You probably assume that your dog grooming responsibility ends when you drop your dog off at the groomer. Since it’s the groomer’s job, let them worry about unruly behavior in the tub and matting fur, right?
Groomers would beg to differ!
The Dog Groomer’s Job
It’s a big job, grooming dogs. From brushing, bathing, drying and detangling, to cleaning the eyes, ears, and hygiene areas. Then, you can’t forget hand scissoring the coat to perfection which gets your dog beautified. This takes work and time.
Many dogs are uncomfortable with their bodies being manipulated, so the grooming experience can be quite stressful. A fearful or nervous dog who doesn’t like to be touched, makes the grooming process much more challenging, and more unpleasant for your dog.
There are some tips that will help your dog feel comfortable with the grooming process and will help them get the most out of their time in the salon. With a little training and patience, grooming can be the equivalent of a trip to the spa for your dog. Plus the groomers will thank you!
Start Dog Grooming at Young Age
One thing you can do is start grooming right away. No matter what breed, each dog requires some sort of grooming in their life, even if it’s just a bath when they’ve rolled in something gross, or regularly cutting their nails. You can make the process easier if you begin acclimating your dog to grooming early in their life.
Get your dog used to having their ears, paws and tail manipulated by combining the process with dog treats. Let them check out the dog shampoo and tub before you begin running the water.
You can even take your dog to the groomer for a few “low pressure” pre sessions before it’s time for the real deal. Many owners wait too long to take their pet to the groomers. This causes your pet to become scared and they will not enjoy their day of beauty.
Dog Bathing Tips
Get your dog used to having extra steps taken in the bath. Bath time with your furry friend can be optimized with the addition of a bristle brush, and conditioner. You
Scrub brushes while bathing help rid the coat of stuck-on-dirt. They exfoliate the skin for good health and remove the dead coat to prevent mats. It has been said to scrub them like potatoes! 🥔
Even for breeds with short coats, conditioner is suggested. Shampoo is made to remove dirt and excess oil, leaving the coat and skin clean, yet porous. Conditioner closes the hair shaft and pores, while helping to protect the coat from tangles and breakage.
Brush Hair Between Grooming
Always brush their hair between grooming sessions. Ongoing maintenance, daily sometimes, helps your dog feel more comfortable during a grooming session. You
Dogs who aren’t regularly brushed are more likely to have bad tangles and mats, which result in the groomer needing to shave the coat instead of giving them the teddy bear cut you wanted. If you spend minutes each day brushing your dog in between grooming visits, the more likely it is that your groomer can leave some links on your dog.
Working through tangles is unpleasant for the dog and increases the length of time your dog spends on the table. Owners should first brush with a slicker brush and then move on to a fine-tooth comb.
Don’t Forget to Potty Before Grooming
Take your dog for a pre-groomer potty break. Your pets may already be a little anxious about going to the salon, so think about how much worse it must feel if they also need to go to the bathroom. Most salons are busy and booked solid with back-to-back appointments throughout the day. This means it’s not possible for your groomer to take your dog out for a potty break. Pets should be relieved before arriving at the salon.
To Stay or Not To Stay?
And please, don’t hang around the salon! Unless groomers specifically ask you to stay and help handle the pet, many salons do not allow owners to stay and help, or watch during grooming.
You might think your presence calms your dog during grooming, but being in the room could make your dog more anxious. They might move around on the table trying to get to you, which makes the process more dangerous for them and your groomer, especially when there are sharp scissors involved.
If you trust the groomer, know that your pet may be anxious when you arrive with them, but they will be calmer without you there. It also helps to create a bond with their groomer, without your pet needing to look to you for comfort.
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