Lhasa Apso Grooming » Pet Grooming

Pet Grooming Made Easy

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:18:05 +0000

One of the most asked questions that I get before someone buys a puppy is does the breed require much grooming. Some potential owners don’t mind and the others do. This article is for the latter and how you can make pet grooming easier. In order to groom your dog you have to get you dog use to water. There are several steps that you need to take in order to accomplish the task.
Dogs do not like to take baths. Lets face it you are going to groom your pet properly you are going to have to give him the dreaded bath. One of the ways you can start getting your dogs to like water is to introduce your dog to it. If you have a swimming pool take your dog out there with you. Depending on the size of your dog you can sit the dog on your lap as you float around. You can also have a friend stand at one side of the pool and you at the other and put your dog in there. Both of you can encourage the dog to come to the other. Take the dog to the lake for the day and get you dog in the water. If you do this often you will find it easier to get your dog in the bathtub. In fact some dogs do like to take baths. One word of caution is don’t just throw the dog into the water as that may scare him badly and then you’ll have to start from square one.
In the bathtub your dog should feel relaxed. If he isn’t quite use to the water yet you can say soothing words to help him. The sound of your voice can reduce tension in your dog. You dog loves you and loves to hear your voice of calm gentle words.
Make the bath as comfortable as possible. If you’re scratching, scraping and pulling his hair out he will be on the edge. When you were a kid did you like it when your mom washed your own head? Enough said. Keep the water out of his eyes if you can and their nose away from the faucet. They will feel like they are drowning. Another relaxer for your dog is to take your time. Give your dog a message. Talk to them while you are doing it. Nothing like have fingers rubbed all over your back and it’s real easy with the soap on your dog.
Grooming does take patience. You can incorporate the kids help as they love to do it when they are little. Consistency is the key. It may take up to six months to get your dog use to the water. It doesn’t have to be a chore when you get the whole family involved. If after trying these suggestions and you dog does not respond well, you may need to go to a professional.

Basis Pet Grooming For Dogs 101

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:36:59 +0000

Ready to take on the pet grooming for your pooch? Most dog grooming can be done by owners if they know what they are doing and have the correct supplies on hand.
You should always have everything you need at hand before you get ready to do any grooming. This will prevent you from having to stop the process and hunt down the clippers, shampoo or brush. Many dogs get a little nervous during any grooming process and when you are completely organized and ready to groom it will serve both of you well and eliminate some of the nervousness on the part of the dog and the owner.
A non-slip mat will help with the grooming process and the dog should be positioned at a height that makes it possible for the groomer to reach everything without having to bend over. Place your hand under her belly and the thumb of your other hand under her collar.
Begin pet grooming by cleaning your dog’s face. Look in her ears, eyes and at her teeth about once a week. Always praise your dog for sitting quietly and give her little pats of reassurance. You can use a cotton ball and water to clean around your dog’s eyes. Another cotton ball can be used to clean the inside flap of her ear. Do not reach too far into the ear itself. Use a clean cotton ball for each part of the grooming process.
The next step in pet grooming is the teeth. This is a part of dog grooming that can be uncomfortable for both of you at first. Once you go through the routine a few times you will both be at ease and the process will go smoothly. You can use a specially made toothbrush and a toothpaste or gel that is made for dogs. Diluted salt water is also effective. This should be done once a week and a vet should check your dog’s teeth at least once a year.
When it is time to bathe your dog you can use the tub or buy a bath tub designed for dogs. Purchase a good shampoo and be sure to rinse really well to avoid skin irritations. A non-slip mat will help your dog stay in place and after towel drying you may want to use a hair dryer set on a low speed to hasten the drying process. Some dogs become agitated with the noise of the hair dryer so this is a step you may decide to omit.
There are dogs who thoroughly enjoy being brushed and others who are totally against the idea. The best thing you can do is to begin this part of pet grooming as soon as you bring the puppy home. When approached in this manner your dog will get used to being brushed and will learn that it is just a part of his normal daily or weekly routine.
Dog grooming is not difficult and can be one more way to bond with your pet and form a healthy relationship.

Does Your Dog Feel Better After Being Groomed?

