comes around, you find he is so friendly it can make getting the job done a major challenge.

Often what should take no more than half an hour takes an hour or more. You have two choices, you can sedate your dog and take all the fun out of her for the half hour or you can simply teach him to channel that energy more appropriately, which should make the grooming sessions more fun and go faster at the same time.

Dog's Perspective

Chances are good that Ringo would much rather play games with you than worry about how his coat looks. Rather than letting his friendliness become an issue, why not put it to good use in helping to tire him out before you start the whole grooming process. This will make grooming less challenging and more enjoyable for both of you.

The Too Busy to Care Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Nail File

Step

Getting ready

Collect the tools you plan to use, lay them on the grooming table, add one new toy, and make sure the restraints are ready. Keep a good supply of your dog's favorite treats close at hand.

Step

Hey! Ho! Let's Go!

For a walk that is. Time to hitch up the leash and head out for a nice long walk. Keep in mind his size and adjust the length of the walk to where it tires him out but doesn't exhaust him. This could lead to injury or illness.

Step

Into the groom room

Bring the pup into the grooming room, place him on the grooming table, and attach the safety restraints. You don't want his friendly antics to end up in disaster. Give him a minute or two to get used to the brush and to start playing with his new toy.

Step

Start the process

Using the appropriate brush for his type of coat, bush the top of his head, his face, under his chin, his throat and neck. Take a break, give him a pat on the head and a treat. Then get him interested in his toy again.

Step

Grooming around the rump

Using the brush, gently groom around his rump, the outsides of his legs, and of course his tail. Then have him roll over on his back so you can brush his chest, belly and the inside of his legs. This is also a good time to brush his paws and trim the fur and nails if needed.

Step

Weekly work

Groom this way every week, but on the fourth week, add a bath to help keep him smelling his best. Be sure to ask his vet how often it is safe to bathe your pup. Different breeds have their own bathing requirements.

The Day at the Spa Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Nail File

Step

Hit the road Jack

Hit the road with you dog. Let him say 'hi' to everyone along the way, go potty, and burn off a little of that extra friendly energy.

Step

Your hot tub is ready, sir

Fill the tub to a point where it comes up to his belly with warm water (it should be no warmer than you would use to give a baby a bath). Scrub your dog down using a vet-approved shampoo to remove dirt, fleas, and anything else that has managed to get stuck in the coat. Be sure you rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the shampoo; leaving residue could cause skin problems.

Step

Towel dry and enter the grooming zone

Towel dry and let him finish off by air drying. Give him a treat and let him know he's doing a good job. Take your dog into the grooming room and place him on the grooming table. Secure him with the restraints and give him a toy or two to play with. This will help hold his attention while you groom him.

Step

High and tight, if you please

Using the appropriate brush, start gently brushing the back and sides. Brush the outside of his legs, his tail, and his rump, paying close attention to the areas around his testicles and anus as these areas are very sensitive.

Step

Below the belt

Have him lie down so you can brush his lower chest, belly, and the inside of his legs. While you are here it's a good time to brush and trim the hair on his paws if he has any. Also, to check and trim the hair between his toes and pads. This will make it much easier for him to walk around without pain.

Step

Mani/Pedi anyone?

You can also trim his nails using the right cutters, the guillotine style cutter is usually best for small dogs. Don't forget to file or grind the edges smooth.

Caution & Considerations

Always use the right brush for your pup's coat type. The wrong one will make it take longer, it can also scratch or rip the hair out of his skin. This can be very painful.
Put your dog's friendliness to work for you instead of against you.
Keep the walks long enough to tire him out without overdoing it and making him sick.
Use plenty of your pal's favorite treats as rewards and to keep his mind off being so darn friendly.
If you must use shears or clippers to remove a mat or trim his coat, be sure the blades are sharp.
Use a new toy to keep him busy rather than one he is already used to playing with.

Conclusion

Ringo just wants to have fun, play, love and be loved. When grooming time comes around, it's up to you to convince him to relax and enjoy it rather than bounce around making it more difficult than it needs to be. So, get to it, make it fun, and turn the grooming period into one of personal bonding with your pup.

How to Groom a Small, Friendly Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Too Busy to Care Method

The Day at the Spa Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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