Dylan's Grooming Guidebook
Your Trusted Resource
Welcome & Thanks for stopping by my friend!! Keep this in your pocket - But don't keep it a secret! Share this free Grooming Guidebook with your fellow dog-loving friends! 😉
This is your go-to resource, free of charge, for navigating the world of dog care with confidence and zero judgment - You are not alone. My goal is to pull back the curtain on the "why" and "how" of dog grooming and care.
You will get all the answers to the questions we all have as dog owners. This dog grooming guidebook is filled with dog grooming advice, dog training advice, key facts, and research - All summarized by me to save you time!
My goal is to be a resource for you and a sanctuary for your dog. No matter where you are in your grooming journey, I am here to help you succeed!
❤️ Check Back Soon ❤️
🎁 I Update This Guidebook Often! 🎁
Topic Currently Covered, In Order:
Grooming Basics & Coat Type Key Facts:
Identifying your dog's specific coat type
The ideal dog grooming schedule to keep them thriving
Smooth Coated Breeds
Double Coated Breeds
Haircut Breeds / Single coated Breeds
At Home Grooming:
How to brush your pup
Line Brushing
Grooming tools explained - Types & uses
Does your dog hate brushing? Read these handling tips & dog training tips ❤️
What Is Matting?
Coat Types prone to matting
What is matting? Why is it painful?
Behind the scenes - Process to remove matting - Why it costs you more money
Each coat type & how to prevent matting
Like a Rock - Why it can't be brushed
Nail School:
Class is in session 😉A deep dive into the science of paws, "quicks," and why proper maintenance is a game-changer for your dog's overall health and well-being.
How often to trim? What makes up a dogs nails?
Why regular nail trims are crucial for your dogs whole body health ❤️
Nails are overgrown - What should you do?!
Grooming Your Puppy:
When to book your puppies first groom?!
Why it's so important for your life together!
Neurological stages in puppies.
Tips for (potential) new owners - Cost & Time of dog grooming.
Read to set your puppy up for a lifetime of stress free dog grooming ❤️
All You Need Is D.O.G.S! ❤️
Doggy Oasis & Grooming Spa
-Dylan
What Kind Of Dog Grooming Do I Need? How Often Does My Dog Need To Be Groomed & Why?
What Type Of Dog Grooming Service Do I Need?
This will vary depending on your breed of dog and their Coat type - This is the first thing to learn about!
Your dog falls into one of 3 categories:
1. Smooth coated dog - These pups need attention too ❤️
2. Single coated/Haircut dog - requires regular haircuts & daily at home maintenance
3. Double-coated - this coat should never be cut or shaved.
To learn more about coat types keep reading, & to learn about the dog grooming service you will need - click the button below & scroll to the middle of the page. Then come back to keep reading & learn more about your dogs coat type & what they need from you and your dog groomer.
How often should I take my dog to the dog groomer?
For just about all dog breeds - Your dog should see a professional dog groomer every 4-8 weeks. This will help with coat condition & skin health.
Plus who doesn't love a Spa Day! 💖
Keep in mind - To maintain current nail length - Dog nails need to be trimmed every 3-4 weeks. You may need to pop in for a nail trim in between grooms if your dog grooming schedule is 5 weeks or more.
Professional Dog Groomers use a high velocity dryer and other tools that show every cm of skin clear as day - That is how dog groomers help pet owners find and diagnose skin and health concerns early on that would otherwise go unnoticed ❤️ Regular dog grooming is essential to prevent skin conditions, infections, pests, irritation/scratching, and matting. Regular dog grooming keeps your dog comfortable.
Smooth Coated Breeds
Not As Low Maintenance As We All Thought
Your dog still needs to be groomed on a regular basis - Every 4-8 weeks!
They also need their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks. Professional dog groomers can safely trim nails closer to the "quick" than most owners feel comfortable doing at home - This will ensure your dog maintains healthy body alignments & mechanics - Keeping them comfortable!
Your dog still needs to be brushed weekly - What?! I know! You don't need a typical brush or comb for your pup because their skin is not protected by a lot of floof so it is more sensitive. The best way to do a good 'brushing' would be to use a rubber curry brush, rubber gloves (even dish gloves work great!), or a boar bristle brush. I recommend the boar bristle brush if you have a senior dog.
