How to Groom a Sweet Dog

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How to Groom a Sweet Dog

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

While Josie might be one of the sweetest dogs you have ever had as part of your family, when it comes to being groomed, she still seems to have an issue with the whole process.

One of the best ways to get a dog used to being groomed is to start from the moment you bring them home. You should be touching and rubbing your pup all over, to get them used to being handled. Doing this will go a long way towards making grooming a lot easier once your dog finally reaches the point at which grooming really becomes necessary. Older dogs who otherwise have a sweet nature probably have a good reason for being hesitant. However, you can still teach the oldest of dogs to relax and enjoy being groomed.

Dog's Perspective

Due to her sweet nature, the last thing Josie wants is to displease you in any way, yet when you bring the brush and clippers out, she still gets very nervous. To her, grooming is a scary process and involves tools she is not familiar with. While it might take time and patience on both your parts, in time Josie will come to enjoy her weekly grooming sessions.

The Make a Star Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Nail File

Step

Start by going shopping

For this, you will need a supply of your pup's favorite treats to use as rewards throughout the grooming process. You will also need a large supply of patience and the time to work with her until she learns to relax and enjoy the process.

Step

Empty the tanks

There is nothing like getting involved in the grooming process and suddenly your pooch starts fussing and fidgeting because she needs to pee. To prevent this, go out for a nice long walk before settling in. Give her time to pee and stretch her legs. Make the walk long enough to tire her out. This will help to relax her for what comes next.

Step

A relaxing environment

Choose a room in your house for grooming, one that you can use every week. Lay out the tools you plan to use along with a toy or two. Try turning on the radio, tuned to a station that plays relaxing music.

Step

Start the Grooming Process

Using the appropriate brush for your dog's hair type (pin for long hair, slicker for short hair) start by brushing her face, head, ears, and neck. Then, following the direction in which her hair grows, brush her back, sides, rump, and tail.

Step

Finishing it all up

The final step in the process is to have your dog lie down so you can brush her belly, legs, and paws. This is also a great time for you to trim the hair between her pads and toes and trim her nails. Be sure to grind or file the sharp edges of her nails so she doesn't scratch anyone or damage your home.

The Hit the Showers Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Towel

Step

Start with a good workout

While your pup might be sweet-natured, a good long walk is a great way for both of you to get in a workout. Not only is this good for your health, it will tire her out and make her more amenable to being groomed. It also gives her plenty of time to go potty!

Step

About that shower

Just like when you go for a workout, your pup is ready for a shower when you are done with the walk. You should not bathe her every week, though; check with your vet to see how often she should be bathed. Then work the proper number of baths into her grooming schedule. Use a vet-approved shampoo or soap and be sure you rinse her thoroughly remove all traces of dirt, parasites, and shampoo.

Step

Soft towel

Using a nice soft towel, go ahead and towel your dog off until she is almost dry and let her air dry the rest of the way.

Step

Fuss 'n brush

Before you get started brushing, make sure you fuss over your dog, give her a treat, and then perhaps a small new toy to keep her mind occupied. Start by brushing her head, ears, and face.

Step

Moving right along

Give her another treat, brush her back, sides, rear end, and tail. Take a short break, give her praise and another treat before having her roll over so you can brush her belly, paws, and legs. Finish up by praising her and giving her a treat or two.

Caution & Considerations

Given the fact that your dog has such a sweet disposition, you should take advantage of it and put it to work to make the grooming process far easier for both of you.
Be sure the walk you take your dog on is long enough to tire her out and let her go potty, but not so long that it exhausts her.
Be sure you give your pup all the time she needs to get used to the tools you plan to use.
Keep the shower water temperature tepid, any hotter may burn her skin.
Use only vet-approved shampoo, products made for human use are not safe for use on dogs.
This is the perfect time for you to thoroughly examine your dog for any signs of fleas, ticks, or injuries.

Conclusion

Working with a sweet pup like Josie to keep her groomed, should be a simple task. It might take her a while to get used to it, but in the end, it is not only good for her health but will keep her looking her best all week long. Make it fun for both of you and be sure to use lots of treats along the way.

How to Groom a Sweet Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Make a Star Method

The Hit the Showers Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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