Top Do’s and Don’ts for Your Pet’s First Trip to The Dog Groomer

13 Aug Top Do’s and Don’ts for Your Pet’s First Trip to The Dog Groomer

Hello Paw Patrol readers! Welcome back to another installment. Today, we are talking about tips for first-time pet grooming. I hope you enjoy!

Taking your puppy to be groomed for the first time is a celebratory occasion. However, first-time pet grooming can be a stressful process for both owners and pets.

The dog grooming spa can be a scary place for your pet. Dogs who have never been to a pet grooming salon and have never heard clippers or loud blow dryers can become more scared.

As a result, if you are not well prepared, first-time pet grooming can result in a horrific experience. Yes, you read that right! Just like kids, dogs get anxious when they undergo baths and trimming procedures. So, what should you do when taking a pet to the groomer for the first time?

Well, the rule of thumb is, practice begins at home. If you familiarize your four-legged friend with the situation, it will face the first trip to the pet groomer, and you’ll end up with a happy and relaxed pup for future visits.

We have compiled a list of do’s and don’ts that can make your first-time pet grooming experience memorable. Let’s begin!

Do’s for Your Pet’s First Trip to the Dog Groomer

Here are a few things you should do when taking your pet to a groomer for the first time:

Acclimate your pet: A dog who is familiar with the grooming process is much easier to work with than a pooch who’s never had any prior experience. Good grooming habits start at home. To prepare your pet to be groomed for the first time, you should be practicing grooming at home.

Dog parents can introduce a few of the things a pup will experience at the grooming spa. This helps with preventing nervousness when it’s time for your pet’s first visit to a dog groomer. Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be a very formal and detailed introduction. You just need to brush and bathe your dog and handle its paws.

For example, give baths to your dog, so they understand and expect something similar when they go for pet grooming. Anything they are afraid of or other hesitations during bath time will be clear, and the pooch will get accustomed to the grooming experience.

What other things come about under the home prepping process? Things like bathing in water, washing the ears, and drying the hair/fur using blow dryers are worth mentioning. It will ensure your canine doesn’t go crazy when they undergo similar procedures.

Do regular brushing: The next thing to do when taking a pet to the groomer for the first time is prevent their fluffy hair from getting entangled, and brushing is a perfect option. In fact, regular brushing familiarizes the pup with the fact that it is a part of pet grooming. Brushing unknots the hair and guarantees a less stressful first-time pet grooming trip. Imagine yourself going to a barber with rough hair. It can be annoying as well as time-consuming. So, brush your pup’s hair every now and again.

Shower your pup with love: Positive reinforcement can work wonders on all pets. Just lavish them with love. Your fur buddy just loves all the extra attention. If you provide a pleasant experience, they will see the pet grooming spa as a good place away from home they can enjoy and will be happy to go there.

Do give treats at each stage: When they get in the car and relax, offer them treats. When you arrive at the dog grooming spa, offer treat time again. This keeps your pet’s association with the grooming process positive. Giving treats at each stage might seem excessive, but they will help later when trips to the groomers are a smooth event between you and your pet. It’s better to bring along their favorite blanket and toys for the car ride, too.

Be patient: Pets are great at reading our body language and emotional state. Dogs can sense your stress. So, try to stay calm, relax, and be patient. Ask the groomer to go slowly. Pay close attention to what groomers are doing and your dog’s reaction. If everyone is relaxed, then your dog will most likely be relaxed as well.

Exercise before taking them to the grooming spa for the first time: A tired dog is a happy dog. Make sure your dog gets exercise to wipe its pent-up energy out and curb its anxiousness.

Be precise and on point: Your every little step can win or lose the pet grooming experience. And if you want to simplify things, talk to the groomer beforehand and discuss the type of hairstyle you want for the pooch. Explain whatever comes to your mind, and the groomer will suggest the best solution for the puppy, dog, or even senior dog. Another way to make things clear is to take snaps from the internet and show them to the groomer. The length of the hair, style, or any other thing you think will suit your dog must be discussed.