1. Grab a vacuum & your weapon of choice 😉
2. Grab your pup & stick them in the tub. Put the plug in the tub.
3. Brush them for 5-15 minutes depending on the size of your dog. Vacuum up when you're all done!
Keep Reading - "At Home Grooming - Handling Techniques & Helpful Tips" to learn more
For my smooth coated pups - A de-shedding treatment done by a professional dog groomer removes up to 95% of loose undercoat. It helps your dog regulate their body temperature better, lets their skin breathe, and keeps your furniture much cleaner 😉
Professional-grade high-velocity dryers, specialized brushes (like silicon or rubber), carding equipment, and commercial grade shampoos and conditioners all help to remove dead skin and oils that a standard home bath leaves behind.
Double Coated Breeds
Your Dog Depends on You!
A double coated dog - Your dog may be a short coat or a long coat. Either way - You need to see a professional dog groomer every 4-8 weeks for dog grooming. Your dog has a top coat/guard coat and they have a dense undercoat that they are always shedding. Once the hairs in their undercoat reach a certain length they die off and fall out, but they get trapped by the top coat. If enough of these hairs get trapped - the coat becomes 'impacted' and this will eventually become 'matted'.
Impacted Coat - What it means to your fur baby: Think of a double coat like high-tech insulation. When it's clean, it keeps them cool. But when it's impacted, it's like wearing a heavy, wet wool sweater that’s glued to their skin. It stops air from reaching the skin, making it impossible for their body to regulate its temperature. Impaction and matting traps heat and moisture. This doesn't just make them uncomfortable; it can lead to painful skin infections, hide pests and disease, and even cause heatstroke.
Your dog’s coat is their first line of defense, and keeping it healthy starts at home! Line brushing your dog daily is best, but even once a week makes a world of difference.
Read below in 'At Home Grooming - How Do I Brush my dog? Line Brushing'
Why Brushing is Crucial: For double-coated dogs, the struggle is constant because they are always shedding that undercoat. Only brushing will release the trapped hair before it becomes impacted.
Without regular brushing, the fur mats quickly, which is incredibly risky for a double coated dog! If your groomer can't safely brush those mats out, the only option left is to shave—an absolute last resort!
For double coated dogs, shaving (even cutting to short) can permanently damage the hair follicles, causing the fur to grow back patchy, discolored, a different texture, or not grow back at all!
Alopecia-X Gene: Despite the common myth - It is not just Pomeranians that can carry this gene! If you have a spitz type dog breed they are likely a carrier; Some examples are Husky, Chow Chow, Malamute, Samoyed, Shiba, and Keeshond. Many other plush-coated breeds carry this hidden risk as well; Not just the spitz breeds.
When a dog with this genetic predisposition is shaved or even cut too short, it can trigger 'Black Skin Disease.' This causes the skin to become dark and thickened—often looking like elephant skin—and in these cases the hair will never grow back.
Protect your dog’s coat! Stick to professional de-shedding instead of shaving to keep their skin healthy and their fur intact.
Trapped in a Fur-Nado?? Twice a year you will desperately need a groom for your dog - Your dog will blow it's coat in the spring and fall. You will notice A LOT more hair than usual at these times. Your dog is preparing for the upcoming weather and temperatures ahead.
While it seems like temperature is the culprit, this massive shed - Blowing Coat - is triggered mostly by sunlight (daylight hours). Because our modern dogs live indoors with central AC and constant artificial lights, their systems get confused—which is why it feels like the "Fur-Nado" never actually ends!
Haircut Breeds Constant Growth & Maintenance
Unlike double-coated dogs that shed hair once it reaches a certain length single-coated breeds like Poodles, mix-breeds, Bichons, and Shih Tzus all have hair that grows continuously at the same length. Because this hair doesn't fall out, it is prone to tangling together into painful mats.
The Golden Rule: Line Brushing
To keep your dog comfortable and pain-free, line brushing is a must. Brushing just the top layer isn't enough—you need to get down to the skin to ensure no mats are forming underneath. While daily brushing is best, aim for at least 2–3 times a week to keep their coat manageable.
