Waxahachie Journal

PREPARING YOUR PUPPY FOR GROOMING

Bow-Wow! Barbers would like to congratulate you on the newest addition to your family!  We know your puppy is going to bring so very much love and happiness! It is a great time for you and your new pet to bond, have lots of fun and watch his/her personality develop.   

While most pet owners know that housebreaking and teaching your new puppy not to eat your furniture and that your favorite pair of shoes is not a great dietary supplement, they do not realize the importance of preparing their pet for grooming.  Your veterinarian will give you the okay to take your puppy to the grooming salon after their vaccinations.  Here are a few tips to help make proper care and grooming more pleasant for you and your new friend in the interim. 

1.    While you are playing, touch his/her ears, feet, legs and face.  These can be troublesome areas for some dogs.  Help them understand that it is not only necessary but pleasant to be handled.  Begin holding these areas a little longer each time.  Should he/she resist, simply hang on until they stop struggling and then let go.  Be sure and use lots and lots of praise!!!  Be firm, but not forceful.  Your puppy is still growing and fragile.  

2.    Brush his coat with a good quality brush.  You should be careful to remove any mats or tangles before bathing or they will become “locked-in” and very difficult to remove.  Long-haired breeds should be brushed and combed often.  You will lift the hair with one hand and brush with the other, pulling the hair down with your brush.  This allows you to get to the skin without guessing and potentially brush=burning your puppy.  Comb the hair to complete the process and you are ready to bath.  

3.    Bathing should be done with lukewarm water and a mild puppy shampoo.  Never, never use human or baby shampoo on a dog!!!  A dogs ph level is very different from a human.  Even a gentle, baby shampoo is harsh to a puppy.  A quality shampoo that is gentle, tearless and preferably “all natural” is best.  Make sure to rinse, rinse, rinse to remove all of the shampoo from the coat.  Towel dry and you may use a dryer on “low” setting .  Brush and comb the coat again for a beautiful, clean and happy pup!

4.    Most importantly, have fun!  Make this a good experience for you and your pet.  This is a great way to bond with him/her and a terrific beginning for a lifetime of proper grooming.  Our skin is our largest organ and it is essential to a healthy pet.  

Now you have set the stage and helped your puppy become accustomed to being handled, brushed and bathed.  It is now time to make an appointment with your local styling salon.  Watch for tips on how to select a salon coming soon.

By Bow wow Barbers