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:48:41 +0000

When you have been in the “wild” for a number of days without a bath or a shave, how do you feel? Pretty raunchy, right? You’re totally ready to wash all that gunk off of you and start to resemble a normal human being again. Well, the same is true for your dog, up to a certain point.
Yes, it’s true that dogs don’t have a system of logic going on in their brains that tells them that they smell bad. Neither do you. Yours is a learned behavior. Early man stunk, folks. He was ripe all the time and everyone just accepted this. It was a part of the daily routine. Just like your dog. Man is the only species that does not react simply out of instinct or habit alone. He can reason. That’s what makes us the highest species. Believe it or not, dogs can reason too, especially after a grooming.
Tony Roettger, of Spaniel Journal, says that if a thing can be trained, such as a dog, it can reason. Maybe the reasoning is on a lower level than humans but it can reason and the more it is forced to reason, the better it gets and the more frequently it uses reasoning to make decisions, the more evident it becomes. Reasoning is a form of conditioning, is it not and vice versa. Conditioning is a form of reasoning.
With that said, let us do some reasoning of our own. When a person takes their dog to the groomer’s shop and the dog is given the full treatment, including bath,haircut, nails trimmed appropriately, nails polished, ribbons in the hair (in some cases) and a doggie perfume or cologne placed on them, they probably hate the entire affair because they don’t have the capability to reason the reason for what they’re going through; however, what is your reaction when you pick them up from the groomers? You’re usually very excited, you talk to the dog and tell them how good they look, your voice conveys approval and happiness. So, what do you think the dog may be reasoning here?
Our guess is that the animal, after being groomed and receiving your obvious gratuities and love begins to understand that this grooming process, which he hates, brings accolades and love from his owner so how bad can it really be? He knows that he’s not going to be harmed so he begins to associate the grooming process with your love and attention. Hey, even men do this type of reasoning, right?
So, the question is not so much, “do they know they’re being groomed,” but rather, “do they associate the grooming with good feelings and do they feel good about themselves once they are groomed?”
The truth is, your dog may not actually “like” the grooming process but they accept it. They probably associate your attention with the process although they don’t have any idea why you’re happy. They just know you are and if you’re happy, that’s ok with them because they love you, unconditionally.
So, don’t hesitate to get your dog groomed frequently from a reputable and highly touted groomer. They make you feel good about your dog and the dog can feel that because…he reasons it out. And you want him to feel good because you love him, right?

Dog Grooming Tips

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:09:04 +0000

Many people overlook the importance of grooming their dog to their overall health and well-being. Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and should be done on a regular basis for the best results. Some of the benefits your pet will reap are increased skin oils resulting in a beautiful, healthy coat, a decrease in skin problems, less shedding around the house and car, and a more obedient pet, just to name a few.
You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you. A knowledgeable professional pet groomer will be able to give you advice on not just how to groom your dog, but on how to care for your dog as well. You will be pleased to find out that qualified, experienced pet groomers offer seminars for advice and trimming demonstrations for your dog.
It is a good idea to start using environmentally safe and animal friendly (non-toxic) substitutes when grooming your dog. You must groom your dog’s whole body including the legs, tail, and underbody if you want to do it right. You must groom certain dogs from the skin outward to truly be effective in taking care of their coat of hair and keeping it healthy. Comb through the unseen healthy hair and remove the shedding hair; this is what most groomers do first before cutting your pet’s coat. You must groom some animals all at once, while some other animals have so much hair that it is easier to do a little at a time each day.
You know your dog is well-mannered when it will sit still and allow you or a professional to perform regular grooming and maintenance without any fuss. The more often you groom your dog, the better he will be at receiving your attentions and responding to your commands. This will also strengthen the bond between you.
Last but not least, you might want to rethink your choice to get a dog if you are not ready to handle all the responsibility of grooming and feeding one. If you don’t have the time or the desire to do it yourself, than its time to call the professionals. Yours dog will love you for it, and you’ll feel great about it too.