Remember: If the mats become too tight, the only pain-free way to remove them is to start over with a short clip. Regular maintenance keeps the fluff long!
Keep reading - "At Home Grooming - How Do I Brush My Dog?" - Where line brushing is covered in detail 👍
The "8-Week" Deadline
For these breeds, grooming isn't just a spa day; it’s essential maintenance. To prevent matting and skin irritation, 8 weeks is the recommended limit between professional 'Full-Groom' haircuts. For most dogs, a 3–5 week schedule is the "sweet spot" to keep them fluffy, clean, and feeling their best.
Bath & Tidy - Hygiene & Sanitary up keep
For most haircut dogs, once it's been 3-5 weeks since their last groom you will notice some fur becomes unsanitary and can cause skin irritation and infections - Their paw pad fur, their sanitary areas, their eyes, and their mouth.
All these areas are shaved or trimmed up in a Bath & Tidy done by your professional dog groomer! This is the perfect grooming in between full grooms when their body and legs aren't quite long enough that you want to cut that fur down yet.
Ideal Schedule - Rinse & Repeat 😉
Although, this may not be possible for everyone - The ideal schedule to keep with your dog groomer that I recommend for your dog to be their most comfortable is to book a full groom, then 3-5 weeks later they should go in for a bath & tidy, then 3-5 weeks later another full groom - Repeat this cycle 🙌
At Home Grooming
What Should I do? How do I do it? What do I use?
My Dog Hates It - Help!
How Do I Brush My Dog & Why?
This covers the Basics Of Brushing your dog at home 💖This applies to dogs that have long hair - That need a haircut or shed a shed-load.
Key Takeaway - Something is better than nothing! Yes - You should be brushing your dog daily for most dog breeds that have long hair, but anything is better than nothing! Your dog will thank you 😉
So many people think of brushing their dog as a chore - It's not! It is a way to strengthen your bond and enjoy quality time with your dog. The highlight of their day is one on one time with you and with enough training from you it will quickly become the highlight of your day too! And it's something to be proud of!
One of my favorite parts of every day is brushing my Mini-Schnoodle Pickles and how much he LOVES to be brushed - He carries the brush over and whines because he wants to be brushed so badly 💖 This comes from starting brushing at a young age and in short happy training sessions done one to three times a day. He didn't like it at first and he didn't know what was going on, but I worked with him slowly over time.
It takes time for both you and your dog to get used to doing this - Don't give up! You will get faster at it - I promise! Your dog will become tolerant and even come to enjoy this quality time you spend with them ❤️
Brushing over the top of the coat with only a brush will not brush out the tangles that cause matting in your dogs fur - That's where 'line brushing' come in!
Line Brushing Explained!
How To Line Brush Your Dog
Step 1 - You will be using your slicker brush first. The ends of the pin should NOT touch the dogs skin at any time - Or you will cause brush burn and skin irritation. You start brushing at the bottom of the leg and hold the hair back with your left hand while you brush the hair with the other. You move your left hand slowly up and release a little hair at a time.
How I like to brush dogs:
1. Legs - bottom to top.
2. Sides -bottom to top & back to front.
3. Back - back to front.
Work in sections so you don't get overwhelmed!
Step 2 - Once you've brushed a small section with the slicker brush, now grab your finishing comb and make sure you can get that down to the skin and that it doesn't snag or get stuck. If it doesn't glide through - Go back to step one.
Line Brushing Video - Demonstration
This is a very short video to give you a good visual of what Line brushing is. She is working faster than I would recommend if your new to line brushing.
https://www.tiktok.com/@britneyrmackgrooming/video/7156461403048578347?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Types Of Brushing Tools Explained
Slicker Brush
This is a Long Pin Slicker. The more curved the pins are - the less likely you are to injure your dog or cause 'brush burn'.
The ends of the pin should never touch the dogs skin!
Finishing Comb / Greyhound Comb
Most will have two different spacings between the teeth. Start with the side with the bigger gaps - then flip it around and run the finer teeth through the coat 👍👍
This is your tool to check for matting & to make sure the fur is 100% tangle free! This is essential for a dog with longer fur.
