Dogs are like people—they all have different personalities. Some love being groomed, while others may not be as thrilled about it. If you’re planning to bring your pup in for its first grooming appointment, here are some things you need to do beforehand:

Do a Test Run

When planning to groom your dog for the first time, it’s best to do a test run at home. This way, you can see if your dog is comfortable with being handled and if any problems need to be addressed before taking him in.

A simple preparation like brushing your dog’s coat out or clipping his nails can help you to get a feel for how they react to grooming. If they are not comfortable with being held, try purchasing some baby harnesses to keep them in place while you work on them.

Focus on Good Grooming Habits at Home

When you are home, focus on good grooming habits. This means brushing their coat often, especially after they come in from playing outside. Brushing them will help remove dirt and debris that gets stuck in their fur and make it easier to brush out tangles when needed. It would help if you also trimmed their nails at least once a month so that they don’t get too long or painful for them to walk on.

Make Your Dog Comfortable with Grooming Tools

If you want to groom your dog, ensure they are comfortable with the tools you use. If they are not used to having their nails trimmed or have never had their fur brushed, start by just touching them with the tool and build up from there. You can also try giving them treats while you use these grooming tools so that they associate it with something positive.

Be on Time for Drop off and Pick-ups

Being late for drop-offs and pick-ups can be stressful for you and your dog. If possible, try to plan these things out so that you are not rushing around in the morning or evening. You can also ask if they offer late drop-offs or early pick-ups so that you aren’t stuck at work all day.

On a side note, checking in on your dogs to see what they are doing or check if they have already finished is not advisable. This will make your dog excited, and the groomer may not be able to perform the rest of the grooming session.

Be Specific with Your Requests

You can ask for many things when it comes to your dog’s grooming session. You should let the groomer know if you have any preferences regarding what kind of cut or style you want and what coat care they need. For example, if your dog has a thick undercoat that gets dirty quickly, you may want them to shave off the fur around their eyes and mouth instead of just trying to brush it out.

Listen to the Groomer

The groomer may have some suggestions for you regarding your dog’s grooming session, so listen carefully and take their advice. If they say there is something wrong with your dog’s coat, and it needs to be shaved off, then go ahead and let them do it.

Conclusion

It’s essential to do your research before bringing your dog in for grooming. If you have questions about what might be best for your pet, talk to the groomer beforehand. The more information you can give them, the better prepared they will be able to take care of your dog.

You don’t have to go through the hassle of bringing your pup to a groomer. Let The Ruff Life Mobile come directly to you. We are a mobile grooming service that offers pet grooming in Long Island. Our fleet of luxury spa vans allows you to enjoy grooming services in the comfort and convenience of your own home.