Free Dog Grooming Tips: The Basics

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:13:34 +0000

The best time to begin proper grooming habits is as soon as you bring your puppy of adult dog home. The earlier you begin, the better adjusted to grooming your dog will be. If a puppy is young, baths might not be necessary; however, there are other things you can do to begin conditioning your dog to future grooming. Dogs who are never handled or groomed at home will fight the process until they get used to it. To get your dog adjusted try handling him regularly. Rub his ears, move his gums to examine his teeth, move his legs, hold his paws and engage in other activities that mimic a visit to the Vet or the groomer. The more you handle your dog in this way the better off he will be when the time for grooming has arrived. Grooming basics include brushing, baths and teeth brushing. Try establishing a regular routine so you can stay on top of your regimen. Brushing your dogs coat is the most basic grooming step and its requirements vary widely depending on your dog. Some short haired dogs require no brushing while certain long haired toy breeds require almost daily brushing. If you dog’s coat is really short you can try a brush made entirely of soft rubber. This will provide follicle stimulation and remove excess hair, but will not hurt the skin. If your dog has a longer coat, consider a bristled brush or a slicker brush with curved metal teeth. This will ensure that the hair is detangled, as shorter rubber bristles will not comb through this type of coat. When you are ready for bath time, try using a removable shower head to wet your pet. Your dog will be much more comfortable if you sit beside him on the edge of the tub and keep the water stream close to his body and away from his face. When shampooing your pooch, consider turning the water off. The lack of water combined with the gentle massage of the shampoo through the coat should relax your dog. Rubber mats placed inside the tub might also alleviate stress in that they provide a more stable footing for your dog than the slippery bottom of the tub. When rinsing the face make sure to avoid getting water in the ears. Water can accidentally enter the ear canal and cause an unpleasant reaction from your dog. If this concerns you, try placing a cotton ball in each ear before bath time. When the bath is finished reward your dog with a treat or a walk around the block to dry off. The more pleasant the bath experience, the less your dog will fight them in the future. The most difficult grooming basic for some owners is teeth brushing, but it is a necessity to avoid dental problems. At home teeth brushings are also much less expensive than professional cleanings or dental treatments resulting from infection. Other grooming requirements include fur trims or shaves, ear cleanings an nail trimmings. These are often best left to professionals unless you have built a grooming rapport with your dog and he is comfortable with you doing so. In the long run, grooming makes your dog look and feel his best while providing an opportunity for the two of you to bond and strengthen your relationship.

Essential Dog Grooming Tips For The Good Health Of Your Pet

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:17:21 +0000

While acquiring a pet dog is easy, taking proper care of them requires some effort. Feeding and exercising the dog are aspects that most dog owners take good care of. However, one aspect that is no less crucial to the appearance and health of a dog is its grooming. Grooming keeps a dog fresh and in a happy mood.
There are some essential dog grooming tips and procedures that you must keep in mind if you own a dog.
Bathing your dog – we all know the importance of bathing dogs. Since it is important to bathe your dog quite frequently, the first essential dog grooming tip suggests making the experience an enjoyable one. Whereas some dogs have fun while bathing, most abhor water. So, you need to take adequate precautions to ensure that your dog does not hurt himself in an attempt to get away from the bath or while being fidgety in the bath. Keep an old towel on the floor of the bathtub to ensure that he does not slip and hurt himself if he has a tendency to get agitated in the bath.
Brushing your dog : A very essential dog grooming tip is to brush the coat of your dog on a daily basis. Do not be under the impression that your dog does not need to be brushed if he has short hair. Brushing the coat not only keeps it shiny and clean by removing dirt and other foreign matter but also helps prevents ticks and infections. However, ensure that you use a good quality dog grooming brush for the purpose.
Clipping the nails : While the nails of dogs are naturally filed to a certain extent when they walk on the road or pavement, even then it is an essential dog grooming tip to keep a watch on their nails. Clipping the nails of your dog once every month is sufficient to keep it in good condition. Use good quality pet nail clippers and trim the nails taking care not to cut back too far or you could end up causing injury, which is a potent source of infection. If you are not certain of the extent to which you should cut the nail, stick to cutting it at the point the nail begins to curl and you cannot go wrong. If you are not comfortable doing this, take the help of a professional instead of making a botched up effort.
Caring for the teeth : Dental health is very important in case of dogs too. While you may be providing regular dental care to your pet during the visits to the vet, it is also advisable to carry out this procedure on a smaller scale at home too. You can use either pet toothbrush or an old one that you may have discarded. An essential pet grooming tip in his respect is to use special pet toothpaste as dogs do not like the taste of the regular toothpastes and may try to avoid having their teeth brushed.
Pampering your dog with clothes : Many dogs like to preen in their doggie clothes so, treat them to cute sweaters or hats. However, an essential dog grooming tip in this respect is to do up your dog in clothing and accessories only if he enjoys it. If you force it upon him they may bite them off or become annoyed and snappy.
Remember that dog grooming is an essential part of your pets life. Though he may not like every grooming procedure, you must strive to make it as enjoyable as possible for him. Also know where to draw the line when it comes to dog grooming. In your zeal to groom your dog do not ignore his discomfort. There are professional dog grooming services available that could be of immense value in case you find grooming your dog on your own a troublesome task.

