We can never say it enough: prevention is better than cure. In this time of global pandemic, this statement is even more true. The isolation requested by the government and the closure of shopping centers lead, among other things, to the temporary cessation of our grooming service. However, with the imminent arrival of spring, and therefore, spring moulting and the dirt inherent to melting snow, grooming your dog is essential to maintain its coat until the situation recovers. Again, prevention is better than cure. So we thought we'd give you our best tips for being able to maintain your furry friend's coat at home.
First, it is important to build a relationship and healthy communication with your dog so that he has limitless trust in you. This will make your task much easier when your dog needs to receive medications, medical treatments or even be groomed. To avoid losing our pet's confidence, it is extremely important to never physically hold it and prevent it from moving when you want to groom it. He will be even more frustrated, stressed and will have no motivation to participate in the activity. It is by gaining his trust, his respect and by teaching him what is expected of him that he will be happy to let himself be manipulated. In addition, stress is one of the causes of hair loss, which we are trying to minimize here.
Here are our best tips for effectively grooming your dog from home:
- Do small maintenance sessions regularly. This way, you do not discourage your dog and you gently work on his patience.
- Master the “Rest” command. It will help you enormously during a grooming session.
- Get your dog used to each tool in a positive way. Be creative and incorporate grooming tools into your daily activities with your dog. If your dog fears the brush , the bottle of eye cleaner or the nail clipper , put him near his bowl during meals. Depending on the intensity of his fear, determine what distance will be between the tool and his bowl. Gradually bring the grooming tool closer to its food bowl. The goal is to incorporate an object that brings him a feeling of fear and anxiety near an object or event where he is normally very comfortable and happy. (This technique, however, should be integrated very gently so as not to upset your dog during his meals.)
- Avoid cutting or mowing yourself. The situation being temporary, it is however important that you brush your dog regularly to prevent knots from forming and to have no other solution than to trim very short. Our canine stylists will be happy to give your dog a makeover once the situation has recovered.
- Include a brushing session during outdoor play time. Throw the ball to your dog and when he comes back, brush him a few times before throwing the ball again so that he is desensitized to this intervention.
- Choose the right shampoo . Not all hair types have the same needs. We have taken the time to add a description to each of our shampoos and conditioners to make your shopping easier. Do not hesitate to write to us if you have any questions. We will be happy to guide you.
- Clean the inside of your dog's ear with a damp wipe (or cotton pad) soaked in ear cleaner . All dogs hate getting cold liquid in their ear.
- Exhaust your dog before a grooming session. He will thus associate these moments with a period of relaxation. It will be easier to teach him to relax when you touch him if he is mentally as well as physically tired.
- Cut one claw per day if your dog hates this obligatory step. Your dog will not have time to react or become anxious.
Finally, simply get into the habit of handling your dog at any time for no particular reason (every part of his body, literally). You will be extremely grateful when it comes time to groom him. Adapt to your dog, be consistent, be patient and go gradually.
The social team 🐩 🐾
Thanks to Gabrielle and her animals for collaborating on the writing of this blog article.