If you live with a large four-legged friend, knowledge about grooming is indispensable. Whereas you can get away with some unknown things with a small dog, when you have a large one, grooming becomes a much more demanding task. Washing, brushing, clipping and all that good stuff takes up more time and requires a lot more concentration when your canine is just plain large. So, what can you do to simplify grooming and reduce the time it takes? Luckily, we have 6 tips just for that!

Tip No. 1 – Always have a schedule

Dogs love a rut. You may not, but if that time of day comes, and they know you’re standing up from a sofa to get their leash and you will go outside, they get ecstatic. In general, all dogs are not too keen on surprises, so it’s best to keep them to a minimum. Make a schedule for grooming and do it regularly. You can use products for your dog like hip and joint meal toppers that you can get from Mighty Munch. This will help them maintain joint health and support mobility in dogs. Your dog will get used to things and grooming will gradually become uneventful. If you don’t do that and catch them by surprise, well, prepare to clean the mess then...

Tip No. 2 – Select the best tools for the job

It’s easy to just go for some cheap shampoo or nail clippers that were advertised online or ones that you saw on TV. But did you know that clippers are more often than not, the inferior tool for nail cutting? It’s way better to pick a nail grinder for large dogs. Even though it takes time to get used to the noise (for the pet), they are a lot safer and more accurate. Thus, it’s essential that you pick the best tools for hair cutting, washing, brushing and nail trimming. 

Tip No. 3 – Treat them right

After you successfully cut their hair or trimmed their nails – give them a treat. It’s the best way to ensure that both you and your pet are on the same page when they’re being groomed. You can hold a small pup in place but what about a Great Dane, a playful Lab, a German Shepheard, a Husky or a Rottweiler as well as other bigger breeds? If they move, you move and if they’re very reluctant to do something, it can be close to impossible. Use your smarts and make them want to behave the way you want them to behave.

Tip No. 4 – Let them adapt

It’s not smart to expect your pup to submit and behave the way you want them to right away. It can take time to get on solid ground. When you buy a new grinder that whirs and makes noise, let them adapt to it. The same applies to the hair trimmer. Gently apply the stream of water from the shower, etc. Be slow and results will show!

Tip No. 5 – Use services

There are dog grooming centres and dog SPA’s even. Professionals work there, so you shouldn’t shy away from bringing your dog there every once in a while. They can groom your pooch with the highest degree of precision and professionalism. Of course, dog grooming services aren’t all that cheap, which is especially true in the case of large pooches. But if you want them spick & span – that’s the right choice to make.

Tip No. 6 – Get some help

If your dog is sometimes too much to handle all by yourselves, get some help from your friends and/or family members. Ask them to help keep your canine friend in place while you trim their nails or fur. Don’t be afraid to ask for help lifting them into the shower and taking them out. It’s not all that easy, especially if you’re a beginner or have some physical problems.

Some final words

We hope that these tips were helpful to you. In the end, it’s all about persuading the dog and using all of your advantages to get on good terms with them. If you want to read more insightful tips about living with a pet and get more information about dog grooming, go to Our Pets Mag!