PUPPIES & Rescues!
Updated: Oct 27
I came across a situation recently that I realized would make a great topic to touch on! In late September, I was visiting a new client's home to groom their 7-month-old puppy. The pup had received a few baths previously, but hadn't had a full haircut just yet. It really made me reflect on how important early sensory training is for our dogs.
Puppies are not born knowing how to be groomed—it is a brand-new experience that we have to gently teach them! We slowly introduce the clippers to their body, letting them get used to the vibration and the hum. We get them used to the feeling of water, and one step that is often overlooked: the drying process. A great way to practice at home is simply introducing the gentle airflow of your own hairdryer from a distance to get them used to the sound and sensation.
Every puppy and rescue is completely unique when it comes to grooming, and sometimes, they have a lot to say about the process! As we got this sweet 7-month-old puppy on the table and started clipping his nails, he displayed completely normal puppy behavior: he became very vocal about us touching his feet. He also had a lot to say about the water, the dryer, and the clippers. I want to reassure all pet parents that this is completely normal! When a puppy is vocal on the table, it is usually just a fear of the unknown. They simply haven't learned yet that these basic grooming steps are nothing to be scared of.
I completely understand the protective instinct when you hear your puppy whining or crying. It is so tempting to peek in! However, if we agree that it is best to groom in a separate room, I strongly encourage you to give them that space. When an owner walks in, the puppy instantly gets excited and breaks their focus. We then have to pause our work and help the puppy re-center and calm down all over again. A puppy's tone and pitch when they are just unsure or frustrated is very different from a cry of pain.
At Paws Gone Pretty, Shiloh and I do our absolute best to help puppies & rescues work through their fears and anxieties. We always use gentle handling, give them plenty of breaks when needed, and encourage them through every step of the process. We use positive training, offering excited energy and treats, or grounding, calm energy—whatever the pet needs in that exact moment.
If you hear your fur baby being a little vocal, please trust that they are in the best, most caring hands. You might even hear us right on the other side of the door, quietly praising and comforting them! If we ever need an extra set of hands or a familiar face to help comfort them, we will always come right out and ask.
Comments