You'll find the cheaper ones have a plastic coating and don't comb the fur as well. Anything you can get is a great start, but if you know you'll always have dogs I suggest getting a higher quality comb - It will save you a TON of time in your life time of brushing your dogs!
Pin Brush
This is Pickles FAVORITE brush! Even daddy can brush him without cause pain or brush burn.
These kind of brushes are great as a training tool when you first start brushing your dog to get them to love it!
They feel almost like a massage for your dog because they have little balls of plastic on the end of each bristle.
If your dog is the kind of dog that views touch and pets as a reward this is going to help you HUGE to get over the initial hurdle in training them for daily brushing.
Keep in mind - They are not going to get the tangles out as good as a slicker brush would. Make sure you brush the area after with the finishing comb.
Curry Brush
This one is for all my smooth coated dog owners out there! This is going to be your go to for brushing your dog!
You dog doesn't have a lot of fur to protect their skin so this is going to get the dead hair out but prevent injuring them and irritating their skin.
This one below is my favorite because it doesn't have the really pointy ends that some do.
Handling Techniques & Helpful Tips
We want to make at home dog grooming a good experience and keep it pain free for your dog. Here are some quick tips that I hope help you out - Good luck my friend 🙌
Quick Tips
Tip 1 - If it hurts you - Then it hurts your dog.
Test your brushing strength on yourself first - You'd be surprised how how much it hurts if your brushing too hard! Brush the underside of your forearm with the brush. Remember their skin is more sensitive than ours - It's thinner and more prone to irritation. If you have a senior dog - It is very easy to tear their skin and even cause them to bleed, so be extra gentle!
Tip 2 - Listen to your dog!
Dogs are so good at trying to communicate with us what they like or don't like. Your dog may seem like they hate brushing - But they may just be trying to say "Ouch that hurts". If your dog pulls away, growls, lifts their lip, yawns, or is panting - This is them telling you to adjust something. You know your dog better than anyone!
Tip 3 - Less pressure is better!
When holding part of your dog or communicating to them what you need them to do, less pressure is always more comfortable for them. When you tightly grip their paw for example, that's like when someone squeezes your hand to hard in a hand shake; You pull away and maybe want to growl too - Same thing. For most dogs, you can just let them rest their paw in your hand, or gently lift their leg and let it rest in your hand.
Tip 4 - Tip of the tail = End of the spine.
Crazy Right!! Your dog's tail is actually a part of their spine - The end of their spinal column is the tip of their tail. Be gentle when grabbing their tail. Do not yank, tug, or pull hard on their tail - EVER!
Pulling a dogs tail to hard can cause an avulsion injury where the nerves at the base of the tail are severely stretched or torn - This trauma can lead to significant neurological issues.permanent nerve damage, leading to lifelong issues like incontinence among many others.
If you touch your dogs tail or even reach for it and see sudden responses like snapping and other fear responses - This could be a defensive reaction to intense spinal pain. Contact your veterinarian for help.
What Is Matting?
It's More Than Just a Knot
What kind of dog coat types are prone to matting?
You may not like this answer, but all dogs except for smooth coated dogs are going to become matted if they are not brushed regularly and groomed regularly.
With exposure and training, most dogs love being brushed! Try not to think of brushing as work - It is quality one on one time with you, and that is the highlight of your dogs day and you know it!
The worst coat type for matting - And the most high maintenance is going to be a curly coated dog. A close second will be a drop coat/silky coated dog. And last, but the most serious of all if matting happens, is a double coated dog.
What Is Matting? Why It Is Painful For Your Dog
Matting occurs when a dog’s fur becomes a solid, interconnected mass that can no longer be brushed through. While it’s easy to think of them as just "bad tangles," the reality is that matting is a physical health concern
The Snowball Effect:
Matting starts small, but it grows quickly if left untouched. As a mat expands, it tightens and moves closer to the skin. Eventually, the mat begins to pull the dog’s skin up into the hair. Because the skin is being constantly stretched and pinched, this becomes very painful for your dog.
Why it Hurts your dog:
When matting is tight against the skin, it pinches with every move. It makes it hard for them to run, play, or even find a comfortable position to sleep.
