Grooming your puppy is so much more than just making the coat look nice and shiny. Grooming can also be a good way to bond with your dog, and it’s important to get him used to it from an early age. Many dogs learn to see their routine brushing as an alternate petting, another source of affection and attention. A good quality brush and comb will help you with your dog’s coat, but also remember that your dog’s eyes, ears, and nails require attention as well.

Skin

You can check your dog’s body and coat to make sure there are no stones or burs caught between his toes, in his ears, mouth or skin. You will be able to check your dog closely for any problems while grooming. Move the hair aside and examine the skin closely for signs of fleas, ticks or skin irritations. Look at her skin to see that it looks healthy and doesn’t have any sore spots.

Coat

Brushing your dog is the best thing you can learn to help your dog stay healthy. Look for any unusual problems with the coat such as mats, tangles, dandruff, etc. Mats and tangles can be carefully removed while grooming. Brush in the same direction that the hair goes. Don’t forget to brush everywhere, especially behind the ears, on his stomach, and on his tail and back legs. Brushing the coat has similar effects on puppies as adult dogs in that it cleans the coat, removes loose hair, and stimulates the oil glands of the skin. At this age, the puppy will see the brushing as just another form of petting. Get them used to it now so they will let you do the same when they are adults. Reading about your particular breed will help you to know how to brush your dog correctly.

Teeth

You should buy special toothpaste for dogs and with a toothbrush, brush your dog’s side teeth. Most dogs like the taste of the toothpaste. Brushing your dog’s teeth once or twice a week will help keep teeth clean and the breath fresh

Nails

There are several styles of nail trimmers, including a guillotine type and a scissors type.  If your dog does not like having his/her nails trimmed you might consider a nail trimmer which will file the nails istead of cutting them.
If you cut too short and the nail bleeds, place a tiny piece of tissue paper tightly against the end of the nail and hold it for a few minutes. Better yet, have some Quick Stop Powder available and put a small amount up against the bleeding end of the nail to stop the bleeding right away. If you do nothing the bleeding will stop in about 5 to 7 minutes.