How to Groom Your Dog at Home

Here are some great tips on how to groom your dog at home when you’re in a pinch. Or maybe you need to get your dog more familiar with the grooming process before returning to the salon.

Supplies You Will Need

• Comb, Brush, Or Matt Rake
• Shampoo, Conditioner, and some may need a detangling solution
• Towels
• Hair Dryer
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Nail clippers and Styptic Powder
• Ear Solution Cleaner
• Cotton Swabs
• Electric Dog Clippers for Cutting Fur if needed

Brushing And Combing Your Dog

If your dog has matted fur you will need to use a detangling solution. I would recommend getting these products from your groomer or vet. You may also need to use a matte rake on your dog’s fur. Sometimes all you need to do is give your dog a good brush. This will get out most of the dirt and extra fur that is already shedding. With regular brushing, your dog will get used to being groomed with a brush. Making it much easier for later grooming sessions.

Make sure your dog is relaxed and comfortable. Do not force the brush on your dog. Make it fun and calm. Even if they do not sit still. Have patience and keep trying to make it a positive experience.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

This can be challenging for some dogs. If they do not like the big toothbrush. You can purchase a small brush that fits on your finger. So your dog only thinks your finger is doing the brushing. Experts suggest doing this on a regular basis. So practice brushing your dog’s teeth. If they do not like toothpaste. Use one that has no taste or just use water to start. Once they are more comfortable get good toothpaste for your dog. Sea Kelp is also a good solution for those pups that don’t want anything to do with brushing.

Trim Your Dog’s Nails

You will need to work very fast when clipping your dog’s nails. If you take your time or clip on an angle you can actually cause your dog’s nails to crack and split. Make sure you have your styptic powder ready to go in case you hit a quick. The quick is the live part of the dog’s nail. You DO NOT want to clip the quick!

If your dog has white nails, it is much easier to see where the pink in the nail is. Although for black nails. it becomes a guessing game. However, if you should see what appears to be a black dot on the tip when you’re getting too close to the quick. If you accidentally clip the quick. Immediately apply the styptic powder to stop bleeding.

Bathing Your Dog

Many experts recommend bathing your dog every 4-6 weeks. You can dry out their skin from frequent bathing. Make sure you have a secure place that your dog will not slip or jump out of. You will want to thoroughly wet your dog’s fur. Lather the fur from head to toes. Only using a small amount of shampoo at a time. Avoid getting any water in their eyes and ears.

Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

Although using a cleanser can be intimidating. I would recommend starting to use the ear cleanser on a cotton ball or soft tissue. Particularly, clean the area of the ears without jamming your finger directly down into the ear. This can push things deeper into the ear canal. Furthermore, always dry the ear so that bacteria cannot form. Your dog’s ears are very essential tools for them.

Drying and Clipping Fur

If your dog is okay with loud noises you can put your dryer on the lowest setting or cool to dry them. Nevertheless, if your dog has short hair you may not even need to use the dryer. Brush your dog again and apply some leave-in conditioner to help with detangling if needed.

If you are giving your dog a quick trim always make sure you use clippers for dogs and not humans. The reason is human hair clippers are not sturdy enough and you’re likely to nick your dog while trimming. Furthermore, use a guard to prevent this from happening. Although most people prefer to use a groomer, sometimes we just have no choice but to help our furry little friend out between appointments.

How To Keep Your Dog Calm During Grooming

Have you ever wondered How To Keep Your Dog Calm During Grooming? Some dogs are fearful of going to the groomer. The equipment and all the loud noises can make it seem uncomfortable for your dog. Here are some great tips and suggestions to help keep your dog calm while at the groomers.

Grooming After Playtime

If you have your appointment booked at a certain time. Make some playtime available about an hour before you go to the appointment. This will help keep your dog more relaxed after a good play session or run. Burning off that extra energy is really important. Especially if your dog is anxious or fearful of going into the groomer’s space. Instead of using all that energy for stressing, your dog should be tired out and more relaxed. It will make it much easier for the groomer to do what they need to do.

Exploring The Space-Once You Arrive

It is really important not to rush your dog into the salon. Make sure you give yourself and your pup some ample time to explore the surroundings. Dogs love to sniff everything and feel comfortable in their surroundings. Have the groomer turn some of the equipment on. It will help get your dog familiar with the sounds at the salon. Teaching them that being pampered is a “good experience” not a “bad experience”.

Allow them to warm up to your groomer. Bring some treats in case you need to distract your pup from time to time. Bringing your pup in ahead of time to meet the groomer is also a great idea. We all know that dogs get happy and excited to see someone they like and know already. Establishing that bond is important for you and your dog.

