All dogs need some form of grooming, there is no question about that. Even hairless chihuahuas should be wiped with a damp chamois leather to get rid of loose skin and dust. However, one of the main purposes for grooming your dog regularly is so that you can check him for skin problems such as allergic reactions to flea or tick bites. Another reason is bonding. In a pack situation, dogs groom other dogs and are themselves groomed every day and dogs like it.
Therefore, you should groom or brush your dog at least once a week and take him to a dog parlour every three, four or six months depending on how fast his hair or fur grows and whether you can manage it or not. Having said that, you will find grooming easier if your dog’s hair is the right length, because it will not tangle so readily.
You should wash your dog every month or so and groom him at at a minimum of once week. This will ensure that your dog becomes accustomed to being bathed and handled. If this is done from the puppy age, most dogs will not only accept it, but they will come to enjoy it, although there will always be those dogs that bolt for it as soon as they see a hose and a bowl. They get to know what to look out for. If you talk to him all the time, reassuring him and occasionally giving a doggie treat, he should soon come to accept the unavoidable – that he is going to be bathed and groomed.
Actually, most dogs enjoy the grooming, although many only endure the bathing. Anyway, bathing and grooming regularly will keep the job as simple as it can be. Once your dog is no longer a puppy, say after six months or so, you could take him to a professional groomer in a so-called ‘Poodle Parlour’. By that time, he should be getting accustomed to the routine and he will accept the treatment from strangers more willingly too.
You could look for professional groomers in adverts in the pet shop or the vet’s or simply ask your friends and neighbours for recommendations. Finding a groomer should not be problem, but you might have to try a few before you find one whose style of grooming you like or who is adaptable enough to suit your lifestyle.
When you drop your dog off at the Poodle Parlour, inquire when it will be ready to be collected up. Turn up fifteen minutes early and you may be lucky enough to witness first hand how your dog is being treated and how your dog is getting on with the groomer. This is invaluable information, because it will help you make up your mind whether the groomer is getting on with your dog or not.
If the groomer is doing a good job, but your dog is anxious, you can help put him at ease. If the groomer is being a little too forceful, then you will know whether to change Poodle Parlours or just have that groomer barred from taking care of your dog.
Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on quite a few topics, but is at present concerned with indoor mosquito repellent. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Mosquito Repellent For Dogs.