Wondering how to groom a dog? We’ve got good news for you: dog grooming is not that difficult! In fact, as long as you’re careful and your buddy cooperates, you can do it in your own home without any trouble. Beyond giving your best friend some extra comfort, this might also be useful to allergic owners (unless they have hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed).
Before we begin, bear in mind that some dogs will only get hotter if you shave their hair! This happens because their hair coats also regulate their body temperature. So make sure you’re informed – if you’re in doubt, ask your Maven vet. Now let’s get into it!
The Grooming Equipment
Similarly to dog training classes, having some delicious treats at hand may prove very useful to keep your furry friend quiet. Additionally, you’ll want to gather the basic grooming materials! Here’s a checklist for you:
- Mat
- Collar
- Leash
- Dog treats
- Hair clipper
- Scissors
- Comb / hair brush
- Dog shampoo
- Towel
- Nail clipper
How To Groom A Dog In 7 Magical Steps
Got everything you need? Great! Now simply follow this 7-step guide:
Step #1 – Setting The Stage
Place your fluffy friend over the mat. If they are very stressed out, you can call a friend to talk to them and keep them distracted.
Step #2 – Houdini-Proofing
Make sure they have their collar on, and attach the leash to it (don’t forget to leave it loose)! This will prevent them from making a run for it.
Step #3 – Fur Bliss
Start brushing their fur coat – begin on their head, then move on to the rest of their body. Do it smoothly, so your dog can enjoy the relaxing experience. Continue talking to them quietly, to keep them calm and reassured. If they’re smiling, that’s a good sign!
Step #4 – Snip & Smile
While you’re brushing their hair, you’ll likely find a tangle or two. If your dog has long hair, mats may also appear (the Yorkshire Terrier is a good example of this). It’s important to cut those mats off, especially around the eyes. In order to avoid hurting your shaggy fellow, you should carefully do it using the scissors. In contrast, you should never, ever cut off their whiskers – this would affect their balance!
Step #5 – Splish-Splash
Is your dog’s hair completely brushed? Time for a bath! Grab the shampoo and continue the relaxation process. Let the water run smoothly over their fur, almost as if they were in a jacuzzi! In the end, take your pooch out of the bathtub and dry them with a towel.
Step #6 – Nails And Beyond
Check if your dog’s nails are in need of trimming. If they’re too long, they’ll start to curl and will hurt your dog in every step they take! If you’d like to go further, you can also include teeth brushing (to prevent toothaches and sore gums) and ear cleaning (to prevent dog ear infections) in this process.
Step #7 – Praise And Treats
Has your buddy behaved well? Make sure you praise them and reward them with a treat, and you’ll be turning this experience into something they’ll definitely want to repeat!
Congrats, you’ve reached the end of Dog Grooming Classes 101! Got any other tips on how to groom a dog? Share them with us below!
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