How to Train Your Puppy for Grooming
All dogs, no matter what breed, will have to be brushed and bathed at some point. Whether you intend to groom your dog at home or to take your dog to the groomers, the grooming process itself is not always a pleasant experience for your dog. It is a good idea to get your puppy used to some of the touching involved in grooming so that when the time to groom comes, they are already used to the procedure. Proper training will lead to less stress and anxiety for both your dog and the groomer.
Handle your puppy’s paws: A dog’s paws are pretty sensitive and they do not usually like them to be touched. Since a dog’s paws will need to be handled in order to brush them and wash them and cut their nails, it is a good idea to start handling them at an early age. Whenever you spend time petting your puppy, make sure to include their paws in the routine. Try using a gentle massaging motion while you talk calmly to your puppy. If your puppy pulls her paw away, move on the next one. The idea is not to torture your puppy, but to slowly desensitize her to having her paws touched. After a minute or two give your puppy a break and reward her with a tummy rub or whatever other interaction she enjoys.
Brush your puppy: Every dog needs to be brushed; it is not a matter of if, but of how often they need to be brushed. Whether it is daily or weekly, the process will be a lot more pleasant for both you and your puppy if you start early and work slowly until they are used to the feel of the brush. Start by simply bringing the brush out for your puppy to investigate. Puppies like to sniff and chew on everything and the brush will be no exception. Start by brushing one spot, allowing the puppy to continue to investigate the brush as you go. Try moving around to different spots so that you puppy can get used to the feel of the brush over its whole body. Talk calmly to your puppy as you brush. Don’t be discouraged if you do not get far the first time (or the second or third…). Your puppy will slowly get used to the experience and the brush will no longer be such a novelty. Remember not to take it too far too fast; just start with a minute or two of brushing and work your way up. Don’t forget to end the brushing session with lots of praise, pets and possibly even treats!
Handle your puppy’s ears and muzzle: Just like the paws, many dogs to not like their ears or muzzle to be touched. As dog grooming will include washing, brushing and examining these areas, start working with your puppy right away. Use the same methods discussed above for handling your puppy’s paws and make sure to talk calmly to your pet during the process. Gently rub the fur on their muzzle and massage their ears in circular motions. Once your puppy begins to tolerate you touching her ears, start lifting up the ears. Once you are able to touch her muzzle, start lifting up the sides of the muzzle to expose the teeth and eventually move on to opening the entire mouth. Progress requires patience, so don’t push your puppy too far. After a minute or two, take a break and move on to more enjoyable activities.
Handling your puppy’s paws, ears and muzzle and brushing your puppy regularly will all help her get used to the idea of grooming before it is time for a full blown grooming session. The result will be a much smoother and less stressful grooming experience for all involved!
