Grooming
Dressing Your Dog For The Weather
Getting a sweater and booties to protect your dog from the elements is one thing. Actually getting your dog to wear that sweater and booties is quite another. If you’re determined to outfit your canine companion in winter garb, keep the following tips in mind.
Measure Up: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when choosing what size sweater and boots to buy for your dog. If his measurements place him between two sizes, opt for the larger size.
Prepare Ahead Of Time: Don’t wait until the first snowfall to acquaint your dog with a new sweater and footwear. Instead, introduce him to such garb well before the forecast is white. That way, your dog is more likely to don his winter gear calmly by the time you really need to use it.
Take it slowly: Don’t expect your dog to accept either a sweater or booties immediately. Take the time to introduce these items to him slowly. If you’re trying to acquaint him with a sweater, start by putting just his head through it. After he’s done that successfully and easily several times, put one leg through. Once he’s accepted putting his head and one leg through the sweater, do the other leg.
Treat him right: A dog might learn the art of getting dressed for winter a lot faster if you offer some tasty treats as an incentive. For example, encourage your dog to put his head through the sweater in order to gain the treat that you’re holding on the other side of the garment. Once he’s got the sweater on over his head, take the sweater off, and repeat a few more times. To persuade him to give booties a try, give him a treat as soon as you’ve successfully placed one bootie on. The idea is to help your dog associate these garments with good things – in this case, treats.
Source: Susan McCullough
Why Grooming Is Important
The physical appearance of your dog influences not just the way your dog feels, it affects his (or her) interactions with his human family as well. After all, who wants to snuggle with a dirty smelly dog? Excessively matted hair, tangles and dirt, do not feel good to your dog either. Believe it or not, a clean dog is a happier, healthier dog.
Here are 8 reasons to keep your dog clean and well groomed:
- Regular bathing keeps your dog healthy it eliminates the germs and dirt your dog picked from playing outside. A clean dog equals a healthy dog.
- A clean pet feels more comfortable. Bathing with a rich lather using a good dog shampoo will remove dander and fleas from your pet’s skin.
- Keeping your dog’s toenails trimmed is important. Trimming your dog’s nails will prevent the germs from accumulating inside of them. Also, trimmed nails will prevent scratches if your dog jumps on you and keeps your furniture safe.
- Brushing your dog’s hair regularly will keep it shiny and tangle free. If you have a long-haired dog, you may need to cut it or have it clipped occasionally to keep him looking nice and neat. Hair that becomes densely matted will harbor moisture and can cause sores and ulcers on the skin under the matted hair.
- Keeping the hair short around his eyes will give him a better view. A dog that can’t see is more likely to nip and bite.
- Some dogs grow hair in their ears that needs to be pulled out periodically. If the ears are not cleaned, or if dirty clumps of thick hair remain in the ears it can cause problems such as ear infections and hearing loss.
- Boost his energy. Clean dog means a happy dog. Just like a human, your pet needs to be cleaned to awaken his senses after having a good wash. Proper grooming is just like rejuvenating his confidence, giving him the energy to enjoy any and all activities that await him.
- A well-groomed pet is much easier to love. Of course, a responsible pet owner doesn’t want his dog to be dirty. A clean and healthy dog is very nice to look at. Others will also appreciate all the proper care that you give your pet.
by Andrei Smith
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!
