All dogs need to be groomed regularly.  In the same way as we humans feel better when we are clean and healthy, your dog will too.  Good grooming helps to keep your dog happy and healthy.

If you can, it is better to start grooming your dog whilst he is still a puppy because you can teach him that it is a fun thing to do.  Whilst grooming your dog always be patient and gentle and make a fuss of him, telling him that he is a “Good Boy” so your dog enjoys the experience. 

Some people still take their dogs to a professional dog groomer but many people are now preferring to groom their dogs at home and there are lots of products on the market  to help you.   

A quality grooming table is a good start as you can safely secure your dog whilst leaving your two hands free to brush him and trim his coat.  To get the best out of his coat, use a soft brush and brush in the same direction that his hair grows.  Don’t forget to brush everywhere, especially behind his ears, on his stomach, and on his tail and back legs.  

Whilst grooming your dog it is a good excuse to check his ears, eyes and paws.  This also gets your dog used to being touched and is good preparation for any future visits to the vet.

If you want to bathe your dog before grooming, you can either use your own bath or shower or invest in a professional bath.  Again, it is important to make bath time fun for your dog.  Dogs can sometimes panic if it is the first time they are put in a bath, but if you make the experience a pleasant one, be gentle and kind and reward your dog with praise and the odd treat, then it will be an experience he looks forward to.  

Be careful when washing your dog’s face and try not to get any shampoo into his eyes and always be sure to rinse off any surplus shampoo as this could cause irritation to his skin.

Dogs do not need to be bathed too regularly as too much bathing can strip his hair of the natural oils he needs in his fur.

Make sure that your dog is well dried before letting him out in cool weather.  A warm air dryer is a good investment but again the noise can frighten your dog if he is not used to it so be patient and calm and he will soon learn that the dryer will not harm him.

Bathing and grooming your dog is a great bonding mechanism for both of you and done properly with the right equipment makes it a very satisfying experience.