Many dog owners are continually on the look out for dog grooming tips. It stands to reason that your animal must be cared for regularly, not just to look good, but for obvious health reasons. So it is important to work out a routine that will ensure that the job is done properly, on a regular basis and with a minimum of fuss and bother. It is really best to start at the puppy stage, around 6-8 weeks of age.

Grooming is an important part of the socialisation process for any puppy, getting him used to being picked up and interacting with you and your family. Also, grooming reinforces your leadership role and and is an important step in ensuring the dog learns obedience and is happy in a subordinate role.

You should make grooming a regular procedure, and should set aside sufficient time to carry it out effectively and in a relaxed manner. Starting when a puppy will get the animal accustomed to the process which it should find a pleasurable experience. Begin grooming when the puppy is tired and relaxed after exercise. For older dogs, you may find it best to begin grooming after the dog has finished its daily walk and before he is fed.

Think about where you will carry out the grooming. Find a place where dust and loose hair from the dog's coat do not create a problem. Puppies and small dogs should be groomed standing on a bench at table height, preferably on a non-slip surface. This will make the job easier, with no bending. Larger animals can be groomed standing on the floor.

You should buy a good quality dog comb, perhaps made of stainless steel, which has teeth that will not break. Also, choose a dog brush suitable for the length of your dog's coat, with stiff bristles for a dog, softer for a puppy. You should also have a supply of cotton buds or soft cloths for wiping the dogs eyes and nose.

Begin grooming by gently untangling any matted hair. Use your comb to tease out the knots of hair and it may be necessary to use thinning scissors if the hair is really tangled. This can be uncomfortable for the dog so take your time. Once the coat is untangled, then comb and brush the whole coat, following the direction that the hair lies. Make sure you comb round the neck, ears, under the collar, tummy, under the tail and the dog's genitals. Follow the same routine every time which will make sure every inch of the dog is groomed.

You should examine each leg in turn. Pick each leg up, and stretch it to check for cuts or grazes. Inspect the nails, pads and paws for injuries and remove any mud or dirt. Inspect the dog's mouth and teeth. You can introduce tooth brushing weekly which will prevent mouth problems developing. Special dog toothbrushes are available and your Pet Store can provide you with dog toothpaste containing "cetrimide."

Regular bathing is not really necessary, perhaps 2-3 times each year unless of course the dog has rolled in something which needs to be removed. Remember to use proper dog shampoo which is formulated specially for dogs. If your dog needs to have its coat clipped, you may decide to take him to a specialist dog grooming parlour for an expert cut. Otherwise you can do this yourself with scissors, clippers and a hairdryer.

Finally, ensure you always give your animal a reward for good behaviour while being subjected to grooming. You should always talk to your dog throughout the grooming session and remember that a good brush and comb is good for the dog's skin and coat. Take the opportunity to check for fleas and other parasitic undesirables at the same time, because skin infestation is very common these days.

I hope you have found these dog grooming tips useful and now understand the importance of regular grooming as a way of enhancing your relationship with your dog.