Dog Grooming: to Groom Or Not to Groom?

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:07:58 +0000

For some of you dog owners, this article will simply be common sense. For other owners, however, this information might just be a real eye-opener. If you really want your dog to be as healthy as possible, than take a few minutes to make sure you’re really doing all you can to ensure your dog’s good health by reading this article.
Of course, proper nutrition is essential to your dog’s health. Making sure your dog has the necessary vaccinations, heart worm tests and preventatives and fecal tests done annually is also imperative for your dog’s very survival. But what about grooming your dog? Isn’t that just something that people who show their dogs or people with long-haired dogs need to be concerned about? Absolutely not! Dog grooming is something that every conscientious dog owner should concerned with.
So what’s the big deal about dog grooming? Let’s take a look and see. First, the obvious: it makes your dog look good and healthy. But it also makes him feel good too. Brushing your dog makes the skin and hair coat healthy by bringing up the natural oils in the skin that nourish and protect your dog’s coat.
Grooming your dog serves other important purposes as well. It keeps the shedding problem down, which is a big concern for the indoor dog. Grooming on a regular basis (which means more than a couple of times a month) will also keep snarls and tangles out of your dog’s coat, which is a big problem on the legs and tails of dog breeds like Golden Retrievers (like mine), spaniels, Pomeranians and scads more.
Regular brushing also gives you a chance to closely examine your dog’s skin for possible problems. Some examples are flea and tick problems, hot spots, rashes, cuts or lumps. Catching some of these problems early may prevent disease or infection or even be the difference between life and death.
When you’re through brushing, don’t forget to check their ears (some breeds require cleaning more often than others) and their toenails (more for inside dogs…my two outside dogs keep their toenails trimmed down just fine all by themselves just running around.) The eyes and teeth are important too, but your vet will examine them on your annual visits.
And what about those who just don’t have the time or desire to make dog grooming a priority? Ever heard of a professional dog groomer? Take the time to find a reputable groomer, or get a recommendation from a trusted dog owning friend. A seasoned dog groomer can give you some great tips for grooming in between visits, and are often a great source for tips on keeping your dog healthy.
Will grooming alone ensure good health for your dog? Of course not. But done regularly in conjunction with good nutrition and proper vet care, grooming your dog sure will give your dog a better chance at a long and healthy life.

Dog Grooming Made Easy – Quick and Simple Tips for Hair Brushing Your Pet

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:11:32 +0000

Dog grooming can be a frustrating and time consuming chore for you and your furry friend. Here are 6 tips to keep your home free of pet hair and your dog healthy and happy.1. When choosing a dog or cat, keep in mind that animals with long or silky coats will require regular daily grooming. Some dogs, such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Bedlington Terriers, do not shed at all, but do need to be clipped on a regular basis. Smooth-coated cats and dogs are the easiest to groom. All you need is a comb or a grooming mitt.2. Regular grooming is easiest when you get your pet accustomed to brushing from an early age. You can do this in one of two ways: using brushing as a therapeutic tool or make it a game. Either way, grooming becomes an opportunity to bond with your pet as well as a simple way to keep your home from being overrun with pet hair. It’s also a good time to check for fleas and ticks.3. If you choose to make brushing a game, your goal is to get your pet excited about being brushed so that eventually just seeing the brush will bring your pet running to you. Start with short sessions. With brush in hand, ask in a happy voice, “Do you want to get brushed?” Stroke your pet with the brush and then say, “Good boy!” Repeat the stroking a few times and use the word “brush” to help your pet associate it with the activity. Gradually lengthen the sessions.4. Alternatively, you might opt to use brushing as a therapeutic tool, particularly if your pet is not used to regular grooming. Wait until your pet is in a comfortable, relaxed state and then alternate stroking with your hand and stroking with the brush. Speak in calm, soothing tones to reassure the animal. If your pet gets agitated, stop brushing, revert to stroking with your hand, and try again another day.5. Before brushing, run your hands through your pet’s coat from back to front to massage the skin and loosen dead hairs. This massage will help to stimulate and distribute natural oils in the skin, which gives a healthy shine to the coat. Then use the type of grooming that is best suited to your pet which can be a brush, comb or mitt to brush your pet from head to tail. Don’t forget to brush the underbelly and also between toes and pads which can collect small stones, chewing gum and other debris. To avoid scraping your pets’ skin, try not to press too hard with a wire slicker brush.6. If you come across matted hair, first hold the matt close to the skin. Next insert the end tooth of the comb into the matt and try working the matt loose. If you find this isn’t possible you might want to cut out a matt so you don’t cause your pet any unnecessary discomfort. After your pet is matt-free, comb down to the skin. Remember to comb or brush your dog against the lay of the coat.Dog grooming really can be an enjoyable experience. A little prevention can go a long way and it also saves you time cleaning fur off your household furniture and carpets.