Take Breaks When You Need To

The best thing you can do for your dog to make this a more rewarding experience is to let them take a break when they need to. You want them to associate the groomers with a calm, stress-free experience. If your dog feels they have choices and get rewarded for good choices. You have less chance of them getting fearful or anxious. It may take longer but the outcome is worth it when you need to return for a second groom.

Stay Calm And Reassure Your Dog Often

Although sometimes we can get frustrated or upset when our dog is not cooperating. It is so important that you use a calm demeanor during this process. It not only will help your dog relax but it will make the experience fun for you and the groomer working on your dog.

Reassure them at all times. They depend on you to protect them. Let your dog know it is all ok by being calm and offering your reassurance. The best thing to do is to focus on your dog’s body language. Use slow and relaxing body movements. Reward them with treats when they stay calm and participate. The simplest things can matter like letting your dog sniff the scissors or nail trimmers. Reward them when they want to sniff.

Avoid Setbacks

Avoid any setbacks when keeping your dog calm during the process. If your dog is swinging off the leash and trying to get away. Maybe they are barking, whining, or scared. You should stop the procedure and calm your dog down right away. Distract them right away to a more positive thing. Maybe bring a favorite toy. You also do not want to risk them getting injured in any way trying to get away from the groomer or visa versa.

Each time you have a set back you will need to start over. Be patient and loving to your dog. Let them know it is OK. Stop and re-book the appointment to try at another time. Your dog will trust you even more during the next appointment. Forcing the dog and the groomer to get things done quickly will only make the experience bad for everyone. It can take time and patience but with positive reinforcement, you should be able to overcome any hurdles.

What To Look For In A Dog Groomer

Having trouble with what to look for in a dog groomer? Here are some great suggestions that can assist you to find the perfect one for you and your dog.

Experience and Education

While you do want to have some inclination on your groomer’s professional background. After all, do they have any education on grooming? Are they apprentice or experienced? Explicitly search for reviews online and read them to find the perfect one for you and your pet. By all means, ask your friends or relatives for suggestions.

Qualities to Look For

Surely, you want to visit or view the salon or environment first. It not only helps get your dog used to the groomer. It can help you with finding the environment most appropriate and comfortable for you and your dog.

• Workstations clean and organized
• Well Ventilated
• Sturdy tubs and showers
• Friendly and comfortable environment
• Pet-friendly products in stock

Questions To Ask Your Groomer

In general it is a good idea to ask any questions before committing to an appointment. They will be more than happy to answer them for you. Here are some common questions you may want to ask:

• You need to be comfortable leaving your dog at any facility. So asking if you can view the salon virtually or in person is a must.
• What services do you provide? A good groomer will always examine your dog for potential skin or coat problems. Surely mention if your dog has any allergies to certain products.
• With strict regulations in some places, you may want to ask if you can stay during the grooming for the first time.
• Do you have experience with my dog’s breed? Some dogs such as poodles have different needs than a dog such as a bulldog.
• What is your training background?
• Which types of products will you be using?
• Do you or your staff have basic medical first aid? Does the Salon have a first aid kit?
• Ask about any policies or liability insurance they offer
• Are there any hidden fees or extra charges

What Your Groomer Expects From You

Groomers are professionals and they will have strong knowledge of what cuts are best for certain breeds. Most groomers can agree that they hope you will keep up with the brushing and washing at home when you can. You can consult with your groomer to find out what the best products are to use on your type of dog.

Avoid letting your dog’s hair matte up. Not only does this become uncomfortable for the dog. It makes it very difficult for your groomer to remove them. Also in some breeds dematting can be dangerous on your own. So ask your groomer what is best ahead of time.

Furthermore, be very specific on what you would like done so that there is no miscommunication.

Things You Should Let Your Groomer Know Ahead Of Time

You will want to prepare your groomer by letting them know if your dog has any certain corks. For instance if your dog does not like their nails being touched and have to be clipped a certain way. You can easily solve this by practicing touching their paws at home frequently.

Let your groomer know when your dog was first introduced to grooming. For puppies, grooming is exciting and easy. Surprisingly for older dogs, it can be quite traumatic if they have never been groomed before.

If your dog has anxiety it is important you let them know. Try and leave your dog at the salon with a calm no demeanor attitude. Dogs pick up on our own emotions.

Most often we forget to mention other medical conditions. For example if your dog has any underlying health issues or arthritis. They may need to be picked up differently or handled with more care during the grooming appointment.