Our goal is to help your dog feel their best again, ensuring they can move freely and comfortably without the pain and "pinch" of a matted coat.
Behind The Scenes
What Happens At The Dog Groomer When Your Dog Is Matted & Why It Costs More
The "Slow Shave" & Precision Involved
When I have to use clippers to remove severe matting, it takes significantly more time, patience, and care. Because the skin is often pulled into the mat or is sitting incredibly close to it, I have to work millimeter by millimeter.
It is a delicate, high-stakes process. Because the risk of injury is so much higher with pelted fur, it requires expert precision and also causes significant wear and tear on my high end professional grooming equipment, as well as increases how often I have to have all my equipment professionally sharpened.
My priority is always to get your dog through this safely and comfortably, and that extra time ensures they leave my table happy and unharmed.
Safety & Trust
In many cases of severe matting, the dog is in significant pain and will snap or bite out of fear or discomfort. I don’t blame them—I would too.
This makes the grooming process much more dangerous, and physically and mentally demanding for me. When a dog is flinching or reacting to the pain of their mats being touched, the risk of nicking or cutting them with clippers and other injuries increases.
I have to work even more slowly to maintain their trust and keep us both safe. This extra level of care and safety management is a big part of why a de-matting fee is applied.
Each Coat Type & How To Prevent Matting
Single coated dogs:
There is two coat types here - Curly/Thick coats and Drop/Silky coats..
Poodle Coat / Thick Fur:
This hair is extremely prone to matting—it’s probably the most challenging coat type to keep tangle-free! Because the fur has so much volume and the curls are so tight, the hairs catch on each other and knot up very quickly.
The Rule:
Brushing daily is non-negotiable to prevent matting.
The Sign To Brush:
If the fur looks "clumpy" or very curly, that’s your sign it’s time for a good brushing! It should look like a fluffy cloud ☁️
Drop Coat/Silky Coat:
Because this hair is so fine and thin, it tends to tangle easily, especially if it is dried out - Kind of like human hair with fly aways. While it might not knot as fast as a curly coat, you still have to stay on top of it.
The Rule:
Daily brushing is best to prevent matting, but you can often get away with every 2–3 days depending on the length.
Focus Areas:
Most owners love keeping the tail, ears, and face long. These long areas must be brushed daily, but don't worry—you can finish them in as little as 2 minutes!
Pro-Tip:
If you have a smaller dog like a Yorkie, Havanese, or Shih Tzu, you can often brush them thoroughly in under 5 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to make a coffee!
Double-Coated Dogs:
These dogs have a dense, woolly undercoat and a coarser topcoat. It’s rarely the topcoat that tangles; it’s the undercoat that sheds constantly and gets trapped.
The Risk To Your Baby:
It is so important not to let that undercoat become "impacted" (packed solid). Shaving a double-coated dog due to matting can be a major health risk and affect their ability to regulate temperature.
The Technique:
Line brushing is crucial! Brushing just the top will not reach the undercoat where the impaction happens.
The Benefit:
While line brushing a large, fluffy dog takes time, doing it even once or twice a week makes them much happier—and will save you a massive amount of vacuuming around the house!
Matting Can't Always Be Brushed Out
I know it can be disappointing to hear your dog needs a shorter haircut than you planned. However, once a mat reaches a certain stage, brushing may not be possible at all or is no longer a safe or kind option for your family member.
Brushing out a "Rock" is Painful & Not always possible
When matting becomes severe, it turns into a solid, hardened mass—often called "pelting." Attempting to brush out these solid blocks is like trying to untangle a rock.
To brush these out requires constant, forceful tugging directly against the skin, which is incredibly painful and stressful for your dog. As much as I wish I could wave a magic wand, I have to prioritize your dog's comfort over the length of their hair
Under the Mat
When severe matting pulls at the skin, that skin becomes hidden and irritated. Because the hair is pulling so tight, the skin can actually thin out, making it extremely prone to tears, nicks, or "brush burn" before I even begin.
Nail School For Pet Parents
This is everything you could ever need to know about your dogs nails all in one place ❤️ We'll discuss the good, the bad, and the overwhelming - I got you covered! 🙌
How Often Should I Trim My Dogs Nails?
