Question

I've only had large dogs before that didn't need grooming, but I just took on a Cocker Spaniel puppy. I need to take her to a groomer, and I was wondering if there are any tips for preparing her for the first time.

Answer 1

Take her in at a very young age. If nothing else, have then bathe her and cut her nails. It's really important to socialize them to the grooming shop when they're young. Give her treats. Make it a good experience.

Answer 2

My vet told me to use an electric toothbrush or razor or something, and run it close to her so that she can get used to the sound. That's what the shavers they use for grooming sound like, so it helps them to not be scared.

Answer 3

make sure you take her to someone with good references. i took my dog somewhere without checking, and she was traumatized. luckily, the next groomer was willing to work with her, but it was horrible. she was so scared.

Comments

YES! That happened with my cat! It was horrible. They gave her a lion cut when all I wanted was for them to trim her belly. I was so upset. I will never go back to them again.

Answer 4

Make sure you brush her a lot before you take her in, or take her in really soon. I waited for too long with my Cocker, and the groomer had to shave all of her hair really short because she was matted. I didn't even realize it, but the groomer showed me how the hair was all clumped together next o her skin.

Comments

I had a similar situation, and I was really upset. I feel like the groomer should have warned me before buzzing my dog. Also, isn't a part of their job to get out matts?

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I agree that the groomer should have warned you, but sometimes shaving is the only way to get matts out. If they're too close to the skin, it can be dangerous to cut with a scissors, and it hurts you're dog.

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I work at a groomer's too, and the best thing to do to keep mattes down is to comb your dog's (or cat's) hair. Brushes don't get down far enough. Every time your the hair gets wet, it mattes up, and it will get worse and worse if it isn't combed out. This includes going outside in the rain, getting wet from dew in the morning, etc. Pay attention to areas that rub together, like armpits, between the toes, and around the collar area.

Answer 5

Thanks for all of the good answers, guys! I think they will really help. I especially appreciated all of hte answers concerning matting.

Thanks again!

Answer 6

Try to be calm, if you're worried, because she will pick up on it, and it will be harder for her. Also, make sure that she's used to you handling her, like touching her face, ears, and feet. Dogs who aren't used to that can have a hard time at the groomer"s.

Comments

That is really important. I work at a grooming shop, and it's really annoying when the owners are there, talking to their dogs or freaking out. It makes it harder on everyone.

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My wife used to run a grooming shop and I can vouch for the fact it's best to just leave while your animal is being groomed. Pets are usually much more calm and willing to cooperate under these circumstances.

Answer 7

Here's a picture of what you should look for if you go to buy a comb:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dematting+comb+for+dogs&hl=en&biw=906&bih=599&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=qCexGdUL8U48eM:&imgrefurl=http://www.tradenote.net/keyword/Flea/%3Ftype%3Dproducts&docid=zLZd81HlyLIJEM&imgurl=http://www.tradenote.net/images/users/000/392/252/products_images/529031.jpg&w=1003&h=679&ei=qhafToW8FK7PiAKCksRj&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=328&vpy=300&dur=1960&hovh=185&hovw=273&tx=137&ty=143&sig=109404198093231675668&page=1&tbnh=125&tbnw=164&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0

Answer 8

Make sure that you tell the groomer it's her first time so that the groomer can be prepared. SOmetimes it takes longer for the first appointment. If it's a good groomer, it may take a while, but your dog wont be stressed when she's done.