Most pet owners know that the way a dog is treated can have a serious impact on the animal’s behavior, and dog grooming is no exception. A regular grooming schedule not only keeps your pet healthy, it can also improve the dog’s temperament. Working to ensure that your dog has positive grooming experiences will help him or her be comfortable in many social situations, and it can also deepen the bond between you and your pet.
The care provided to a dog through grooming provides the basic foundation training that your dog needs to become comfortable with being touched. If your pooch is uncomfortable having her paws or ears handled, a regular routine will teach her that she doesn’t have to be afraid of dog grooming supplies. Long-haired breeds can quickly develop painful mats and tangles in their fur if it isn’t brushed regularly, and this can lead to a dog that shies away from being touched because the dog has learned that petting can hurt.
Regular dog grooming can also help you learn to communicate better with your pet. As you learn to respond to Fido’s needs, he also learns acceptable ways of letting you know when he is uncomfortable or in pain. As your dog becomes accustomed to a scheduled routine and around grooming tools you may find that he behaves more calmly in other social situations as well – such as when children approach and want to play with the puppy’s ears or tail. If your dog has already learned to be comfortable having her ears handled or being around dog grooming clippers, she can take this in stride and stay calm through the attention.
Eventually, you may find that your pet dozes off during your dog grooming sessions. This provides excellent behavioral conditioning for your pet as well. Some dogs have been known to wake abruptly, and even snap or growl, when they are touched while sleeping. Continuing the dog grooming session while your pet dozes helps the dog learn that being awakened by a touch is nothing to be afraid of.
If you have never groomed a dog before, it is best to find a professional groomer that your dog likes. The groomer can teach you how to care for your dog, and can give you tips and advice on the tools you will need to do the job at home. Some breeds need to be groomed more than others, and some breeds may actually suffer if they are groomed too often. Your groomer and your veterinarian can both provide you with information on your specific dog’s needs, and help make the dog grooming experience enjoyable for both you and your pet. They can also recommend the proper dog grooming supplies and tools required to get the job done the right way.
The best part about setting a regular grooming routine for your dog is that it makes having a dog more enjoyable. Clean, well-groomed dogs are a pleasure to snuggle and cuddle up with, and the extra attention goes a long way toward establishing a life-long bond between you and your pet. While dog grooming may be challenging at times, and you may lose your patience sometimes – stick with it. The benefits of dog grooming are well worth the effort!