Dog Grooming Hints

Making a choice for a dog groomer is something that needs some careful thinking. I have had first hand experience working with groomers that were both good and bad. Groomers take on a lot of responsibility and many times the dogs are not exactly cooperative. If the dogs move around a lot then they can get cut pretty bad so it is important that the groomer is able to keep the dog still.

When a dog is irritated and doesn’t want to be cut and clipped they tend to move a lot. Ask the groomer how they handle a dog that keeps moving on them. Some groomers may have an assistant that will help hold a dog which is probably the best technique. However, I have seen groomers actually hit the dog to get them to do what they want. A good groomer will advise the owner that the dog needs to start going to the groomers at a young age. If they begin going to the groomers as an adult then they may have a harder time being cooperative.

A groomer tends to have the dogs bathed and dried before cutting their hair. They should have a staff that bathes and dries instead of the groomer doing it all themselves. The groomer will get too stressed if they have to do all of the work themselves. Always check and make sure that they are well staffed. Also check to see where they keep the dogs while they dry. The cages they have them in needs to be clean.

Check with friends and neighbors to see which groomers they use or recommend. You want to be sure that the groomer you select has a good amount of customers that are very pleased with their work. Some other things you want to be certain about is how good they are in cutting the dogs hair. You also want to make sure the groomer knows how to cut various styles for specific breeds.

Selecting a good dog groomer is important for your dog. You don’t want your pet to be all cut up and upset when you pick them up. You want only the best for your dog and when choosing a groomer that knows how to handle dogs, knows how to cut in various styles, and has a high ratio of returning customers then you and your dog will be able to rest easy. Remember if your dog is happy then everyone is happy.

No matter what breed of dog you plan to purchase there are some grooming tips you will want to know. All dogs need proper grooming for the health and attractiveness of the breed. Read on to find out what you need to do in the grooming process and learn how beneficial it is to not only to your dog but for you as well.

Coat Grooming

All dogs have coats; some are short, long, wire-haired, curly, straight, or wavy. No matter the coat, you will need to invent in a good brush. The brush you decide upon needs to be the type that will get through your dog’s hair without causing harm to skin or pull on the hair. Wire steel brushing are great to use to get loose hair before it falls on your furniture and carpet. You can also purchase wire combs, which are best for smaller breeds since they tend to be a bit smaller.

Choose the size of your brush or comb in accordance with the size of your dog. If you have a large dog, choose a larger brush that will cover more area as you brush. If you have a small dog, a smaller brush will be easier to use to get behind the ears and other small areas. Bathe your dog when he is visibly dirty or has a foul odor. Shampooing dries out a dog’s coat and can rip some dog’s natural oils from its hair. These natural oils protect the dog’s skin and in some breeds, repel water.

Trimming Nails

The frequency of trimming your dog’s nails depends on if your dog goes outdoors often especially on concrete and how fast the nails grow. If your dog runs on concrete then the nails usually file down to an appropriate length. If not, you will have to purchase some nail clippers especially designed for dogs.

When cutting, place the clipper above the wick. The wick is the part of the nail where you see the nerve. You don’t want to clip the nerve because it will bleed and does cause some discomfort to the dog. Sometimes it is hard to see where the wick begins so you may have to take your dog to the vet or professional groomer for clippings.

Ear Cleaning

All dogs need to have their ears cleaned. This is because wax and dirt accumulates in them, which can lead to bacteria growth. You can usually tell when your dog needs an ear cleaning if he is shaking his head often and scratching. However, if after cleaning out his ears, your dog continues to exhibit this behavior, you need to consult with your vet because he may have an ear infection or other health concern.

Tarter Control

Yes, even dogs need their teeth cleaned. They have specially made toothbrushes for dogs that you can purchase at your local pet store. You can train your dog to sit still while you brush his teeth. Some dogs will not allow their owners to do this so you may need a professional groomer help you with this task.

Spending Quality Time

Not only will proper grooming keep your dog looking nice and healthy, but also it will allow you to have one to one time with your pet. Life can get hectic and even dogs can tell that you are busy. Time spent with your dog will keep your pooch happy and will remind you why you love your dog so very much.