Your Dog’s First Groomer: 5 Things You Need to Know
Dog grooming is a part of the love you give as this dependent creature’s parent and friend for life. Above keeping your dog clean and making her look good, grooming is about helping her be healthy. Know then that good grooming is not merely a matter of skills; brushing, haircuts, and baths. If you’re going to have a great groomer your dog will visit regularly, here are 5 things you need to know.
Start Your Dog Out Slowly
Grooming for the first time can be stressful and scary, especially for a puppy. Your groomer’s goal should be to familiarize your dog to this alien place with its new people, objects, noises. It is important she warms up to this new person and routine, as she will be visiting 5 times a year on the average. She should look forward to going to the grooomer’s.
A good groomer will not overwhelm her. The groomer should focus on light basic services such as a bath, a light brush out, a light nail trim, some ear cleaning, and a light fur trim – nothing intense or lengthy for the first two to three sessions. This should eventually build up to more elaborate services.
As her parent, take her on preliminary visits to the groomer, on days before her first session so she experiences the new smells, sounds and surroundings.
Calming products such as pheromone sprays and herbal treats can also help. Ask for your vet’s approval first, before using these.
Do your own at-home grooming sessions with her to prepare her to be handled by her new groomer. Clean her ears, brush her teeth and handle her in ways she’s not used to, tickling her paws, ears and between her toes.
Make Grooming Enjoyable for Your Puppy
Your dog’s new groomer should make grooming something enjoyable and nothing to fear. The goal is to make her comfortable above cleaning her or giving her a trim. Thus, the first few sessions should be not only short but sweet as well. Thus expect a good groomer to build rapport above all, speaking to your puppy or dog in a soothing voice and showing her affection by cuddling and playing with her. Restraints will never be tight during these sessions.
As an owner, you can do your part by rewarding your dog with treats. When she enters the lobby of the groomer’s, give her an extra special treat. Chicken, perhaps? At home, introduce her to tools such as brushes, nail clippers, and hair driers. Reward her when she doesn’t freak out.
Observe for Cleanliness
Grooming is healthy, thus a clean and orderly grooming area of utmost importance. Observe for overall cleanliness, whether in a salon or in mobile grooming van. Are there fleas? Where does the groomer leave other animals waiting to be groomed? Where are they kept after? Are they relaxed? How is the condition of the tools? They should at least be well maintained. Does the place smell nice?
Ask Discreetly about Certification and Training
Certification and training is not a must. However in the absence of a reference, these two are easy gauges to help select a good groomer. A certification will guarantee that a groomer has gone through tests for techniques and safety practices. Training through In-house training, internships, and grooming schools work in a similar way. They guarantee knowledge of grooming standards and trends. For instance, training includes knowing what hair cut looks best on a particular breed.
Answer Your Groomer’s Questions
Asking questions about your dog’s health is a sign of a good groomer. Since they will be handling your dog, her new groomer should know about any medical issues, such as arthritis, seizures, skin issues, moles, and infections. A good groomer should also know about behavioural issues. Does your dog freak out at the sight of other dogs?
More than experience and expertise, you’ll want your dog to love her new groomer. These 5 tips will help you find one she will want to visit regularly throughout her life.