Whether you’re thinking “I need to know how to train a puppy for a visit to the groomer” or “What? I don’t need to train my pup to go to the groomers.”, this article will be helpful!
You are hopefully going to be training them to go potty outside, to sit, and to stay to help them learn the right way to do things when you take them out for walks, so why shouldn’t you train them to behave well when they go to the groomers? You wouldn’t expect your kids to start their social learning career in high school, so why expect your dog to cope with a groom the first time they go to a groomer?
“It’s the groomer’s job.”, you might say. While many groomers do now have a puppy program and can help you introduce your puppy to the grooming environment in a safe manner, it is always the puppy’s guardians who are responsible for their care and training. Being properly trained for grooming can also help you when you’re brushing your dog at home.
How do I train my puppy to go to the groomer?
Just like you would with any training, you need to make it short and fun for your little one. They learn better in short bursts – whether they are learning how to sit or how to accept a brush, short and sweet is the key. I recommend no more than 5 minutes at a time to start.
First things first, grab some puppy-friendly treats, a brush or comb, and a towel. You don’t want to be rushing off to gather what you need after you have your puppy all ready to go.
When can I start training?
You can start as soon as you have your puppy home. I recommend letting them settle in for the first day or so but then, as early as the second day, there is no reason you can’t start their training. If your pup has trouble staying still, try starting at a time when they’re starting to get sleepy.
Positioning
I like to raise the puppy for this exercise. Place a towel on a worktop or counter so your puppy doesn’t slip and then put them onto the towel.
Let’s get started…
Place the brush or comb on the towel with a few treats scattered over and around them, and let your puppy have a sniff and get the treats. We want them to recognize these items as being good and not scary.
Once your pup has had the treats, you can start with the brush. I would start by brushing their back. You can give them a treat if they accept the brush on their back, and then move to other parts of their body using this brush and reward method for each area.
Once you have brushed, you should be able to run a comb through the fur. Give them a treat again if they accept it. The comb will highlight any tangles you may have missed with the brush.
It’s important not to get frustrated with your puppy. Just like potty training or any other activity, they are not likely to get it on the first try. If they start to bite or misbehave, put them down and do something else with them.
Do not let your puppy play with the brush or comb. If they want to play, put them down and take some time to play with them. They need to accept that grooming is not playtime. If you play with them while you are trying to groom them, they will think this is acceptable as they grow. That nipping you found cute when they were little will turn into biting as they get older, which could cause you to be turned away from groomers as no one enjoys being bitten.
If they are struggling with being groomed for 5 minutes, break it down to smaller times and do smaller areas, then give your puppy a break.
Tools to use to train your puppy for grooming
A metal spoon is a good friend. It can help your puppy get used to having scissors around their face and eye area. Gently rub the shaft along their nose towards their eyes and up and down. You don’t have to press down, this is just to get them used to having something ‘shiny’ near their eyes.
There are lots of dogs that struggle with having their legs or feet touched, but by starting them young you can help them to understand there is nothing to worry about. Run your hands down their legs, then try raising their leg slightly and holding their paw loosely. You can progress to running the spoon down their leg and onto their nails.
Nails can be another tricky area for a lot of dogs, but when you start with them as pups doing their nails they are much more accepting and have no issues.
Some groomers use electric clippers, and the best method I have found to get them ready for this is by using an Electric toothbrush. It helps get them used to the feel of the vibrations and noise of the clippers. Do this repeatedly in small sections so you don’t overwhelm your pup.
These training methods need to be done all over their body, head, and legs, and then when you are holding their legs up, run over their paw pads as the hair here will also need to be groomed and this can feel a bit strange to them.
There is also a great app you can download called Sound Proof Puppy Training. There are lots of sounds on this app that you can play to your pup so they get used to the noises, and there is a clipper noise and hair dryer noise which can help for their grooming training.
If you have a short-haired breed and your dog doesn’t need electric clipping, it’s still beneficial to get your dog accustomed to any possible sensations they may experience at the groomer.
Training Your Puppy for Bath time
I’m sure we would all prefer a fresh-smelling pooch to a stinker, so getting them used to a bathing routine is also a good idea.
Not many groomers actually ‘bathe’ the dog. They usually use more of a shower style method where the dog is standing up and a faucet head is used. Groomers also use professional hair dryers, and these have a lot more power than yours at home typically would.
I recommend getting your pup used to using a hair dryer, but remember to never point it directly at their faces. Practice patting with a towel as it’s better to pat their coat dry rather than rub it. You can start by holding your puppy in your lap and gently running the dryer across their back. This can help them feel relaxed and is less stressful for them.
Give these quick tips a try and let us know if you find them helpful when training your puppy to be comfortable at the groomers.
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This is a guest post by Allison Pearson of The Stress Free Groomer.
Allison Pearson is the Owner of The Stress Free Groomer and loves introducing puppies to the grooming process. She has created her own signature puppy program to introduce puppies to the grooming process slowly and safely, as well as helping other dogs that have worries come to approach the process in a calmer manner.
Allison started as an administrator before becoming a dog walker, and then re-trained as a dog groomer. She has spent time widening her knowledge with extra courses in Dog Behavior, Bite Prevention, Tellington TTouch, and Reiki to help the dogs in her care.
While grooming is her primary job function, Allison also offers a pet sitting service for those pets who prefer their own home comforts.
When not working, Allison can be found with her dog Sox walking or just chilling out. There is usually a good book on the go, and she also enjoys painting and drawing, as well as spending time with family.
www.Thestressfreegroomer.com | www.facebook.com/Stressfreegroomer
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