Puppies get messy. It’s just that simple. Puppies need to be bathed, brushed and clipped due to how fast their fur grows and what kind of misadventures they get into. Getting your puppy used to bathing and pet grooming now will save you tons of time and energy throughout your dog’s life. Here are some tips on how to gently get your puppy used to being groomed.
A Tired Puppy Is A Good Puppy
Puppies have practically no attention span. It’s best to go a dog grooming training session when he’s tuckered out after a romp or a walk. Never try a training session first thing after she wakes up or right around mealtime, when the puppy is going to be highly excited. Puppies are more likely to pay attention to you when they are tired and not distracted by others.
Get a Place Where Puppy Will Not Slip
Puppies will develop a fear of grooming tables, bathtubs or shower stalls for the rest of their lives if they suffer scary first experiences being bathed or groomed. Make sure the bathing, grooming or nail-clipping sessions are done on a sturdy, non-slip surface. Get a non-skid mat for the tub or shower stall if that is where you are going to bathe your puppy. Beds or carpeted floors are also good places for grooming and nail-clipping training sessions.
Get A Chewy Treat or Toy Just For Grooming Sessions
Introduce a new long-lasting treat or toy that is only brought out for grooming and nail-clipping sessions. This way the puppy associates grooming and nail-clipping with good things. Keep first sessions very short. Brush only for a minute or less at first. Getting to clip one nail is good enough for a first session and gradually build up to one paw. Give the toy or treat to the puppy to distract him from what you are doing. Many dogs and puppies instinctively do not like their paws being touched. Do not yell or hit your puppy. This will only cause the puppy to be frightened and puppies may bite when frightened.
First Bath A Dry Bath
A first “bath” should just be placing the puppy where you want her to be when you bathe her. Keep this place dry for the very first time so the puppy is not scared. Give puppy praise and a treat for being calm, then take out.
