Archive for September, 2009
The Professional Shih Tzu Dog Groomer

Everyday more and more money is being spent on pets including the Shih Tzu. The professional Shih Tzu groomer is a rather unique entry in the professional world. Outside the family and the Shih Tzu’s vet, the professional Shih Tzu groomer is the one person closest to the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy.
If you plan to use a professional Shih Tzu groomer, the groomer will see your Shih Tzu regularly either monthly or bi-monthly. A knowledgeable professional Shih Tzu groomer will be able to supply you with advice on matters of health, breeding, boarding and various Shih Tzu products. The extent to which the professional Shih Tzu groomer fills these roles affects the relationship between the groomer and Shih Tzu owner. A close bond between the family and the professional Shih Tzu groomer is desirable.
The Shih Tzu Grooming Shop:
Many professional Shih Tzu groomers start out in their basements or spare room in their house and then graduate to their own shop on Main streets in towns throughout the country. Although a Shih Tzu groomer should have knowledge of how to groom all breeds of dogs, specializing in the Shih Tzu breed can be a unique opportunity for those who love the Shih Tzu exclusively. The Shih Tzu breed is one of the top 10 favorite family pets. Their popularity continues to grow, therefore, to specialize in Shih Tzu grooming would definitely be a professional groomer’s own unique niche.
Quality training:
Be sure to seek out the best instruction available. This instruction should come from licensed, qualified instructors in state-approved locations with adequate space and facilities. Proper training is the most important part of your investment. Without proper training, there is no business. Good dog grooming instruction means training in grooming all breeds with access to dogs of as many breeds as possible. Specializing in Shih Tzu grooming can come later. The school’s reputation is most significant. Check with your State Education Department, the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies to determine the reputation of the schools you choose. Make a personal visit to the school.
Shih Tzu Grooming Shop Site:
Once you are fully trained and/or you have built up a customer base while working out of your home you begin to consider setting up a shop. Go where the action is. Shih Tzu pet owners will like locations in a good part of town, one with good parking. If funds allow, a busy shopping mall would be an excellent location for a Shih Tzu Grooming Salon.
An important factor to consider when deciding on a location for your Shih Tzu grooming shop is the element of competition. Is there already a grooming shop in your chosen location? And how long has the shop been in business? If the grooming shop has been in business for quite some time, you may want to choose another location.
Zoning
Most state laws are loose about zoning requirements for dog grooming shops and so would be the same case for a Shih Tzu grooming shop. Usually a commercial area or on a main street there are no problems with zoning. If you begin your grooming at home, you may have to cope with complaining neighbors if the traffic begins to become congested in the neighborhood, etc. You will need to check your local zoning laws in a case such as this.
The Art Of Dog Grooming

If you have a dog, then you are already familiar with the art of dog grooming. If you are just considering a new pet, there is plenty to think about and this includes their appearance. Some dogs are easier to care for than others, including ones with shorter hair. A dog with long hair requires daily brushing and sheds constantly, which can make for a long day of vacuuming. Dogs with short hair, on the other hand, can be brushed several times each week and their fur will not fill up your vacuum as quickly.
A part of proper dog grooming is finding the right hair brush for your pet. Gentle strokes will allow your pet to get used to the idea of being brushed, which can make them anxious at first. A regular bath is also a part of dog grooming, which can sometimes be the messiest. In the beginning, pets are often resistant to the idea of a bath. Its best to start as early as possible in teaching your dog how to act, which can be done by bathing your puppy early in his/her life. When they are able to run and play, they are able to have a bath and will probably even grow to enjoy it after time. If you have a friend or relative who is willing to help you, invite them over. While one holds the puppy, the other can wash him/her with a washcloth.
If you are unable to handle dog grooming, there are businesses that can take care of it for you. A local veterinarian or animal hospital is likely to have grooming services, along with businesses specifically dedicated to this purpose. In exchange for a fee, your pet can have his/her nails clipped, be given a bath and get their fur brushed all in one afternoon. This process isnt necessarily a lengthy one, but its best to make an appointment before showing up for dog grooming.
The proper dog grooming techniques will make your pet to feel better overall and will make you happy to see that your pet is in good spirits. Even though they love to dig in our yard or investigate every hole that they find, dogs love to feel good and a part of that means being clean and well groomed. Dog grooming is also a reflection of how much you care for your pet, so let the world know how much you love them.
Dog Grooming Tips and Supplies for your Canine Companion

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is maintain a consistent and proper dog grooming routine.In addition to keeping your dog clean and smelling good, for both you and your guest’s sake, there are many health concerns that proper grooming address.Your dog’s coat and skin are very important to your dog and oftentimes are an indicator of other health problems that may be lurking. Grooming your dog properly, following correct dog grooming instructions, helps to keep her healthy while also building an important bond between you and your pet.
Basic Dog Grooming Instructions
Since grooming your dog is such an important part of your responsibility as an owner, you should not only have a sound and regular routine, but you should have the proper knowledge, brushes, shampoos, clippers and other necessary equipment.With correct dog grooming instructions, you can help keep you dog healthy and clean.
An important part of dog grooming, even before you begin thinking about baths, is simply brushing your dog’s coat on a regular, preferably daily, basis.Brushing helps remove dirt and pests, untangles knots and spreads the natural oils evenly through the coat.Each dog is different and you should consult your vet or a grooming expert on the proper type of brush to use based on your dog’s breed.You should brush thoroughly, including her stomach, behind her legs and her ears.
In addition to regular brushing, you should also make sure you keep your dog’s nails trimmed–an often overlooked aspect of dog grooming.You will probably want to do this monthly although it will depend on your dog’s habits and activities.Make sure you have proper trimmers made for dogs and do not cut them too short.You’ll want to stop trimming just before you reach the quick and don’t forget to get your dog’s dewclaw.Following these routine dog grooming instructions will help maintain your dogs coat and nails but should also be supplemented with a bath.
Dog Grooming – The Bath
An important part of dog grooming is the bath.Although it is okay to brush your dog daily, you should not bath your dog too often.Overbathing will reduce the vital oils that help keep your dog’s coat healthy and lead to irritation and itching of the skin.Four times a year is a good rule of thumb, but this will vary depending on the breed of your dog and the types of activities you and your pet regularly do.You should consult your vet or a professional groomer if you are unclear of the proper frequency for your dog.
Before you just throw your dog in the bath and start lathering up you should be adequately prepared.Get your shampoo (made for your dog not human shampoo), some brushes or combs, a washcloth, some cottonballs, a towel or two, and any other equipment or products you might need.You might want to use a detachable spray hose for your bath and a rubber mat makes a good idea to prevent slipping and sliding.Large breed dogs will most likely have to use the bathtub with the rubber mat on the bottom, but smaller breeds can use a plastic basin or rubber storage bin.
For the full article on dog grooming, please visit us at http://largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming-techniques/large-dog-grooming-and-supply.html .