Grooming

Puppies may be small--or relatively small-- but those squirming, wagging, romping bundles of energy are anything but easy to groom.  Puppies love to be on the move, and may not be particularly thrilled about sitting nicely for a long session of brushing, toenail clipping, and primping.  However, because puppies grow, and some grow really big, puppyhood is the best time to establish a regular grooming routine.  Just try to trim a full-grown Irish Wolfhound’s nails if he doesn’t want you to do it.  Don’t expect to have the upper hand when it comes to physical strength!

Some puppy coats morph pretty subtly into their adult versions, but some puppies come into their adult coats in a rather dramatic fashion involving tons of hair loss, a temporarily patchy coat, and the development of an undercoat more dramatic and challenging than any the puppy owner had imagined. 

Do each of the following activities with your puppy every day at the same time:

Every dog needs a bath now and then. Since many dogs dislike baths, it’s a good idea to teach your puppy to enjoy them while he is small …and still easy to lift into the tub or kitchen sink. Have a few old towels ready and expect to get wet, yourself!