The following guidelines will help to make weekly grooming a fuss-free occasion. Get dogs used to grooming early in life. Long-haired breeds especially should be groomed from the time they are puppies. Do not use tranquilizers on a routine basis, which can lead to liver damage. Be sensitive to your dog s likes and dislikes.
Dogs often like to flop over onto one side for brushing, so don t insist that they sit up or stand.
Use appropriate combs and brushes. Use a brush with stiff bristles on one side and wire on the other. If the atmosphere is very dry and full of static, as it often is in winter, I moisten both my fingers and the brush to reduce the chances of giving the dog electric shocks. For the same reason, it is good to place the dog on a wool rug or cotton towel. Be gentle and reassuring.