Puppies
Introducing grooming to a puppy can be a challenging time for both pup and groomer. It is best practice to ease a pup into the grooming routine.
It is important to remember that pups do not have the ability to stand or focus for too long. They are often very sensitive around the mouth and may be teething, their bodies are still growing, and they are finding their way in the world. Be kind, keep initial grooms short. You may like to introduce the pup to the table, give plenty of treats, turn a clipper on or run a light clipper over his back without a blade, this will get him used to noise and make him a confident dog to groom on the table.
Things to remember:
• It is best practice to not shave a puppy’s coat
• A puppy’s coat and skin is very delicate. By clipping short, you run the risk of damaging both.
• Puppies adult coat tends to come through around 8-9 months of age, depending on the breed.
• It is recommended to only use extension combs or bath and tidy for a puppy’s first few grooms.
• Use lots of treats and positive reinforcement. An untrained groomer can ruin a pup’s grooming experience for life.
CAVOODLE PUPPY - Ruby
Colleen and 17 week old Ruby share a desensitisation process. By getting the pup used to little things at first, and making it a good experience, as they get older they can enjoy being groomed instead of dreading it. Here are the key points from this 4 part tutorial.
Use the running clippers to pat the puppy in the areas you are going to clip to get them used to the feeling. This also helps you be predictable in what you are doing - allowing the puppy to get used to the feeling of the clippers before committing to the clip.
Doing an 'inbetween' groom as a 1st puppy (clip body but scissor legs) can be a great way to help introduce the look and feel of a full groom to the puppy and the owner.
Using a long extension on the body means that you can do a quick tidy on the legs if the puppy is not coping, rather than being committed to taking length off the legs as well.
Chunkers are great for taking off bulk on the legs, and helping to blend the difference in lengths without needing to run clippers down the legs.
Getting puppies on a 4-6 week schedule for their first couple of grooms, and getting their owners to be diligent about brushing & combing their dogs at home can really help set the puppy up for success with their future grooms.
EQUIPMENT Bath, dryer (HV & Hand), Happy hoodie. Saphirs, Midis, curved scissors, slicker brush, comb, nail clippers.
Ruby - Six Weeks Later
She’s baa-aack! Colleen and now 6 month old Ruby follow up their 1st bath and tidy with a few extra tips. It’s Ruby’s first big girl haircut today and she has come a long way!
Use the running clippers to pat the puppy in the areas you are going to clip to get them used to the feeling. This also helps you be predictable in what you are doing - allowing the puppy to get used to the feeling of the clippers before committing to the clip.
Doing an 'inbetween' groom as a 1st puppy (clip body but scissor legs) can be a great way to help introduce the look and feel of a full groom to the puppy and the owner.
Using a long extension on the body means that you can do a quick tidy on the legs if the puppy is not coping, rather than being committed to taking length off the legs as well. Chunkers are great for taking off bulk on the legs, and helping to blend the difference in lengths without needing to run clippers down the legs.
Getting puppies on a 4-6 week schedule for their first couple of grooms, and getting their owners to be diligent about brushing & combing their dogs at home can really help set the puppy up for success with their future grooms.
MOODLE PUPPY
Sue Wright takes us through all the steps involved in Dolly’s first clip - with the clever masking of a well intentioned home haircut in parts.
MALTESE CROSS PUPPY
Nicky demonstrates a first clip on this adorable little Maltese Cross. She uses a #4F on the legs, a light blue extension comb for the body and scissors a cute puppy face.
