Puppy Training Tips for Grooming

Puppy training is a must when you add a canine family member to the home. House-breaking, halting the teething on furniture, leash etiquette, socializing, and “Gimme that!” are all routines that have to be reinforced daily as your puppy grows. A well trained dog means a well behaved dog, a happy dog, and a happy owner. Puppy training routines should also include teaching the proper behaviors for grooming. All dogs, no matter the breed, have to be bathed and brushed, have their nails clipped, their ears and teeth cleaned, and undergo periodic thorough checks for pests, wounds, and skin conditions. Whether you choose to groom them at home or take them to a professional groomer, dogs will experience a lot less stress and fear if you follow some simple puppy training steps to get them ready.

1. HANDLING THE PAWS: Most dogs have a natural aversion to their feet being handled. The sensitive pads and hairs on the bottoms of their paws help them to feel their way through terrain and protect them from injury. However, this sensitivity can make it difficult to trim their nails and check the pads for cuts, stickers, and other problems. As soon as you bring home your new puppy, start including the paws in your petting/bonding time. Pick up each foot and hold it gently. When the puppy pulls it away, pick up another paw. Softly rub the leg and foot, squeeze the paw, and run your fingers under the nails. You may find that a massaging motion is actually relaxing to the puppy once it gets used to the touch. By training your growing puppy to let you or a veterinarian handle its paws, clipping and wound care will be a lot less stressful for everyone.