Grooming your pet doesn’t have to be a chore. While it may take some time for your pet to get used to the idea of being pampered, the process will go smoothly if you follow a few simple steps. No matter how old or young your pet may be, the most important thing is training them to remain calm. To accomplish that, you have to build a level of trust. If you live in Marin County and are looking for a pet grooming facility in Novato, call Bridewell Hilltop Boarding Kennels & Cattery and ask what you can do to put your family pet at ease before the first visit.

Start Preparing Your Pet at an Early Age

The key to having a calm pet while they are being groomed is to prepare them for it when they are little. Touch them all over all the time. Play with their toes and ears. Get them used to being touched. When you first take them to the vet, make a stop at the groomers as well. Let the groomer give them a bath and brush them. It’s important to begin to build the bonds of trust early so when it is time for a haircut, they are already used to the process.

Older Dogs Need Grooming Too

If you adopt an older pet and it needs to be groomed, there are several things you can do to keep it calm. The groomer may want you to stay for the first visit, simply because the pet will be more settled if they know you are right there. Just like with a puppy, get your pet used to physical touch. Touch them everywhere until they allow you to do so without pulling away. Visit the groomer and let them become familiar with the atmosphere. If you drop your pet off, don’t come back until the groomer tells you they are finished. If you come back too soon, the pet may become excited, making it difficult for the groomer to finish.

When you are ready to book your first appointment with a Novato pet grooming professional, call the staff at Bridewell Hilltop Boarding Kennels & Cattery. They will be more than happy to help you keep your pet looking it’s very best. Contact us for more tips on how to properly prepare your pet for their next appointment.