Dog nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to maintain their current length. Trimming their nails less often causes the 'quick' to lengthen overtime - increasing the overall length of their nails.
Are your dogs nails overgrown? If the nails touch the floor while they are standing on all four paws - Then yes, the nails are overgrown.
Learn more about what makes up a Dogs Nails below 🙌
Dogs Nails Explained!
What is the Quick??
There is no bone inside of a dogs nail. Dog nails are made of two parts - Outer shell & the Quick.
1. The outer shell - black or white - is mostly made of Keratin just like ours. This shell is dead and nerveless. It is not painful to cut a dogs nails - Trimming a dogs nails is the same as clipping your own nails!
2. The Quick is the inner part of the nail - It's made up of nerves and blood flow - It is alive!
As your dogs nails grow, so does the quick inside. Without regular nail trims the length of their nails will increase over time.
Why Regular Nail Trims Are Important
If a dogs nails get too long - They will eventually begin to curl and even grow into their paw pads or skin. Regular nail trims help to prevent this from happening.
When a dog’s nails are too long, it actually rewires their body mechanics. Every time a long nail hits the floor, it pushes the toe joint upward or sideways, forcing the dog to shift their weight backward or sideways to find relief. This constant 'back-rocking' puts unnatural strain on their paws, joints, legs, and spine. This can cause premature arthritis and arthritis in your dog.
It’s like trying to hike in shoes that are three sizes too small—your whole body has to change how it moves to manage the pain and discomfort.
The Nail Clicking Is Driving Me Crazy! Why Can't My Dog Groomer Cut The Nails All The Way Back??
When trimming a dogs nails, they can only be trimmed up to the quick (nerves and blood flow) - Because any farther will cause bleeding and pain.
When you take your dog to a dog groomer, they will always cut them as short as is safely possible. If you look closely you will see a small black or pink dot in the center - That is the start of the Quick - That means no more length can be taken off safely.
Cutting the nails all the way back - is not something that can be fixed in one visit, but there is hope and it can be fixed!
Keep reading - "Overgrown dog nails? Want to shorten them?" - to learn what to do!
❤️
Overgrown Dog Nails? Want To Shorten Them?
As a dogs nails grow - both parts of the nail will grow together - The protective outer shell grows along with the quick.
What you are looking to do - Is to 'shorten' or 'recede the quick' in your dogs nails. To do that you have two options as a loving dog owner:
Option 1:
Work with your dog groomer to shorten the nails - You will have to stop in to get their nails dremeled every 3-10 days. This is not an overnight solution - it typically takes months.
How it Works:
When the quick is exposed to air and pressure - It is signaled to recede - This gradually shortens the length over time.
How Often would I recommend:
You have options here!
You can dremel their nails as often as every 72 hours - So if you have the time to make more visits and want them shortened quicker - Go see your dog groomer every 3-7 days.
For less frequent visits - still equally effective - Get their nails dremeled every 7-10 days. You are going in less often - So this will take longer to get to the end result.
Option 2
Surgery
If your dog is in a lot of pain - Has mobility issues - Or you need an immediate solution
Contact your veterinarian to ask them about cauterizing your dogs nails - This surgery is done while the dog is under anesthesia. They cut all the way back into the quick - then cauterize the nail.
This involves 1-3 days of a more intense recovery - The full recovery takes 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
This is a "major" nail trim - Shortening the nail length all the way. This will provide instant relief to your dog - Allowing the dog to walk comfortably again by re-aligning their body mechanics.
To learn more about mechanics - Read "Why Regular Nail Trims are important" - In 'Nail School'.
Thinking About Getting A Puppy - Already Got A New Puppy?!
When Should My Dog Go In For Their First Groom??
As soon as you possibly can! Bring your pup to come see me as early as 12 weeks 🙌
Or you can wait until they are fully vaccinated and bring them in at 16 weeks.
I recommend bringing them in for a Bath & Brush the first couple times - Then we can work up to a Bath & Tidy. Ideally you should bring them in every 2-5 weeks at this young age.
