7 Expert Tips on Dog Grooming at Home: How to Groom a Pooch Yourself

dog grooming at home, tips for grooming dog at home

Dogs are a man's best friend, and what's the best way to show your dog you love them? Grooming them yourself! In this blog post, we will give you expert tips on dog grooming so you can have your pooch looking its best. We'll cover everything from how to bathe your dog at home to how to trim their hair. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced dog groomer, read on for some handy tips!

What is dog grooming? 

Dog grooming is the process of cleaning and maintaining a dog's appearance. This can involve everything from bathing and brushing to nail trimming and ear cleaning. It's important to groom your dog regularly so they stay healthy and look their best!

What do professional dog groomers use to wash dogs?

Professional dog groomers use a variety of dog shampoos and conditioners to clean dogs. They also use special dog brushes and combs to detangle dog hair. Most of the grooming sessions include clipping nails, and haircut, for white dogs, they work on the stains.

Our favorite salons also apply some balm on the paws of the pup & finish up the process with a spritz of dog perfume for a long-lasting effect after the bath. 

professional dog grooming products, what professional dog groomers use?

Difference between at home and salon dog grooming

The main difference between grooming your dog at home and taking them to a professional groomer is the cost. Professional groomers can be expensive, so if you're on a budget, grooming your dog at home is a great option. However, it's important to note that professional groomers have the experience and expertise to properly care for your dog. If you're unsure about how to groom your dog yourself, it's always best to consult with a professional.

How long does it take to groom a dog at home?

The amount of time it takes to groom your dog at home depends on the dog's breed and coat type. Short-haired dogs can usually be groomed in less than an hour, while long-haired dogs may take several hours.

dog grooming at home, dog bath at home

How difficult is to groom a dog at home? 

Grooming a dog or puppy at home is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little patience and practice, you'll be able to groom your dog like a pro! However, if you're unsure about how to groom your dog yourself, it's always best to consult with a professional.

How to bathe a dog at home

Tip #1: Prepare all the supplies, so they are within your reach. Without letting the dog out of sight, you can access shampoo, brush, towels, etc.

Washing your dog at home can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! The first thing you need to do is gather all the supplies you'll need. This includes:

  • shampoo,
  • conditioner,
  • towels, and
  • dog brush.

You'll also need a place to wash your dog that is comfortable for both of you. A bathtub or shower is a great option.

dog bath at home, how to bath dog at home, golden retriever

Tip #2: Select the right shampoo! Dog shampoo is just like humans have different types, depending on your skin & hair needs. Coat-specific dog shampoo is a must for home grooming!

Tip #3: Not going away from coat type, you should also tailor your grooming process to the dog's coat type: brushing before the bath? Drying, etc? Get more information on  shedding dogs, nonshedding dogs & dogs with sensitive skin

Once you have all your supplies, it's time to start the dog grooming process!

Tip #4: Brush thoroughly before the bath. This will loosen loose fur or hair, which will reduce shedding after.  The first step is to wet your dog down with warm water. Be sure to avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. 
sad dog, wet dog, dog bath, how to bath dog, dog grooming tips
Tip #5: If your dog isn't a fan of bath time , try spreading a bit of peanut butter on the side of the tub to keep your pup busy during the process.
Next, apply shampoo to their coat and work it in well. Rinse off the shampoo and then apply the conditioner. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing it out.

Can I use a human conditioner on my dog?

No, you should not use a human conditioner on your dog. Human conditioners are not formulated for dogs and can cause skin irritation. There are a variety of dog-specific shampoos and conditioners available that will be gentle on your dog's skin and coat.

Tip #6: Protect the ears! You can put on a cap or plug the ears with cotton. so water does not get into them.

After your dog is clean, it's time for another brushing. This will help remove any knots or tangles and make their coat shiny and healthy. Be sure to brush in the direction of their hair growth. 

How to dry a dog? 

Once you're finished brushing, it's time to dry your dog off. Use a towel to gently pat their coat dry. You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to help speed up the drying process.

drying the dog, how to dry dog, drying dog with airdryer 

Tip #7: Use positive reinforcement! After the bath, an extra pet treat or cuddles will be a perfect reward for the bath time ritual. Next time it will be easier to get through it, because your dog will know there is a reward in store! :)

Do not forget to gently clean the ears of your pup with a slightly damp cloth, do not reach deep into the ear with it! Just remove all the residue from where you can see it. 

For the finishing  touch,  you can use a dog perfume to seal that wonderful fresh pup smell! Dog perfumes often have a deodorizing effect, so they help to fight bacteria that cause bad odor.

Unless your experienced at nail trimming, we do not recommend clipping nails at home with nail trimmers, better to ask a professional to tackle this very sensitive issue.

And there you have it! These are just a few of our expert tips on dog grooming at home. With these tips, you'll have your dog looking and feeling its best in no time. Thanks for reading!

WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?

PRIDE+GROOM was born because 4 New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.

With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.

PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.

IN DOG WE TRUST

Shop our entire line:  www.prideandgroom.com

 

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HEATHER PERLMAN | CO-FOUNDER, CCO

Heather Perlman is a designer whose career spans some 20 years. She has worked as an art director for several advertising agencies with such clients as Coca-Cola, Nike, and Microsoft. As a graphic designer Perlman has designed and produced everything from invitations to book covers to corporate identity and collateral for hotel groups, restaurants, independent schools, and various celebrities. Nothing much is safe from a revamp in her eyes. She can’t help it. She’s sorry.