Taking Care Of My Animals

Posted on: 10 December 2018

For some dogs, an appointment for primping at the groomer's is a dream come true. For others, it's a difficult time that makes them anxious and uncomfortable. While you can't force your pet to adore the groomer, there are several things you can do to make your puppy's first trip as enjoyable and calming as possible.

1. Start the grooming process at home.

The most important thing you can do to make your puppy's first and future grooming visits go well is to familiarize him with common grooming practices as early as possible. Begin brushing your puppy regularly within the first week of bringing him home. Talk in a soothing voice and move slowly to make the process into a pleasant bonding experience. Most puppies don't like their paws touched at first and will try to wriggle away. Since nail clipping is an important part of any visit to a groomer, start handling his paws early so he sees a gentle paw massage is nothing to be afraid of. Training your dog to hold still when his paws are touched can prevent a painful clip into the quick of the nail, which leads to bleeding. Handling your puppy's ears as early as possible will also help, since this is another body part many dogs aren't fond of having touched. Don't forget to reward your pup with plenty of praise and an extra cuddle or treat every time you groom.

2. Schedule the first visit early.

Even though you might not think your new puppy really needs to be groomed until they're 6 months old or older, making the first appointment as soon as possible will make it much easier to train your pet as time goes on. If possible, get your furry friend to the groomer by the time he's 4 months old. Just like visits to the veterinarian, making grooming a part of your puppy's life from the start helps ensure he'll be able to remain calm and behaved during future sessions.

3. Introduce your puppy before his first visit.

If possible, schedule a short visit to the groomer before your puppy's first official appointment. Everything is brand new in a puppy's world, and allowing your puppy to visit the location ahead of time can help ease the transition by letting him take in the sights, sounds, and smells. A calm introduction to your groomer with plenty of petting and cuddles before any actual grooming takes place can help your puppy see the groomer as a safe, gentle person so he'll be less likely to act out or get anxious during his first appointment.

4. Make the process calm and fun.

Don't scold your puppy if he's reluctant to get into a carrier or the car on the way to the groomer. This will only add negative reinforcement that's unlikely to make the process better. When you arrive, give your puppy a reassuring pet and speak in a cheerful voice rather than making it into a lengthy, sad goodbye. If you're calm and happy, it's more likely your pet will feel the same.

If you have any questions about what you can do to better prepare your puppy for his first spa day, contact a groomer like Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic for more helpful hints.