Proper grooming is an important part of your Labradoodle puppy’s overall health. It’s never too early to start preparing your puppy for a professional grooming. The first grooming appointment can be frightening for your puppy. But, it doesn’t have to be! The following tips can help your puppy have a positive experience at the groomer.
Handling and socializing your Labradoodle puppy
Before scheduling your first appointment, make sure your puppy is comfortable with being touched and handled. Begin by stroking your pet’s favorite spots before moving on to more sensitive areas, including the face, ears, paws, and rear end. Be sure to praise and reward your puppy for calm behavior. Continue socializing your puppy by introducing him or her to new people and animals.
Introducing the grooming tools
Once your puppy is comfortable with being touched, you can introduce common grooming tools. Let your puppy inspect and sniff the brush, comb, scissors, hair dryer, and clippers. Gently brush your puppy’s coat for a few seconds at a time. Turn on the hair dryer and clippers while feeding your puppy treats to create a positive association.
Grooming your puppy at home
Keep your initial grooming sessions short and reward your puppy for good behavior. You can build up the duration over time, as your puppy gets more comfortable. If you’d like to give your puppy a basic grooming at home in between professional grooming appointments, check out this helpful YouTube video from the Australian Labradoodle Association of America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWkJcGe8dUo
Visiting the grooming salon
When your puppy is accustomed to being groomed at home, you can introduce the grooming salon. Schedule the first visit after your puppy’s second round of vaccinations at about 4 months old. The first session should be short and positive. In fact, just visiting for a quick introduction and nail clipping is a good start. The most important thing is to give your Labradoodle puppy a positive experience with professional grooming.
Your puppy’s first full grooming
Now that you’ve done everything you can to prepare you puppy, it’s time for a full grooming appointment. After drop-off, always wait to be notified that your puppy is ready for pickup. Never come back to the grooming salon early. If your puppy sees you or hears your voice, it will be very difficult for the groomer to finish the job.
Maintaining health with regular grooming
For best results, your Labradoodle puppy should be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. You will also need to brush your puppy at home. While many Labradoodles do not shed, their undercoats can mat and become difficult to manage. Daily brushing keeps your puppy’s coat clean and shiny. Also be sure to keep your puppy’s eyes and ears clean and brush your puppy’s teeth daily using a special dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
By following these tips, you can have a healthy and gorgeous Labradoodle puppy that doesn’t mind being groomed. If you have questions about how we groom our Labradoodles, feel free to contact us any time.
Comments