Mention a day at the spa and many people will immediately think of relaxation. After all, what’s better than getting your nails done? Enjoying a calming facial? Soaking your feet?
If only dogs enjoyed their grooming experience as humans often do…alas, many dogs view grooming as a stressful, unpleasant event.
You, however, can make grooming more enjoyable and easier if you keep the following tips in mind.
5 Ways To Make Grooming Your Dog Fun And Easy
#1. Start Young
Start grooming your puppy from the moment you bring him home. A puppy who is introduced to grooming – bathing, brushing, and clipping toenails – will become much more at ease with the process. The younger you start, in fact, the more natural it will become for your puppy.
Of course, if you adopt a rescue dog who is older, you can still help him become more at ease by introducing grooming and making it a pleasant experience by using the rest of these tips.
#2. Be Gentle
If you’ve ever tried to brush a knot out of your hair, you know how painful it can be. You don’t want to subject your dog to that same pain, making grooming even more of a frightening experience for him. Be gentle in all of your grooming tasks – bathing, brushing, and clipping nails – and always use a calm voice when you talk to your dog.
#3. Have A Regular Grooming Schedule
Your dog is probably already used to his routine. He likely eats, plays, walks, and goes to bed at the same times each day. Add regular grooming into your schedule.
Perhaps you groom your dog once a week. Choose the same time of the day each time. If your dog becomes stressed during grooming, consider taking him for a long walk before you settle down to groom him.
#4. Use Treats To Entice Your Dog
Everyone likes to be spoiled with treats. Your dog is no different. Give him a treat after you’ve begun grooming to make him relaxed and continue to do so a few times throughout the grooming process, while showering him with praise.
#5. Make Grooming Sessions Enjoyable
We humans may enjoy grooming and consider it, even if it’s just getting our hair washed and cut, a time to be spoiled and pampered. Dogs don’t generally feel the same way. To make grooming sessions more tolerable, and even enjoyable, for your dog, talk to him throughout the process in a calm and upbeat tone.
Grooming your dog doesn’t have to be a hassle that you and he dread. You can make it an enjoyable experience that allows the two of you to bond and to spend quality time together.
