How to groom your dog

You may think it is a bit strange having a page dedicated to how to bath and dry your dog, but hopefully this page will be packed of tips and tricks to make your grooming sessions with your dog more fun and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
 
How to groom your dog
 
First get all the equipment you will need together and choose a time when your dog is calm.
 
Never try to groom your dog on the floor as he will see this as a game, also never give your dog one brush to chew whilst you use another as this encourages the dog to bite the brush YOU are using.
 
Place your dog on a work service or kitchen table covered in a towel, this separates the grooming from any other aspect of the dogs routine. Never leave him unattended whilst he is up high.
 
Starting with the slicker begin on the dogs tail and back legs and work forward, use the slicker to remove all knots but be careful not to apply too much pressure as this can irritate the skin.
 
TIP - THE SLICKER IS CURVED SO USE A CURVING MOTION WHEN YOU BRUSH, ALSO TEST THE PRESSURE ON YOUR OWN ARM, IF IT HURTS YOU IT WILL HURT YOUR DOG
 
Repeat using both the fat and the narrow end of the comb until all knots and tats are removed
 
TIP - DON'T FORGET UNDER THE FRONT LEGS, TOP OF THE HEAD, BEHIND THE EARS AND THE FACE
 
Use the flea comb to gently remove any dirt from the corner of the eyes and gently wipe clean with a damp cotton wool ball if necessary.
 
If you have a large matt try not to cut it out but gently teases it with either the slicker or comb, if all else fails leave it until he comes to be groomed
 
How to bath your dog
 
If you bath your own dog then first make sure he is absolutely knot free as any knots will become tighter and harder to remove when made wet.
 
Choose a good quality dog shampoo and get some clean old towels ready.
 
TIP - MOST SHAMPOOS BENIFIT FROM BEING SLIGHTLY DILUTED SO POUR SOME IN A MEASURING JUG AND TOP UP WITH WATER, MIX THOROUGHLY AND GET READY TO GET WET!
 
Use warm water and wet the dog from TAIL to HEAD, apply the shampoo from HEAD to TAIL and then rinse thoroughly from HEAD to TAIL - Do not squirt any water directly into the dogs ears and be careful not to get it up his nose.
 
Gently ring any water from long fur and get ready with the towels for when he shakes. Towel dry the dog thoroughly, don't forget in his ears, between his toes and the groin area.
 
If you are going to blow dry him again place him on the table and dry on a low gentle heat in the direction of the fur and comb throughout.
 
Dog Diary
 
  •  Daily - Check that the eyes are clean and clean any dirt with a flea comb and damp cotton wool.
  • Weekly - Brush and comb dog. Check paws and nails for any foreign bodies. Check ears for any sign of discharge.
  • Monthly - Check skin  for any sign of fleas. check the whole body for lumps or warts. Check nails including dew claws.

Remember a matted and dirty dog is the perfect breeding place for parasites such as fleas and mites!