Le  Pucci Bijou

Le Pucci Bijou

 

Puppy Practice 

 

Dogs aren’t born knowing how to behave for grooming. It is a learned behaviour that we need to teach them. We want to help your puppy learn the grooming process in a gentle, and caring way. Grooming is a life-long process, and we want to make visiting the groomer a happy and positive experience. It is important to introduce puppies to grooming very early, while they are still young, and amenable. At Pucci Bijou, we want puppies in for their first grooming visit as soon as possible after their third round of shots with the rabies shot. As soon as your vet schedules the appointment for their third round of shots, it is a good idea to call us and schedule their first grooming appointment. A puppy’s initial experience at the grooming salon can set the stage for how they respond to being groomed for the rest of their life. It is imperative to build the relationship of trust between dog and groomer not only for your puppy’s well being, but, for their safety as well. At Pucci Bijou Dog Grooming Parlor, a new puppy’s first visit is basically an introduction to the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of the grooming salon and process, If not introduced properly, these things can result in a traumatic experience that your puppy could associate negatively with grooming for the rest of their life. The first step of Puppy Practice introduces your puppy to the tub and bath, brushing and combing, blow drying, nail clipping, being on a grooming table, and the hustle/bustle of the grooming salon. When your puppy seems comfortable and reacts well to the first step of Puppy Practice, the second step is the hair cut! Keep in mind that their first haircut goes as far as your puppy is comfortable with. Therefore, It may take a few visits to get a complete haircut.

 

 Practicing at home

 

There are some things you can do beginning very early on to help your puppy to practice becoming familiar with the grooming process and equipment:

*Brushing/Combing their coat

*Picking up, touching and gently squeezing their paws & toes, including  between the toes

*Being kenneled in a crate

*Firmly, but, gently holding their chin - (the groomer will do this to hold their head still while trimming the face & head.)

*If you have a beard trimmer, or, electric toothbrush (remove the brush head) anything that vibrates similarly, turn it on, show it to them, and slowly work up to your puppy letting you touch them with it until you can do so without them being afraid.

The Big Day

 

Take your dog out to use the restroom before it goes into the grooming salon. Bring your dog in on a  leash, or, carry it in, don’t let it run loose in the lobby. Be relaxed and calm. If you are nervous, your dog will pick up on your energy, and will be nervous, too. Make your goodbye short & sweet, don’t draw it out. A confident pat on the head & “see you soon” will suffice. Your dog will sense that something is wrong if you look or act hesitant. When you pick him up, reward him with plenty of praise and treats for a job well done so your puppy will associate a trip to the groomer as a happy, positive experience. Happy grooming!