Dog Grooming Hints

Dog Grooming

Learn to groom dogs in 3 easy steps.

Article by E. Michaels

If you are anything like me, you love your dogs and want to keep them groomed as best as possible. Unfortunately, crating, packing up the car and then traveling to the nearest groomer can be stressful to both yourself and your dog, not to mention costly. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to provide your dog a top quality grooming experience in the comfort of your own home? I am going to share with you 3 easy steps that will allow you to begin dog grooming on your own.

Step 1: Learn to Brush. Brushing is the foundation of proper pet grooming, not only does brushing help your dog’s skin and coat health, it will also create a strong bond between you and your dog. Breed standards and coat will determine how often you should be brushing but a basic guideline is to brush daily for silky or long coated dogs and to brush one to two times a week for a short or curly coated dog.

Step 2: Give your dog a bath. Luckily for us, dogs in general tend to be happy to get into water and this makes bathing a snap compared to other home pets. The rule of thumb is that a dog should be bathed every 2 months or so and definitely no more than once per month. The reason for such long periods between bathing is to protect your dog’s natural oils. These oils are what allow dogs to be such great swimmers and also what allows their fur to keep them warm. In the warmest months of the summer, longer haired dogs may require washing as often as every two weeks but if so, it is important to use high quality pet shampoo’s to protect their natural oils and keep their skin from becoming irritated.

Step 3: Dry out your dog’s coat. When drying a dog most people choose to use a towel however it is perfectly fine to use a blow dryer or even a combination of the two. While keeping a calm tone, remove excess water by commanding the dog to shake or by simply petting the dog in long strokes that push out the excess water from the coat. Once excess water is removed, use towels to hand dry the dog from the head to the back and then from the sides to the underside, chest, legs and tail.

In this article I have shared the three basic steps of successful dog grooming: brushing, washing and drying. As always, consult your dog’s breed standard before grooming to ensure the highest level of care. If you have a knack for dog grooming and are interested in starting your own dog grooming business, I recommend you check out John and Debbie Pelton’s excellent online grooming course. Not only will they teach you all that you need to know, they will also provide you with valuable job assistance and a beautiful certificate.

Click here to view this excellent dog grooming course!

Rescued dogs in need of new 'best friends'
dog grooming
A veterinarian, under the animal act, asked OSPCA investigators to remove the dogs from the home when it was deemed unfit for animals. Dogs were found with severe dental damage, skin issues and fleas. "When they came in they required severe grooming," …
dog grooming question by KharronG: Does anyone know of any dog grooming classes in Escondido?
My friend and I want to take dog grooming classes so we can make some extra money around our neighborhood. she’s 13 and im turning 13 in june. Does anyone know of any dog grooming classes in escondido or near there for people at least the age of 12?

dog grooming best answer:

Answer by The Gooroo
Visit the local vet and ask them. I’m sure they have a list of grooming services.

Poodle Dog Grooming : Poodle Dog Grooming: Clipping the Body

For poodle dog grooming on the body of the dog, you should always clip with the grain of the hair. Learn more about clipping a poodle’s body with tips from a dog groomer in this free pet care video. Expert: Marie Jackson Contact: www.bubblesandbowsmobilegrooming.com Bio: Marie Jackson has owned and operated Bubbles and Bows Mobile Pet Spa, in Pinellas County Florida for 4 years. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz
dog grooming Video Rating: 4 / 5

Grooming is an important task to ensure the health of your dog, and trimming the dog’s nails should be part of your regular grooming routine. Nails that have been left too long can cause irreversible damage to the structure of the dog’s foot and cause a lifetime of pain as the toes are forced into an unnatural position to accommodate the pressure from the floor on the bottom of the nails. To ensure that your dog’s feet are kept in good condition, clipping the nails once a month would be a good rule of thumb. If you hear the dog’s toenails clicking on a hard floor when the dog walks, it is a good sign that the dog’s nails are too long.

When beginning to trim your dog’s nails, it is best to start with the front left foot, and work toe by toe until you have completed that foot. Starting from left to right (or vice versa) will help you remember which ones you have cut, and which ones still need to be cut.

Firmly but gently hold the foot with the underside facing up in order to expose the underside of the nails. By looking from underneath, you can see the underside of the nail and this will help you determine where to cut. On the front legs, that will entail gently pulling the dog’s leg back and turning the paw so that you can see the underside. On the back legs, you can simply pick the foot up from behind to see the underside.

The nail grows around a “quick,” which is the living part of the nail. It is important to cut down close to the quick for the shortest length, without cutting into the quick. A good way to determine where the quick begins is to look at the nail from the underside, and if you see that the nail looks hollow, you can safely cut down to the solid middle part. The quick will look like a dark spot in the center of the nail when viewed from the bottom. If you do not see a hollow middle, take little slivers off, rather than larger cuts until you get close to the quick. The quick will bleed if it is cut into. For this reason, have some styptic powder within reach in case of an accidental cut into the quick. Flour or ashes from the fireplace can work to help stop bleeding if styptic powder is not available.

It is best to start handling the feet of a puppy when they are very young so that they will become accustomed to having their feet touched. This will make nail trimming much easier as the puppy grows older.

Taking over your dog’s grooming can be very rewarding. It not only saves you money, but more importantly provides another means for bonding with your pet and helps to keep your pet healthy.

Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:

1. When should I start grooming my dog?

Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.

2. How often should I brush my dog’s hair?

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.

3. How often should I bathe my dog?

Your dog’s need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owner’s preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell "doggy."

When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.

4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?

Skin problems – including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections – are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasite’s impact on your dog’s skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.

5. I have problems cleaning my dog’s ears. What’s the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.

Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.

6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?

While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, you’ll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.

Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.

7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?

The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.

So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.

Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:

1. When should I start grooming my dog?

Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.

2. How often should I brush my dogs hair?

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.

3. How often should I bathe my dog?

Your dogs need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owners preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell doggy.

When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.

4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?

Skin problems including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasites impact on your dogs skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.

5. I have problems cleaning my dogs ears. Whats the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.

Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.

6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?

While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, youll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.

Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.

7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?

The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.

So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.

Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:

1. When should I start grooming my dog?

Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.

2. How often should I brush my dogs hair?

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.

3. How often should I bathe my dog?

Your dogs need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owners preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell doggy.

When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.

4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?

Skin problems including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasites impact on your dogs skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.

5. I have problems cleaning my dogs ears. Whats the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.

Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.

6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?

While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, youll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.

Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.

7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?

The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.

So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.