Training Your Puppy For Grooming
When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to introduce regular grooming into their routine as soon as possible. Grooming should be as important as any other obedience training you will provide, like potty training, how to walk on a leash properly, and answering your command of “come” when given. Puppies under 12 weeks are more resilient and tolerant of new situations since they’re still learning about the world around them.
Bonding Time
Besides cuddles and kisses, a great way to bond with your new furry friend is through grooming, specifically brushing their coat. After feeling this new sensation a few times, your puppy may experience joy and love for it. Not only does brushing provide some focused one-on-one time, but it also builds trust in your relationship. Building trust as the owner is essential for your dog and your future together. Once a dog trusts you, training becomes more manageable, and they’re more likely to trust other humans as well.
The Benefits
Grooming has many benefits. Along with having a nice coat, your pup can be checked for ticks, fleas, ear infections, and mouth care, ensuring your soon-to-be adult dog is comfortable being handled all over. This will also help if they are ever injured when visiting the vet for regular check-ups and their regular bathing appointments with The Pooch Mobile.
Coat Care
The length of time needed to brush your dog depends on the coat. A little time spent multiple times a week will help a long-coated dog to stay comfortable for an extended period of time, while a short-coated breed will learn to not only be comfortable but enjoy the extra love. The Pooch Mobile recommends and uses slicker brushes for medium to long coats and rubber brushes for shorter coats.
When and Where
Grooming should be done when you have the time to relax, sit and be patient with your puppy. An excellent time for at-home grooming is in the evening after your puppy is over the initial excitement of seeing you, has had some play time, is fed, and is content. Grooming should be a positive experience for both of you.
It is a good idea to designate a specific place where your dog is to be brushed; this way, they will know it’s grooming time and are expected to behave in a specific manner. A helpful tip; keep your grooming sessions short and frequent to begin. If your puppy tries to bite and growl at the brush, although this can be cute at the time, now is not playtime. These moments should not be treated as a game. A firm "no" should be used to discourage playful and/or naughty behavior. Remember to reward your puppy for correct behavior.
The first few weeks of having a puppy at home will be an adjustment period for both of you. Remember, they are in a new foreign place and don’t know what to expect. This is the time to make them feel safe, shower them with love, introduce grooming and care into their lives, and, most importantly, have fun!