1. Dogs don’t like being groomed very much, so the earlier you start the better to help get your dog used to it. If you find that your dog hates being groomed to start with, try using a few treats to distract him and show that grooming is something to look forward to. It’s not surprising that dogs generally don’t like being groomed so do your best to make your dog feel relaxed and safe. Establishing a grooming routine can help.

2. All dogs need their coat brushed, even ones with short hair. This will help the coat to stay clean and shiny. Dogs with longer hair will require more brushing time, but don’t neglect your dogs coat if it is short. Be gentle when brushing otherwise your dog may start to fear it.

3. Dogs need a bath sometimes too. How often depends on the type of dog and whether it gets very dirty on walks. Make sure you brush him well before putting him in the bath, and use a specially made dog shampoo.

4. Take care of your dogs toenails. Most dogs don’t spend a lot of time on hard ground and because of that their toenails get long. If that’s the case, you need to keep them trimmed so they are even with the bottom of the paws. You shouldn’t have to trim toenails too much, once every few weeks at most.

5. While grooming look out for anything unusual. Dog grooming is a great way to keep an eye on your dog to make sure it’s healthy. Look out for rashes, bumps or anything that seems unusual. If you do find something you should always visit a vet straight away.