Many pet owners would appreciate the opportunity to groom their own dog, but they may feel unable to handle the situation properly. This could be due to the fact that they never tried it before but with a little bit of knowledge and some practice, you can quickly groom your dog like a pro. As a matter of fact, once you learn how to groom a dog the right way, you may never need to seek professional help again.
The first step in the process is to be completely prepared for the grooming. This is something that many pet owners tend to gloss over, but it is extremely important to have everything within reach. After all, if you have to turn your back on a dog while they are soaking wet, you’re likely to end up with an unwelcome surprise. Be sure that you have everything, from extra towels to a brush and the shampoo right by your side.
Begin by brushing the coat carefully and gently. This is going to work for a number of benefits, including removing a lot of the loose hair so that it doesn’t end up clogging the drain. In many cases, it will also put the dog in the right frame of mind so that they are calm and ready for the rest of the process.
Bathing the dog is a process in and of itself, and it is one that many pet owners tend to avoid. The fact of the matter is, however, a good bathing is the most grooming that a lot of dogs need, so understanding how to do it properly will help you to get through this part of the process in a snap.
Begin by using lukewarm water and filling the tub with a few inches of it. You should ensure that the dog has a slip free area on which to stand. Bathe them carefully, pouring the water over them with a small bucket or using a handheld shower wand. Be careful not to get the shampoo into their eyes or ears. After you shampoo the dog thoroughly, begin to rinse the dog and continue rinsing them until you are absolutely certain that all of the shampoo is gone. Any shampoo left on the skin could cause irritation to the dog.
After bathing the dog, throw a towel over their back immediately to keep them from shaking. Even if they do shake, the water will go inside of the towel, rather than all over the grooming area. You should then gently towel-dry them, continuing to change the towels as much as needed.
Finally, your dog should be dried thoroughly before they are allowed into the rest of the home. A hairdryer will likely dry out the skin and the noise may frighten them, so using a small box fan and a heater will do a better job. Just be sure that the dog is not getting a cold draft and give it plenty of time for the drying to take place. You will then have a clean dog, ready to get dirty again
