Keeping your dog healthy is of course very important and part of a regular health routine is grooming. The groomer in me could write essays on this subject but I’ll try not to overwhelm you with information and keep it nice and simple. 

Starting early.

Starting at an early age is the best way to get them used to the process of grooming gradually giving your pup plenty of time to get used to all the elements before they will need their first full groom.

Positive first experience at the groomers.

When your puppy is between 3-5 months it is unlikely they will have matts or tangles which are uncomfortable to remove so this ensures they have a positive first experience. I normally start with them exploring my groom room and have a play around before moving on to washing and drying, I turn on the clippers so they get used to the sound, get them to sniff all other tools, touch their legs and pads and if needed cut their nails. All is done very slowly with breaks so I don't overwhelm them. I finish with some playtime and some treats. Sounds fun but I promise there is some work involved in all of this!

What to do at home?

There are of course things that you can do at home that will help your puppy get used all the handling. Try practicing the below while watching TV with your pup snuggled on your lap:

• Touch his paws, between pads and nails
• Stroke his ears on the inside and outside in a gentle way
• Brush your puppy with an appropriate brush for a couple of minutes on a regular basis (include treats if it helps!)

The more your pup is used to being touched the better!

You can always contact me for advice on what to do or what tools to use for your specific breed of pup. We can have a chat on the phone or you can come into my grooming room in Raheny for a free assessment.