Dog Bathing, Brushing and Clipping

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:31:14 +0000

Did you know you could get your dog to adore its baths, brushing and clippings? Puppies need to get accustomed to their grooming; beginning early while still young is the best time for puppies. This will aid in preventing any grooming issues in the future as the dog ages.

Every dog requires grooming on a regular basis whether they have a long coat, such as Samoyed, German Long-haired Pointer and Lhasa Apso, or if they have short coats such as Basset Hounds, Boxers or Labrador Retrievers and even those in between. Each Breed of Dog Has Specific Needs All dogs need basic grooming care such as brushing and bathing or ear and teeth cleaning and their nails trimmed, however different types of coats will involve different steps of grooming. For instance, a breed with long hair is more complicated and time consuming. It is essential to begin grooming a puppy early as they become acquainted to the routine of grooming. When a puppy learns to enjoy the process of grooming at such an early age, it creates a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for you and you dog. Everyday Puppy Grooming To create a positive experience for your puppy, you should familiarize the puppy with the process slowly, yet often. Introduce the puppy to each piece of grooming paraphernalia by showing it to the puppy and letting it sniff the object for a few moments, one at a time. Then offer the puppy a small treat. For instance, while introducing a brush, you gently touch the puppy with the brush while offering the treat. When the puppy accepts the brush, you them gently brush one stroke and then offer a treat. After about the third brush stroke the puppy will relax while understanding that brushing feels good. If you break the procedure down into small steps, the puppy has the opportunity to accept the positive experience you have created within each step of the process. Introduce the puppy to the grooming station where it can become acquainted with the area before you begin grooming. For instance, a couple of days before having a bath you will place the puppy in the bathtub while it is dry, then let the puppy play with a toy and offer it a treat. The next day, repeat this process, although you should add at this time some water and a sponge. Allow the puppy to get used to a small amount of water slowly before filling a tub for bathing. You will follow the same technique when introducing any other grooming tools such as a toothbrush or nail clippers. Taking the time to introduce grooming to your puppy will ensure a pleasurable experience for you and your dog for the rest of their life. The Hydro Surge Rapid Dog Bath is an excellent product to make bathing a snap!

What Is The Most Important Dog Grooming Tool

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:31:02 +0000

You have several dogs that you love to groom, and you’re always on the lookout for new dog grooming tools that will make the process comfortable for both you and your dogs. However, believe it or not, the most important dog grooming tool is your hands.
The Bond Between a Dog and Its Owner
The bond between a dog and its owner is a unique relationship. Dogs are loyal and protective of their owners, and their owners in turn make sure that they take care of them too, by giving them food, toys, shelter, and by grooming them with the right dog grooming tools.
Many owners think that the right do grooming tools have to include such things as brushes, clippers, and scissors, and this is true. However, there is more to grooming that just those basic dog grooming tools. In order to successfully groom a dog, the owner has to build up that trust factor.
The trust factor should ideally be established between a dog and its owner when the dog is a puppy. By feeding and bathing the puppy from such an early age, the puppy begins to think of the owner as its “mother.” As such, the dog will trust its owner implicitly.
Dogs are hands-on animals, and the thing that they react to the most is touch. This is why hands are the most important dog grooming tools. If the owner grooms the dos with a heavy hand, the dog will associate that with the experience of being groomed. If the owner grooms the dog gently, the dog twill be most more amenable to the idea of being groomed.
Owners that are grooming their dogs should constantly pat them during the process, because unless the dog is used to being groomed, chances are that the dog will be stressed. Provide a relaxed atmosphere for the dog by shampooing it by gently massaging the shampoo into the dog’s coat.
Grooming can also be beneficial for the owner too. For example, if the owner has mild arthritis in the hands, the warm water and the massaging motions of applying the shampoo on the dog’s coat can actually be soothing. So, the next time an owner goes to groom their dog, they should remember that while it is important to have the necessary dog grooming tool, the most important dog grooming tool is their own hands.