To be a dog owner means taking on several important responsibilities. You have to remember to feed the dog.
You have to make sure it gets its multiple daily walks. You have to play with it and let your dog know that it is a good
boy or good girl. Your dog needs exercise, food, play, praise, and so much more to live a comfortable and healthy life.
You also have to get your dog groomed, and dog grooming starts when your little canine is a puppy. It
doesn’t matter how cute your puppy is – dogs get dirty, itchy, and uncomfortable. That is why it is a good idea to have your pet cleaned and groomed by the professionals even – if not especially – when your dog is a younger age and is learning what’s safe and what isn’t.
How Young is Too Young for Puppy Grooming?
Puppies need to be groomed. While many dog owners believe it is better for your dog to wait until it is
at least 6 months old, the truth is that earlier is usually better. It is recommended that your dog receive
its first grooming between 12 and 16 weeks – whenever it is done with its shots – with nail trimming as
early as 2 weeks for both puppies and kittens.
That is because grooming can be a scary experience for little dogs. But the younger they are, the easier it
is for them to habituate to the grooming process. Training your pet to love the groomer is much easier
when you start early. You should also try to find a groomer that is familiar with first-time-puppy
grooming, as there are strategies that make the process less frightening for your furbaby, including:
- Smaller Cuts
- Minor Nail Trimming
- Less Restraints
If you take your puppy to the groomer a few times after 3 to 4 months of age, it will be easier to train
them for a lifetime of more extensive grooming.
How Can I Help?
If you want to help your pet feel safe and secure at the groomer, there are strategies you can implement
yourself that will help the groomer care for your companion. These include:
- Brush Often – Gentle brushing can prep your puppy for the grooming experience.
- Play with Paws – Playing with your puppy’s paws will prepare them for the groomer’s handling.
- Socialize – The more experience your puppy has with strangers, the more relaxed they will be.
You should also minimize dramatic drop-offs. When leaving your puppy with a groomer for the first
time, try to avoid the fear and excitement of long goodbyes. Hand your puppy over to the groomer in a
calm and collected way, so that your doggy doesn’t feel empty and frightened when you leave.
