How to Train a Dog to be Groomed

Teaching a dog to be groomed is not always an
easy prospect and grooming can be a pleasure or
a nightmare for the dog and its owner. It is
much better to start off with a young puppy so
it gets used to being groomed. Unfortunately,
older dogs from shelters that are placed in
adoptive homes are often not used to being
groomed.

Many owners employ a groomer as they cannot
control the dog.

A dog with a long or a double coat must be
groomed regularly. A matted coat can block air
from getting to the skin, causing hot spots.
Furthermore, regular grooming stimulates the
skin and keeps the dog healthier. A dog that is
not groomed is unpleasant to be around-- it
stinks or sheds off hair onto the furniture or
clothes. This is one of the reasons dogs are
banished outside the home!

Training a dog to be groomed becomes easy when
the decision is made up to do it and the right
equipment is available. Getting the equipment is
not as expensive as taking the dog to a groomer.

The average pet owner needs the following basic
equipment, which will be paid for only after two
sessions at a professional groomer:

A pair of clippers is indispensable for a dog
with a long coat - $80.00. A comb, with both
wide spaced and close spaced teeth - $7.00 An
undercoat rake - $5.00. A pin brush - $12.00. A
slicker brush - $5.00. Nail clippers - $12.00

A grooming mitten or a slicker brush will
suffice for dogs with short coats. Once the
equipment is purchased, training on how to
control the dog for grooming is necessary. Both
long and short coated dogs should be trained to
lie or sit quietly during the grooming process,
how to roll over, expose their bellies and allow
their feet and ears to be cleaned.

Put the dog into a down position and tell it to
'lie still', then simply start to brush the dog
gently. Do not yank out big mats. Brush on the
back and shoulders as these are the areas the
dog enjoys being brushed. Gradually work into
more tender places. Physically place the dog
into the positions required, but be gentle, firm
and speak to it. In touchy spots persuade the dog
with a treat to distract it when brushing. The
clippers come handy in areas where mats build up
and the skin is tender. Clip out the mats between
the hind legs and behind the ears-this works
better than yanking out mats with a comb.

Grooming sessions should be short and gradually
build up to longer sessions. Grooming several
times a week, will get the dog used to being
handled and combed. The objective is to have a
dog that will love to lie down and get a nice
grooming. Also, it is a great time to bond with
the dog so the owner must make time for it.


----------------------------------------------------
The Dog Training Source specializes in providing
training advice to dog owners. Whether you want
your dog to sit, stop barking, walk nicely on
the lead or simply just be quiet - this is the
place for you
(http://www.thedogtrainingsource.com/category/train-my-dog/)


EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=273927

>