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As proprietor of a successful grooming and supply business in California for 20 years, I have witnessed the common mistakes people make when purchasing a pet as well as the resulting problems that occur. If you are in the market for a new four-legged family member, hopefully this article will shed some light on the subject.

An intelligent, loving pet is an incredible asset to your family, while one with a poor disposition can not only turn you life upside down and make you miserable, but become a financial liability as well. In most cases performing two simple tests can adequately determine a pup’s basic and most important personality traits.

First, Cradle the puppy in your arms as you would a baby. A good-natured, trusting animal will not stiffen or flail in an effort to right himself. Relaxing in your arms is clear indication of a trusting nature. Desperate attempts to get free show a lack thereof.

Secondly, touch him! All over. Ears, flanks, belly, and most importantly!, his feet. Gently but firmly pinch the webbing between his toes with your fingers to test his level of skin sensitivity. Normal pups will endure a firm pinch without jerking away or crying out. Under no circumstances should you settle for an animal that bares his teeth, screams in fear, or freezes up when you touch him, especially if there are children in your household. Watch his tail. It indicates exactly what he’s feeling.

Also be aware that the pet-selling industry is a lucrative business. Pet lovers such as myself run the majority of breeding facilities and pet shops I’ve come in contact with over the years. Unfortunately, not everyone can be trusted. Go in with your eyes wide open to the potential lifetime commitment and cost of maintaining that standard poodle pup like the ones you’ve seen in magazines and dog shows. Be wary that while you are falling in love with that cute little fur-ball,(and contemplating spending hefty sums of money) the seller might! be reluctant to discuss any negatives that could discourage a sale. If he explained that you would have to dedicate two hours a day for the next fifteen years to brushing or pay a groomer approximately $100.00 monthly to achieve and maintain that beautiful coat, would you still purchase the dog?

If you do indeed purchase that standard poodle and later find that maintaining the show dog coiffure is unrealistic, be open to the alternatives. Frequently, a shorter haircut is in your pet’s best interest. Countless times, uninformed owners have brought in pets with coats matted to the skin and expected a miracle. Receiving news that detangling fur that hasn’t been brushed in months is not only impossible but unethical, is unpleasant—but don’t shoot the messenger! Dogs forced to endure extreme dematting procedures more often than not wind up loathing the grooming process, not to mention the groomer. Think what is best for your pet rather than what is aesthetically pleasing ! to the eye.

Once you've decided to undertake the rewarding responsibility of pet ownership, it’s important to expose him to grooming at an early age. Eight to ten weeks is ideal. Although at this age he probably wont need much trimming, it is imperative that he grow accustomed to the process, which includes being handled all over, having his nails trimmed and ears cleaned, the feel of electric clippers on his head and body, and the sound of the blow-dryer.

A normal, well-adjusted pup will quickly learn that the grooming shop is a fun place to visit where he’ll receive loads of affection and attention. Numerous owners would laugh at the way their pets literally charged into my shop. One particular morning the staff arrived at opening time to find ‘Bolt’, a giant schnauzer, waiting at our door. Upon being let in, he rounded the front counter and leaped onto the grooming table, ready for his beauty treatment. His owner wasn’t surprised by the call and stated, “He absolutely! loves his grooming!”

Ultimately, proper grooming should be an extremely enjoyable experience for your pet. , Here are 3 insider grooming tips to help make the process pleasurable for everyone involved, most of all, your pet.

1. It doesn’t make sense for a groomer to groom one dog at a time. By creating an assembly line where pets are washed in the morning, then dried, clipped, and finished in the afternoon, twice as many clips can be accomplished in one day. Don’t balk at having to leave your pet at the shop an average of 6 to 7 hours. Not only is he getting one on one attention throughout the day, he’s learning that there’s no need to be threatened by the presence of other dogs. He’ll enjoy the outing!

2. NO breakfast on grooming day! A cookie or two in the morning is fine. 75% of the time full tummies result in a mess that according to Murphy’s Law, happens right about the time your pet is finally clean and dry. As you might imagine, the consequence of having a second bath and blow-dry is that at least an hour is added to your pets already long day. Not to mention the! groomer’s…

3. Respect your pet’s feelings as if they were your own. Results of multiple studies conflict as to whether dogs have the mental capacity to experience feelings of shame, guilt, and spite. Having spent far more hours in the company of dogs than people, my own opinion is a resounding yes, they do! I’ll never forget the sweet little Maltese that came to my shop matted to the skin. My only option was to shave him down with the shortest blade I had, for which he was effusively grateful. The mats were so tight they’d actually started to pull away from the skin on their own. As soon as this torturous condition was corrected, he had the time of his life rolling around on the table, growling and playing like a new pup.
Unfortunately, as soon as his owner arrived with her pointing, jeering, children to pick him up, his exuberant tail wagging ceased. His head fell, his tail disappeared, and he slunk to the rear of the cage, utterly depressed over something that! Was no fault of his. Never underestimate your pet's ability to read emotions.
Sometimes they’re far more human than we give them credit for.

Hopefully through this article, I’ve been able to impart some insightful information about dogs, their personalities, and grooming. Choosing a pet that fits your particular circumstances and needs is a monumental decision, and one you will have to live with an average of fifteen years. The innocent, honest, and unconditional love of a pet is something everyone should experience during his or her lifetime. A relationship that demands so little yet gives so much in return is well worth delving in to. Good Luck to you!

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