HAIR, FUR, & MORE

Some dogs have fur that sheds, while others have hair that needs to be cut.  Some dogs mat easily, while other types of hair don’t mat at all. When you’re researching dog & cat breeds, it’s a good idea to know which breeds shed and which breeds will need to go to a groomer for a haircut.  Yorkies, for example, can grow long hair, that if uncared for will easily mat and become unmanageable.  You can learn how to groom and cut your dog’s hair yourself, but no matter what breed you choose, be sure to do your homework so your family is on board with everything that comes along with your new furbaby.  

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My yorkie, Bear hated getting his hair brushed or cut when he was a puppy.  Getting groomed was the last thing he wanted to do – next to a bath!  But with time, he grew to love it so much that when I got out the brush and scissors, he would climb up into my lap, ready for his relaxing grooming session!  It takes time and patience, but when you start out with your brand new puppy, who’s full of energy, keep grooming sessions short and sweet.  If you begin slowly, you’ll build your dog’s trust and they’ll soon learn that grooming time means lots of attention and massage.

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Humans enjoy going to the “spa”, but just like brushing and haircutting, puppies (and dogs in general), usually only learn to tolerate things like nail clipping.  You can set your puppy up for success and make it easier on yourself if you occasionally touch their paws, and give their paw pads a little massage.  Then when it’s time for nail clipping, the sensations aren’t quite as foreign or scary.