Dog Grooming at this age is more about Dog Training! This is when we set them up for success 💖
We want to expose them to dog grooming while they are in that Critical Socialization Period where their brain is like a sponge.
Keep reading to learn about Key Neurological Stages in Puppies
3 Key Neurological Stages In Puppies
#1 - Critical Socialization Period
All puppies go through what research has labeled the "Critical Socialization Period" - This takes place roughly at 3-14 weeks of age.
Their brain is like a sponge at this age - good or bad. They learn incredibly fast during this "Magic Window" and are very accepting of new things - Like Dog Grooming! 😉
If you are able to - Booking dog grooming at this age really helps to set your puppy up for success in life & eliminates a lot of headaches for you!
#2 - First Fear Imprint Stage
This may overlap and happen at the same time as the Critical Socialization Stage.
Dogs go through this at roughly 8-12 weeks of age. Things they experience at this age can leave life-long behavioral imprints.
You may not even notice this stage - Because puppies are puppies lol If you do - It may seem like they are more scared or sensitive all of a sudden - Their brain is being wired in this age window to determine what they deem as safe or unsafe. This is biological - In the wild, dogs needed this heightened sense of awareness to stay alive.
#3 - Second Fear Imprint Stage
Are you wondering - What is going on with your dog? Do they all of a sudden seem like a totally different dog?
If your dog is 6-14 months old - They may be experiencing the Second Fear Imprint Stage. This can last a few weeks or even a few months. Every dog is different.
It happens at a younger age for smaller dogs - And an older age for bigger dogs.
During this stage your dogs brain all of a sudden becomes hypersensitive - Their brain is being rewired - Things they loved and didn't care about last week are all of a sudden terrifying!
If you notice this taking place - start over or take steps back in your dog training and help them to decide again that things that seem scary are safe.
Why Dog Grooming At A Young Age Is Super Important?
Your dog will need to be groomed their entire life! Dog grooming is an integral part of keeping your pup happy and healthy.
We want dog grooming to be as stress-free as possible - the goal is that they are completely unbothered!
The sooner you bring them in - and the more often you bring them in as a puppy - The easier both of your lives will be ❤️
Early Dog Grooming is all about exposure and desensitization - That is how you set you and your pup up for life-long success in dog grooming.
While these situations are not anyone's fault - The reality is that for a lot of families dog grooming causes an immense amount of stress 💔For some pet parents anesthesia is their only option for dog grooming—a choice that, while intended for safety, can be physically taxing for seniors dogs and very expensive.
Reality Of Owning A Fluff Ball
I don't know about you, but I LOVE a fluffy dog!! They are all over social media - These dogs look perfect and these dog owners make it look effortless! Don't forget their dog is their full time job and income, so it isn't the same as the rest of us.
Cost of grooming:
Any coat length over 1/2" will require a visit to your dog groomer every 3-5 weeks.
A typical dog grooming schedule for fluffy coats would be: Book a Full Groom, 3-5 weeks later a bath and tidy, and 3-5 weeks later a full groom - Repeat cycle.
This can cost you $1,000 to $3,000 per year.
Does this expense fit your budget?
Consider the time:
You will need to be brushing the dog daily at home - Depending on the size of the dog this can take 10-30 minutes per day until you get the hang of it.
For breeds with a poodle type coat you may need to brush them 2 or even 3 times daily.
Think about how you want to spend quality time with your dog and if that's something you can realistically fit into your schedule?
Making A Difference - One Wagging Tail At A Time
I sincerely hope this Grooming Guidebook helps you and your furry family members look and feel their best! I want everything you need to know to be in one easy-to-access place — Consider this your "textbook" for all things dog.
For stopping by and taking the time to read some of this Grooming Guidebook - I want to give a special thanks to YOU, from your dog ❤️ The more we learn, the more it benefits our dogs' well-being and quality of life - Isn't that all that matters 💖
My desire to build this business was fueled by a deep passion for our four-legged, life-changing friends! Think of me as your partner in your dog’s wellness journey. I’m here to work with you as a team to ensure your pup feels safe, healthy, and loved. Whether you have questions about coat care or need help getting those paws back on track, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s do this together!
❤️ All You Need Is D.O.G.S. ❤️