Do give the pet groomer a chance: No matter if it’s your first time following a pet grooming schedule or you have been visiting thepawspava for some time, pet grooming experts know what the best thing you can do to your dog is. They suggest haircuts and styles that are a perfect fit for dogs of different breeds. Most probably, you never thought from the groomer’s perspective, and their suggestions might take your pup’s personality to another level. So, listen and give them a chance to prove their years of experience in the pet grooming field.

Don’ts for Your Pet’s First Trip to the Dog Groomer

Here are a few things you should avoid when taking your pet to a groomer for the first time:

Don’t scold your pet: Don’t be harsh with your pup if it’s reluctant to get into the car. This only makes it worse by adding an element of negative reinforcement. Punishments, yelling, and harsh behavior can lead to aggressive behavior.

Don’t bring an unvaccinated pet to the grooming spa: Your pet needs to have had all of their shots before being groomed for the first time. Make sure they have their shots first!

Don’t make the first session very long: The first grooming session should be kept short and sweet. Pet groomers should stick to a brief session to avoid stressing the dog. This will enable pups to get used to being handled by a groomer. You don’t want to overwhelm your dog with this new experience, so stick to the following services the first time at a grooming salon:

* Bathing
* Light brush out
* Nail trim
* Ear cleaning
* Light trim where especially needed, such as around the face

Have a low-key departure and arrival: Don’t make your departure and arrival at the grooming spa a big deal in front of your pet. Try to have a low-key departure and arrival so that your dog may not become very anxious. Avoid saying emotional goodbyes, as this will only make your departure tougher for your pet. Remember, they can easily read your body language and emotional state and will react to it.

Don’t be late: If you have scheduled an appointment with your pet groomer, never arrive late. To ensure a happy grooming procedure, be on time and make the most out of your allotted time.

Respond selectively to your pup’s whining and crying: Respond selectively to your pup’s whining and crying. Once you notice that your pet is quiet, offer praise, a healthy treat, or any other reward.

Don’t check in on your fido:  So, you have farewelled your dog, and it’s time to relax in the waiting room, but, obviously, you will be tense about your dog. The worst thing you could do at this moment is drop in to see how things are going.

Never do that. Your check-ins can possibly arouse your pup’s emotions and create hurdles for the groomer as well. So, instead, wait for the groomer to finish the process and call you. Meanwhile, you can watch TV, browse through Facebook, enjoy hot drinks from a nearby cafe, or anything to keep yourself busy.

What to Do When Taking a Pet to the Groomer for the First Time

The first experience your beloved pet has at the pet grooming spa sets the tone for how they feel about the grooming process for the rest of their life. During the first pet grooming session, the main idea is to familiarize pets with the process so they’re at ease and understand that they’re safe.

You will want to make sure they are calm and enjoy the grooming process at the pet grooming spa.

Puppies
Young puppies are easier to acclimate to first-time grooming. They are curious, playful, and not scared by any past experiences.

Adult Dogs
If your adult dog hasn’t been to the groomer before, you might not be sure how it’s going to handle the whole process. Use the tips mentioned above to help your adult dog get used to grooming.

Rescue Dogs
Rescue dogs often have behavioral issues or a history of abuse. This poses special challenges when taking your pet to a groomer for the first time. Use the tips mentioned above to help the rescue dog get used to grooming. Alert your groomer to your dog’s anxiousness or aggression so they can help your dog. In some cases, a muzzle is required if a rescue dog is so terrified during grooming that it bites out of fear.

Pro tip: Let’s face it! All pets are individuals. The personality and requirements vary and are not the same for all pets. So, what works best for one animal may not work for another. Provide the necessary treatment according to their needs and temperament.

In Closing

Grooming keeps your pet neat, healthy, and odor-free while making everyone in the household happy! The first pet grooming experience must be a good one with lots of love and treats to keep your pup at ease.

If you haven’t taken advantage of pet grooming in the past, experience the benefits today! The Paw Spa offers an exceptional, full-service pet grooming experience for your pets without any hassle. We have professional groomers, and our spa is fully equipped and climate-controlled.

Our pet groomers ensure that your pet is the center of attention, receiving the absolute best experience possible. Just visit our website to book your appointments and bless your beloved companion with an enjoyable pet grooming experience, an experience that sets the tone for future trips! You can also book a virtual call with Paw Spa. We can help you determine the best course of action for your beloved pet.

After all, we know that your pets deserve only the best!