Grooming

[bdmann]

Shelby is 5 months old now and I know that's too early to start grooming her fur but I was wondering around what age should I start her grooming?

[Justicemom]

Now even though her fur is not long , she needs to get used to being brushed and handled.

I start running the back of a brush over my puppies at 6 weeks and by 8-9 weeks they are quite use to getting a quick once over with a soft brush. I start standing them on a grooming table around that time and trimming nails and trimming stray feet hair. First bathes aropund that time too.

If you wait until the fur is long to start , it can be stressful for both the pup and you.

[BarbV]

Actually, you are late in starting grooming!

The best time to start grooming is the day that you bring them home.

You want to get them used to being handled, both my yourself and by others.

And puppy nails still need trimming every few weeks.

So start by handling the paws and ears Holding pup in your lap, stroke and gently pull and squeeze the paws and ears. If pup stays quite, treat and praise. Puppy nails can be cut with people nail clippers.

Do the same with brushing. Gentle to start....just to get him used to the feeling.


Then you work your way up, up, up. You are trying to build their confidence here as early as possible so that it becomes ingrained into their behaviour.

But one cautiuon.....if you need the nail quick even once, you'll find yourself having to start again. These pups have long memories.

[bdmann]

Ok thanks guys! We've been cutting her nails and the hair between her pads and I've been touching her all over just about every day but I just wasn't sure as to when to start with her fur. I'll start her practice brushing today