Dan's Papers - August 15, 2008

Grooming is a practice that one should begin as soon as a puppy/dog is brought into your home. It's very important to get your dog used to being touched around his face and mouth, his paws, his tail, his ears and his belly. Remember that he will be handled by a veterinarian for routine examinations, and will (routinely) have his nails cut, his ears cleaned and so on. Grooming also reduces allergens and helps to lower the risk of infections and diseases.

Over time your dog will perceive his daily combing and brushing as another form of attention and affection, and even the most resistant canines will come around and begin to enjoy the personal one-on-one session. Here's a trick I like to use: once a dog is housebroken, I brush them for a few minutes before we go out to play. As a professional trainer, I'm often asked how to groom a dog that freaks out every time they see the brush. I always recommend taking "puppy steps." Start by simply using your hands instead of a brush. Always work with your dog when you're calm and relaxed and in the mood. If you are stressed and irritated, your dog will definitely pick up on it and also become agitated. Try holding a chew toy in one hand to distract your dog while you start stroking him with your other hand. Then start using the back of a brush by covering the bristles with your hand, again while distracting him with your other hand. I am very against using a slicker brush, which if you are not familiar with, is a brush with bent, pointy, pin-like wires, and should be use by professionals. It may work great on a poodle with a full coat, but can be extremely irritating and even painful to a shorthaired dog or young puppy. If you hurt your dog while trying to teach him to appreciate being groomed, well...you get the picture.

Get your dog used to having his teeth cleaned by using your finger first if necessary. There are toothbrushes for dogs that are actually made to cover your index finger, much like a plastic finger cot and toothpaste made for dogs. No one likes "doggy breath."

If you have a hair rather than fur breed of dog, like a Maltese, Poodle, or Shih Tzu, you are probably all too familiar with the tearing stains from their eyes. Please do not pull at it when it's hard and dry and crusty. A little warm water on a cotton pad will easily and quickly soften and remove the debris in the corner of their eyes.

Ears and nails are two things that you should discuss with your vet. Dog's nails have what is called a quick and if you cut the nail too short it will bleed; and not just a little! It is also painful for your dog. If you would rather not cut your dogs nails yourself, you can have a vet tech or professional groomer do it for a nominal fee and probably without an appointment.

When I was a kid, it wasn't uncommon for most people to bathe their dog once a year. Personally, I like to bathe my dogs, which have hair, at least every other week and use a super gentle no tear shampoo and conditioner, making sure I comb the conditioner through the hair. I prefer bathing my dogs in a bathtub where I feel they are safer and it's easier and less messy for me. Want a good tip from a professional groomer? Do not bathe a dog with matted hair.

However, even if you're doing all of the above, nothing replaces a good professional grooming. The Hamptons have some wonderful and talented groomers. They also carry fabulous leashes, collars, barrettes, carriers, beds, toys and other fun paraphernalia. Here are three that I've had the pleasure of working with.

- Moriches Dog Grooming 333 Main Street, Moriches 631-878-9496
- Classy Canine 468 County Road 39, Southampton 631 -283-1306
- Westhampton Pet 60 Old Riverhead Rd., West Hampton 631-288-6765