03/07/2021
Pandemic Puppies are everywhere! Particularly doodles and other high maintenance coated dogs are becoming increasingly popular. Here are some super important things to know if you have a puppy or are planning to get a puppy who will need regular professional grooming. πΆ π
1. Start early! Iβm talking 12-16 weeks. Ask your vet what they recommend based on your petβs vaccines. The earlier the better for a great introduction to something they will need their entires lives. The first one or two grooms should be a quick wash, blow dry and a face, feet, sanitary trim. We want a slow, gentle introduction to the grooming process and some tools that can seem scary if not exposed to them properly. We want to be the fun person who gives treats and tickles their feet, not the scary monster who steals them from their owners and puts loud clippers on them against their will. The way your pet is introduced to grooming can influence which of these relationships we get to have with your precious pet.
2. Come often! Your puppy should be coming once a month for those first few visits to keep them refreshed and comfortable. After they are used to grooming, most dogs need to come in AT LEAST every 6-8 weeks. Longer coats can require as often as 2-4 weeks. The longer the coat, the more often they need to see the groomer. If you are avoiding the groomer because you donβt want your pup shaved, your home grooming routine needs improving. Coming often ensures the coats are kept in tip top shape. If you canβt get a comb through your dogβs coat, the groomer may not be able to save it in the best interest of your pup.
3. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE IN NEED OF A FULL GROOM OR ARE MATTED. Please, please, please. The first groom is so important. We want it to be short, positive, not overwhelming and not uncomfortable. The absolute last thing they need is to have a several hour full groom because they are tangled already. Shaving tight tangles isnβt fun, and itβs too much for a puppy who has never had a groom before. Itβs hard to sit still very long, all the new things are scary, and itβs not how we want their first groom to be. Of course if your pet already needs this, we will be as slow and gentle as possible and give them breaks as needed. We can still do our best to get them comfortable with grooming, but itβs not an ideal start.
4. If your puppy is already tangled DO NOT BATHE THEM. Getting tangles wet, particularly on curly coated poodles, doodles, or even soft coated dogs like shih tzus and wheatons will make the tangles tighten and set into knots. Brushing with gentle slicker brushes (which they should be getting used to almost daily anyway) and finishing with a metal comb will ensure your pupβs coat is in good shape. Brush/comb before AND after bathing. Blow dry if at all possible. And get that puppy to a groomer to keep them in good condition.
5. Your groomer is your resource for coat maintenance! If you arenβt getting the results you want from your grooming routine (or if you donβt know where to start) ASK YOUR GROOMER! We are here to help you succeed! I promise, no decent groomer wants to have to shave your pup. We want nothing more than to help you get the look you are wanting, if youβre willing to put the work in at home. When owners and groomers work together in the best interest of their pets, anything can be achieved! We are here for you. Ask us! We love your pets like our own and want nothing more than your pets to love coming to see us. π₯°
Attached are some pics of puppies having a great introduction to grooming β€οΈ Let me know if I can help your pet!