Grooming and Bathing Your Dog

Dog grooming has because somewhat of and art and people create careers around designing the perfect look for a dog. Yet if you're not willing to spend the big bucks for a professional, you're going to need to do the grooming yourself. Grooming your dog is an essential habit to get into. It serves a variety of purposes. First off, grooming keeps your dog with clean and healthy fur or hair (depending on the breed.) Second, grooming keeps your dog looking and smelling nice. Matted dog hair is unattractive and can be uncomfortable for a dog. So keep your dog looking good by grooming regularly. Another benefit of grooming many people don't recognize is that it serves as a great training tool. In my earlier post about training, I discussed the importance of establishing yourself as the "pack-leader." Grooming helps to do this by telling your dog that you are the one in charge (in a nice way). If your dog understands this, you've overcome the biggest hurdle of training. So groom your dog daily during the training period and as often as possible later on.

Do-It-Yourself Grooming

If you've bought a long-haired breed, I recommend you learn to enjoy the grooming process. Grooming can be an extremely rewarding process if you put the time and energy into making your long haired dog or poodle look show worthy! (Some poodle experts claim that grooming their dog for a show can be a week long process). If your dog is short-haired, you won't need to spend as much time grooming, but the process can't be ignored as it is essential to a clean and healthy coat.

For haired breeds, clippers are the most important tool you will need. My local Denver Veterinarian always says electric trimmers are the best because they ensure an even trim. There are a wide variety of options available with a wide range of prices. With this item I recommend spending the extra money for a professional quality trimmer. These trimmer will last you much longer and do the best job. You can find these trimmers at a PetSmart or online at Amazon. Don't forget that trimmers occasionally have to be sharpened and this is not a job you can do at home. There are plenty of services that will service your trimmers for a low cost.

I found that my breeder as well as my veterinarian in Denver had a lot of advice about grooming and tools. They both said that in addition to trimmers, a good brush is a must. But not all brushes are the same. The decision between a hard bristled brush and a soft one depends completely on the breed and is a question for the breeder. A hard brush is great for removing loose hair but is not gentle enough for all coats.

Different Coats

• Short Coat - Most short coat dogs never need professional work. Unfortunately they shed - a lot. There is no way to avoid it - With a short-coated dog, hair is going to be all over your home, carpets, and clothes. Grooming daily can help with a stiff bristled (not wire) brush.

• Rough Coat - Rough coated dogs are prone to matted hair. Again, daily brushing with a stiff bristled brush will help to avoid this. They shed less than short coats but that doesn't mean your home will be hair-free. The occasional trip to a professional groomer may be required.

• Long Coat - Long coated dogs require by far the most attention. Poodles and terriers require constant attention to their coats. You may have to get your long coated dog professionally trimmed as often as once per month. Before buying this kind of dog, make sure you are ready to put in the time, money, and effort into maintaining its hair. My vet at the Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital says that it is not rare for her to see owners complaining of itching dogs because the dog's hair is not kept properly. And always remember, if you try to give your long haired dog a big hair cut, you're going to regret it. Always go to a professional for major cuts.