BASIC DOG GROOMING TIPS FOR GROOMING YOU DOG AT HOME

So, you got a dog or a puppy and in need of some help on how to groom your dog. First thing to remember, is that you want your dog to enjoy – or at least not hate – the grooming process. Some people never bathe their dogs, and some people wash them every week. Ideally, you should aim for something in the middle. One thing to remember is to always use a shampoo made specifically for dogs, humans have a different pH than dogs, so human shampoo (even baby shampoo) is too harsh on their skin. Place something underneath their feet, dogs hate slippery feeling, so something like a bath mat or a towel would work well for them. Always use lukewarm water since hot water could burn your dog more easily. It should never be hotter than what you'd use for human baby. 

Once you get your dog soak and wet, start at their back end and work your way forward toward their head. Watch out for ears, place cotton balls in your dog’s ear canals to prevent water from getting in, which can lead to an ear infection. You might need to bribe your dog just a little! Most dogs hate the blow dryer, so save your pups favorite treats for that part of the process. This will give your dog some motivation to tolerate its hair drying process, because they know their favorite treat is coming and that’s the only time they get to enjoy it.

Another option to consider is, that you might want to start slowly with your pup, one day at a time. First, trim his nails, clean his eyes and ears, brush his teeth and brush his fur. Ideally, you should trim your dog's nails at least once a month, otherwise it could cause problems walking, arthritis, and the nail can even curve into the pad of the dog’s foot. Just imagine how uncomfortable it must be for your dog to have something constantly poking your foot at all times and how painful each step must be!

The following day, give him a bath and introduce the blow dryer on a very low speed just to get him use to that kind of noise, while feeding him his favorite treats. On day three, full haircut. Depending on the size of your dog, you might want to leave more difficult areas like, feet or sanitary area for the next day. But if you're ready let's begin trimming your dog, with these few basics steps. Please remember, if you have doubts, visit a professional groomer near you, it usually cheaper that a trip to the Vet. 

Go slowly. Rushing leads to accidents. Even professionals nick dogs from time to time, maneuvering dogs plus sharp scissors and clipper blades are a scary combination. Make sure to use the right equipment suitable for your pet.

Keep clipper blades flat against the skin. Be especially careful at skin edges like the edges of the ears, armpits, and the area where the back legs meet the body.

Clipper blades WILL GET HOT. Using attachment combs helps keep the blade away from your dog’s body, but if you are using a blade against your dog’s skin (especially a #10 blade), it will get hot, no matter what the manufacturer promises. Keep blade coolant handy and frequently touch the clipper blade to the inside of your forearm to see how hot it is.

Breaking the grooming process up into several different sessions just might be the way to go, it will definitely make it more tolerable for your furry friend.