So many people call with questions about puppies. Now is especially the time of year that those who have been searching for the right puppy have fulfilled their wishes this holiday season. The first question many people seem to ponder is “when should I get my puppy groomed”? Here is the answer that I give them all, “the sooner the better”. As long as your puppy is up to date on shots and is old enough to bring home, you can start the grooming process.
Many people worry about their puppy being frightened and don’t realize that if they start them very early, they adapt to the grooming process much more easily than if they wait. A puppy that is 6 months or more tends to be more frightened, although not in all cases, and simply requires more time to get adjusted to the different noises and the process of being groomed.
Why make your puppy have a harder time, you can help out at home. That’s right! Don’t just let it be your groomer’s job, it is a routine you should have at home as well. Be sure to get your puppy used to grooming by playing with feet and toes and looking in ears. Wipe the eyes to make sure your puppy doesn’t get build up around them that can stick fast to the skin and cause irritation. Don’t be afraid to buy some ear cleaner at the pet store (you can ask your vet or groomer for a recommendation). Your doggie should have his/her ears cleaned regularly to keep extra debris and prevent ear infections.
And most importantly, brush you doggie on a regular basis. Remember, to have an easy time with brushing and other regular maintenance, you shouldn’t be silly and play games while you are doing these routines. Behave as if there is nothing special about it and do as little talking to your doggie as possible. Once the routine is over that is when you make a big fuss over how well your puppy did.
If you have any other questions, remember you can always ask!