How to properly prepare your puppy for grooming

When you add a puppy to your family, you take on many responsibilities. One of them is to prepare your puppy for grooming. Although this task may seem daunting, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the experience more positive for you and your pup.

Why prepare my puppy for grooming?

Why is it important to groom your puppy? Some people are afraid to send their dog for grooming at an early age. If the dog has never been groomed during its first years, grooming, which is an essential step, will be all the more difficult during its life. Getting your dog used to grooming from an early age will allow him to associate grooming with a positive and pleasant task. The first year of preparation will facilitate the various actions related to grooming for the rest of your dog’s life.

How to prepare your puppy for grooming?

1- the tools to use

there is a multitude of equipment to groom your dog. At first it’s just a matter of getting your dog used to being brushed and handled. You can simply manipulate the more sensitive places such as the paws or the ears and even apply a little pressure to the paws to bring out its claws. Even if your actions will do nothing immediately, the goal is to get your dog used to being touched and handled. then you can get your dog used to being brushed. Even if your puppy doesn’t need brushing yet, you can start with a soft brush and brush gently to get him used to brushing. Remember to ask for advice in order to choose a good brush corresponding to the type of hair of your dog. Here are some examples of grooming brushes.

2- Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a technique that basically involves associating a pleasant action with a reward. So when you start to get your puppy used to grooming, you can give him little treats while grooming. In this way, your pooch will associate this daily task with a moment of pleasure!

3- The atmosphere and how often?

Positive reinforcement is a good technique, but there are a few other simple techniques that can make a big difference. It is important to keep a healthy and pleasant atmosphere when grooming. Stay calm and take your time at home to get him used to grooming so that he associates grooming with something relaxing and enjoyable. For grooming frequency, you can start once a week and increase the frequency over the months.

A little of your time per week is enough

Finally, keep in mind that the goal during the first few years with your puppy is to get him used to being handled and groomed. All you have to do is put in a little of your time each week and grooming will become an easy daily task. You can start slowly, always keeping in mind that all dogs are different and you have to adapt to your character. thanks for reading, for more articles on dog training, visit our magazine!