10 Steps to Good Puppy Grooming.

A puppy is a delightful creature; it greets the world and those in it happily, mischievously and with zest. Owners enjoy these wonderful qualities and usually miss them once the pup grows up. But did you ever wonder what happens when you mix a puppy’s happy-go-lucky attitude

with the serious business of grooming?

Unfortunately the results can be frustrating for owners and no fun for the puppy. It doesn’t need to be that way, though. Here are 10 tips to help owners lighten up about grooming and help puppies get serious.

Tip #1: You know the puppy has a sense of humor, but do you? This is important, considering that trying to groom a wiggly puppy that would rather be racing around the yard will certainly test your humor level. Expect the youngster to wiggle, squirm, bite the brush, bark or lick your face. Your job, over the next year, will be to show the puppy that such silly behaviors are unacceptable during grooming. Keep that in mind, and don’t lose your sense of humor.

Tip #2: Just as important as a sense of humor is patience, and you will need plenty of it as you teach grooming manners. Show the youngster what you expect, praise it when it responds correctly, and correct it when it doesn’t. You may need to do this over and over--that’s why patience is so important. Don’t ever lose your temper, no matter what. And, keep in mind that if the puppy isn’t getting the right message, it could be because you aren’t communicating properly.

Tip #3: Another extreme found in puppy grooming is allowing the little fellow to get away with “murder.” Puppies are smart, and they figure out boundaries quickly. Do not allow the puppy to bite, do your best to keep it still, and don’t be swayed by whining. No matter how funny or cute the misbehavior is, it must be corrected. Bad habits only get worse, and it won’t seem cute when the puppy is an adult dog.

Tip #4: Keep grooming sessions short, 15 minutes or so, just like the pup’s attention span. This gives the youngster an opportunity to succeed and remember the session positively. The longer the grooming session, the more likely the pup will get bored or misbehave. Obviously, you cannot do the entire job in 15 minutes, so divide the tasks. For example, clean the ears and eyes one-day, and clip the nails and brush the coat the next.

Tip #5: Do your best to make grooming a positive experience. Praise the pup when it sits still, even for tree minutes. Or reward it with a special treat following the grooming session. Your attitude can make a big difference, too. If you’re feeling tired and cranky, it’s probably not a good time to groom; the pup will sense your sour attitude.

Tip #6:Designate a specific grooming location. If possible, purchase a grooming table, and set it up in the garage. A kitchen counter or washer or dryer top with a non-slip mat will also work. Groom at the designated spot each time. This helps the pup associate the location with grooming, and it will remember what is expected in the future.

Tip #7: Be prepared for each grooming session. Have the table set up, grooming tools handy and a plan in mind before placing the pup on the table. A sense of order will help you accomplish the tasks at hand, and it helps the pup settle down.

Tip #8: Begin grooming the puppy right away. The earlier you begin teaching grooming manners, the easier it will be for both you and the pup. Even if the pup is a mere 10 weeks, brush it, wipe out the ears with a dry cotton ball and trim the nails if necessary (it probably won’t be, but it’s a good idea to get the pup accustomed to having its feet touched).

Can you bathe a young pup? Yes, though it is usually not necessary. But it is essential if the youngster has a bad case of fleas. Check with your vet before doing so, and use only shampoos or flea products designed for puppies. Take care not to let the pup get chilled, either. Bathe it in warm water, towel dry, then dry with a blow dryer immediately until the pup is completely dry.

Tip #9: Do not allow biting, even if done playfully. Puppies will usually try to bite as you brush the coat or clip the nails. If you stop brushing or clipping when it nips, even playfully, a bad habit could be in the making. Correct the pup with a firm “no” when it nips, and continue what you are doing.

Tip #10: Keep the pup’s safety in mind. Never leave a puppy (or adult dog) unattended on a grooming table or in the tub. Keep one hand on the pup at all time. This helps comfort the youngster and keep it safely on the table. Be gentle: Brush softly, handle the pup carefully and speak soothingly. Remember that brushing too hard will irritate the pup’s skin. And if the pup resists and pulls when you pick up its feet for trimming or touching, be careful. The pup could damage its joints from pulling. Take hold of the elbow on the front legs and the stifle on the back legs to prevent this. Better yet, pick up the pup and hold it in your arms, then handle the feet.