Take Advantage of Dog Grooming by Reading These 10 Tips
Dog grooming is an important process for all dog owners. Some of us still do frequent, basic maintenance. Others have to go further with de-shedding solutions and show cuts.
All owners should be prepared for each grooming session. Here are 10 tips for grooming your dog so that you can enjoy a great process with minimal stress – for both you and your pup.
1) Have an end result in mind before you start.
It is good to know where you are trying to end up with the dog grooming session. A clear focus means that you can cut effectively and quickly for the perfect result. The alternative is to sheer the dog with no clear objective and risk damaging the coat What is your goal with this grooming process?
Does your pet dog just need a little brush and trim to keep things under control? Is there a bigger shedding issue to deal with? Is it time for a careful clip for an upcoming show?
2) Pay attention to the type of coat that your dog has, and don’t underestimate its importance.
There are too many dog owners that think everything would be a whole lot easier if their dog didn’t shed so much and their hair wasn’t so prone to tangles. The simple answer here is that they should have thought about that before buying the dog.
If you have a long-haired dog, you have to deal with matts. if you have a heavy shedder with a double coat, you have to deal with the blow outs. The worse thing that people can do is shave the dog and damage the coat. Not only does it ruin the look of the dog, it removes that important layer of protection and insulation.
3) Remember that regular dog grooming is important for the health of the coat, and to deal with loose hair.
The best way to deal with heavy shedding is to groom the dog regularly. This way you can handle loose hair as it falls out. This means daily brushing with an appropriate tool. Seasonal shedders will also require a more drastic session to remove the dead undercoat when it is lost.
Daily brushing also helps to keep the coat in the best possible condition because it massages the skin and stimulates blood flow and oil production. This means healthy follicles and strong, glossy hair. This in turn leads to a stronger coat.
4) Do you have the best tool for the job?
If not, look at some different devices that may provide the cut you need. You need the right deshedding tool for those tricky undercoats based on the breed and size of the dog. The right dog clipper will offer the right power and speed to handle the coats. Check the specifications and bonus accessories for the best deal.
5) Pay attention to the blades and accessories, not just the clipper.
Remember that different devices come with different blades, and the best have a simple release mechanism for easy change overs. Try and match the right blade to the job. At the same time, be careful with attachments and combs.
A good blade guard and comb will help with a good cut, while protecting the animal. Also look for trimming tools for the delicate areas like the face and feet for those show cuts.
6) Make sure that your dog is comfortable with the situation.
There three key problems with dogs and grooming
- noise
- heat
- vibration
The worst devices don’t consider these issues, so you will have to. Sensitivity to one, or all three of these issues is a problem. The noise of the blades and their vibrations can be enough to startle nervous animals, especially those that run from the vacuum cleaner.
Look for something with a quieter motor. The blades can also become quite hot, which leads to concerns of burns. Keep an eye on the temperature and either use blade oil or switch the clippers off for a while to cool them down.
7) Train your dog to handle the situation before you go in with a pair of clippers.
It is important to train dogs to be able to handle the experience of grooming in a calm manner. They need to know that this won’t hurt.
It is best to train them to be handled around the feet and face from a young age. Start slow to get them used to the clipper. It also helps to provide plenty of praise and rewards each time for a job well done.
8) Make sure that you are comfortable while grooming the dog.
It isn’t just the comfort of the dog that we need to look at here. There are risks of the following with pet grooming:
- wrist pain
- back pain
This wrist pain comes from the use of heavy, poorly weighted devices that strain the wrists over long periods. Back pain comes from bending over to groom small dogs and difficult areas.
9) Find grooming aids to make things more comfortable for long or multiple sessions.
Anybody that finds themselves struggling with the health issues mentioned above might want to consider a different approach to grooming. You don’t have to wreck your wrist or back for the sake of a good cut. Look for devices that are ergonomic and cordless for greater comfort and accessibility. Also, it might be worth getting an adjustable grooming table so the dog is at the right height to work on.
10) Work outside when you can.
This final piece of advice in these 10 tips for dog grooming won’t suit all dog owners. Still, it is worth considering. This is especially true for those that own large dogs and heavy shedders. It can make a difference to set up a table outside.
Here you can work with a battery powered dog clipper or deshedding tool and deal with a coat with greater freedom. There is no hair flying around the home. Also, if dogs need a break, it is easy to head to a toilet area or have 5 minutes to play in the yard. After all, dog grooming doesn’t have to be a complete chore. Why not enjoy the process where you can.