806-356-0579 * Call
charlotte@needusbarkus.com * Email
                 or, stop by
3269 Commerce Amarillo, Tx 79109 
 
Need Us Bark Us 
  
Dog Grooming 101
Need Us Bark Us Dog Salon and Spa 
 Puppy Practice 

Dog's aren’t born knowing how to behave for grooming. It is a learned behavior that we need to teach them. We want to help your puppy learn the grooming process in a gentle and caring way. Because grooming is a lifelong process, we want to make visiting the groomer a happy and positive experience. It is important to introduce puppies to grooming very early, while they are still young and amenable. At Need Us Bark Us, we want puppies in for their first grooming visit as soon as possible after their third round of shots. As soon as your vet schedules the appointment for their third round of shots, it is a good idea to call us and schedule their first grooming appointment. A puppy’s initial experience at the grooming salon can set the stage for how they respond to being groomed for the rest of their life. It is imperative to build the relationship of trust between dog and groomer not only for your puppy’s well being, but, for their safety as well. At Need Us Bark Us, a new puppy’s first visit is basically an introduction to the sights, sounds, smells and, sensations of the grooming salon and process, If not introduced properly, these things can be a traumatic experience that your puppy will associate negatively with grooming for the rest of their life. The first step of Puppy Practice introduces your puppy to the tub & bath, brushing & combing, nail clipping, being on a grooming table, an, the hustle/bustle of the grooming salon. When your puppy seems comfortable and reacts well to the first step of Puppy Practice, the second step is the hair cut! Keep in mind that their haircut goes as far as your puppy is comfortable with. Therefore, It may take a few visits to get a complete haircut.

Need Us Bark Us Dog Salon amd Spa
 Practicing at home

There are some things you can do beginning very early on to help your puppy to practice becoming familiar with the grooming process and equipment:
Brushing/Combing their coat
Picking up, touching and gently squeezing their paws & toes, including between the toes
Being kenneled in a/crate
Firmly, but, gently holding their chin - (the groomer will do this to hold their head still while trimming the face & head.)
If you have a beard trimmer, or, electric toothbrush (remove the brush head) turn it on, show it to them, and, slowly work up to your puppy letting you touch them with it until you can do so without them being afraid of it.

The Big Day

Take your dog out to use the restroom before it goes in to the grooming salon
Bring your dog in on a leash or carry it in and don’t let it run loose in the lobby
Be relaxed and calm. If you are nervous, your dog will pick up on your energy and will be nervous, too.
Make your goodbye short & sweet, don’t draw it out. A confident pat on the head & “see you soon” will suffice. Your dog will sense that something is wrong if you look or act hesitant. When you pick him up, reward him with plenty of praise and treats for a job well done so your puppy will associate a trip to the groomer as a happy, positive experience. Happy grooming!

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