5 Expert Ways to Groom Your Dog

Having your dog groomed keeps them clean, healthy, and comfortable. Some dogs might not like being groomed, but it’s undeniably beneficial to their health. With a little patience and the right tools, there’s no reason why you can’t try grooming your dog at home. This activity is also a great opportunity to bond with them. So, if you’re looking for the right source to upgrade your dog-grooming skills, you’re in the right article to jumpstart your learning. Here, we give off these 5 simple, yet foolproof tips straight from our dog grooming courses!

Why is it important to groom your dog?

Grooming is vital, as it prevents your dog’s coat from becoming matted. This also gets rid of any build-up of dead hair and removes dirt and dandruff. The brushing action helps stimulate natural oils in your dog’s skin and fur to give them a healthy, glossy coat.

Furthermore, it’s also the perfect time to inspect for any fleas or ticks. It allows you to do a general health check and search for any lumps and bumps, or skin irregularities. Lastly, you can have a look in their eyes and ears as well, and make sure their claws aren’t getting too long.

How often does my dog need grooming?

Get your dog used to grooming as early as possible. This will get them more comfortable being handled by the vet and professional groomers. Certain types of dogs need grooming more often than others, and some might just need clipping or hand-stripping.

If your dog has a short and smooth coat, then you should groom them at least once a week. Dogs with longer hair require more attention and clipping as well. Clipping keeps their hair at a manageable length and should be done every 4-12 weeks.

How to groom your dog at home?

It’s recommended to take your dog to a professional groomer once in a while. The thicker your pooch’s fur is, the more frequently you have to take them to the groomer. There are ways you can groom them at home, however. Here are five expert tips on how to properly groom your dogs.

1. Brushing: Brushing your dog’s coat at least once a week is necessary to avoid matting or dead hair. Use a slicker brush to remove debris and pollen, which your dog picked up from being outdoors. Slicker brushes have fine-toothed metal bristles, which allow for a deep clean. Such type of brush works best especially for dogs with long or thick hair.
2. Bathing: Always make sure your dog has been brushed before bathing. Use only bathing products formulated for dogs; bathing your fur-friend with shampoo or soaps made for humans may irritate, as its Ph level is higher than those products made for dogs. Then, try to make it as stress-free as possible by using warm water and putting down a mat so they won’t slip.
3. Clean your dog’s eyes: Some dogs are prone to “tear stains” or build-up in their eyes. This shouldn’t be anything to worry about, though. Gently wipe the inner corners of their eyes with moist cotton wool. This can be done daily if necessary, but see your vet if you think there’s an unusual amount of build-up, or if it’s causing your dog distress.
4. Clip your dog’s nails: Depending on growth, you should aim to do this every 3-6 weeks. Check your dog’s nails regularly; if their nails touch the floor when they are standing up straight, this means they’re getting too long. You may think your dog is fine with it, but it’s painful to them. Hence, it’s best to have it done by a professional. If you would like to learn more about this it’s possible to study dog grooming courses online.
5. Reward their good behaviour: Most dogs generally don’t like being groomed. In any case, getting them to stay still long enough is challenging in itself. Give them treats while you’re doing it. Train them to stay still and reward their good behavior after. A little positive reinforcement will help the process along.

How can I learn more?

For dog lovers eager to expand their grooming skills, consider our Vet Assistant Courses. It's an ideal complement, offering deeper insights into overall pet care and health and setting a solid foundation for those looking to explore a career as a vet assistant further with the best online dog training courses.

At Get Course we offer the opportunity to study dog grooming online courses. With a Professional Dog Grooming Certificate offered by My Learning Online, you can start your own business. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook Initiative, careers in dog grooming are set to be on the rise in the next five years.

If you’re interested in branching out and working with other species, we can help you prepare for your Animal Grooming Certificate. This unique program teaches you how to groom all breeds and types of animals. We also offer Dog Psychology Courses, which focus more on the advanced areas of dog training.

Ever wanted a career in the dog grooming industry? Learning the ropes is essential and we highly recommend you check out some of our Dog Grooming Courses to get you started with it.