25/03/2022
Hi Everyone. Wanting to share some top tips for getting your puppy ready for their first groom... Grooming is something your pup will need for the rest of their lives so it's important to make it an enjoyable experience for them and you😁
1- Brushing
Get your pup used to being brushed regularly. Depending on their coat, 10 minutes or so every night while you're watching TV should be ample. Pay close attention to their legs, tail and underside and be gentle with any tangles as working these out can cause your pup some discomfort. Detangling spray may help with this if required. Reward your pup with lots of cuddles. This should be an enjoyable experience for you both.
2- Handling
Get your puppy used to you holding their legs, feet, tail and face, as well as stroking their back and head. Reward them when they don't pull away from your hold. Always be gentle, especially with their limbs, as their joints are particularly delicate while they are growing.
3- Bathing
Your puppy should be bathed approximately every 2 weeks. Pay close attention to their face, groin and underside as these areas tend to get the dirtiest. I have a fantastic range of hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners available instore which will not irritate your pups' skin. Avoid getting water in their ears or nose as this can cause upset. Also, be sure to keep their temperature fairly consistent during and after the bath as they struggle to regulate this themselves.
4- Noises
Get your puppy used to loud noises by rewarding or praising them for investigating things like vacuum cleaners. Using a hairdryer to dry them after their bath is ideal because this is what your groomer will do. Always keep the hairdryer on a cool setting as too hot can cause burns.
5- Socialising
It's very important to get your puppy used to new experiences, dogs and people. The more enjoyable new experiences they have, the more relaxed they will be in new situations. Always ensure that dogs you introduce your pup to are dog friendly and are fully under their owner's control at all times😁