Just like us after a day at the spa, grooming is a great way for you to help your dog relax and look its best. This guide will provide you with all the steps you need for grooming dogs, including how to groom a dog that won’t stay still, so you can be nothing short of an absolute pro and get your doggy day spa all set up at home.
Everyone will have some kind of system as to how and where they perform their dog grooming at home. These are the basic steps for grooming dogs that you can adapt depending on their breed and size.
Most dogs will have small amounts of gunk that builds up around the eyes and ears. Moist cotton balls are your best friend when grooming dogs as they help remove any unwanted build-up gently and without irritation. If your dog has long hair around its eyes, it can be cut back to avoid impacting its vision.
Clipping your dog’s nails can be a stressful experience for owners, but the more you do this with your dog, the more used to it they will become. Start by clipping one or two nails so your dog knows that the process won’t hurt them, and be sure to avoid the quick of the nail, which includes nerves and blood vessels.
Like humans, dog teeth can experience plaque build-up that can cause dental issues. You can use a toothbrush or just some gauze wrapped around your finger with dog-approved toothpaste to clean your pooch’s teeth.
Regular brushing ensures your dog’s coat remains free from burrs and removes any dandruff built up over time. Different breeds will require different brushes — long hair breeds require pins, while short hair will be better off with a bristle brush.
Bath time! Wet your dog down with warm water and lather a dog shampoo around its back and neck. Use the washing time as a massage too. Your pup will love it, and it will stimulate the blood vessels underneath the skin too.
Grooming dogs can be difficult if your pup doesn’t like to stay still during the process. Try offering treats and work at it in small steps so that your dog understands that grooming can be fun for them too.
If you cannot get a handle on grooming an energetic dog, seeking advice from expert dog groomers can also be helpful for you. Alternatively, if you’d like to give your dog five-star grooming service, please contact us to make an appointment.
Grooming can begin in the puppy stage of your dog’s life. The earlier you start grooming, the quicker your dog will become used to the process.
Keeping your dog calm is a great start to ensuring the grooming process goes well. Starting with cuddles and treats is a good way to help them understand that you’re trying to help.
If a dog is not used to grooming, it can be stressful. Grooming dogs regularly ensures that they become accustomed to the process and are less stressed as a result.
Cleaning out the eyes and ears should be the first step, followed by teeth brushing and nail clipping. The brush and wash should come last, followed by a blow dry if necessary.
This depends on the dog’s breed and condition. In some cases, with long-haired dogs, a wash first will help the coat-cutting process, but in others, a trim followed by a wash is the best way.
It is much easier to groom your dog dry if you can, to avoid the rigorous and inevitable shake out. It will keep you clean and dry throughout the process too.
Every groomer has a different process. Some use treats, others use assistants or leads to ensure they can get through the process without stressing out your pup.
The length of time spent at the groomer depends on the size and breed of your dog. Grooming time can be anything from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Dogs love feeling clean and fresh, just like we do. Grooming helps them feel comfortable and ensures they stay healthy and happy.
