One of the most exciting experiences in dog owning is when you have to spend time making your dog look great. However, for some, dog grooming is a daunting task. Imagine you have to cut, trim, bathe, nail cut, and brush the dog. You don’t even have the time to do them on yourself! Well, people who treat dog grooming this way are certainly those who do not take responsibility on their pet. Of course you are not one of these people, are you not?

To be able to keep your dog in its perfect and groomed condition, the following are some helpful guides you should consider:

Understand – If you previously own a Labrador and shifted to a Tibetan Terrier, then you have to realize that you need to do some grooming routine. Why? Because different dogs require different grooming techniques. What you should do is to understand the breed of your dog. Learn about its history and characteristics. Then, you should be able to know from this information the proper grooming techniques you should do as well as the right living environment it deserves.

Prepare – There are certain breeds that require frequent grooming. There are some breeds that require a once a month bathing. There are some breeds that require everyday coat brushing. These things must be anticipated. There is no better way to fail your dog grooming by not preparing for it. From this important information, you should be able to plan, prepare, and allocate a time where you can bring your dog to a dog grooming shop. Or, make a schedule on when to groom your dog on your own.

Invest – Taking care of a dog can be comparable to taking care of a baby (of course you get 4 legs instead of 2 among lots of other things). You need to provide full attention during the first months and constant care on the following years. Along with this is the fact that you should invest on tools and dog supply that your dog needs to maintain a healthy living. Tools such as toenail clippers, brushes, combs, de-matting tools, dryers, shampoo and conditioner, flea removal and dog food among other things. Allocating a budget and investing on these things is very important in dog grooming and keeping your dog healthy.

Learn – Grooming your dog does not stop once you follow the things given above, you should improve your knowledge about your dog and try to learn more things and techniques on how to properly groom your dog. You can buy books or read articles about how to groom your dog.

Groom – After you have understood your dog, prepared yourself, invested on the tools and supply you need, and learned more about the particular grooming requirement of your dog, then, it is time for you to do some dog grooming.

All these constitute to one thing: taking good care of your dog. You have to remember that the characteristic of the owner can manifest on the way the dog is groomed. Many would agree to this. And you should be as well. If you see a dog with mats everywhere, you often regard the owner of that dog to be irresponsible, right? So better make sure that you give proper care for your dog at the same time, be mindful of the things that are needed to keep your dog in good shape.

Check out some great recipes:

Bacon Bits for Dogs

Bacon Bits for Dogs 6 slices cooked bacon — crumbled 4 eggs — well beaten 1/8 cup bacon grease 1 cup water 1/2 cup powdered milk — non-fat 2 cup graham flour 2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup cornmeal Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop... [Read more]

Apple Crunch Pupcakes

Apple Crunch Pupcakes 2 3/4 cups water 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 tablespoons honey 1 medium egg 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup apple, dried 1 tablespoon baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix... [Read more]

Baby Food Doggie Cookies

Baby Food Doggie Cookies 3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained — *see Note 1/4 cup cream of wheat — *see Note 1/4 cup dry milk Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten... [Read more]

Dog Biscuits #2

Dog Biscuits #2 1 envelope dry yeast 1 cup rye flour 1/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 pinch sugar 4 teaspoons kelp powder 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 4 cups beef or chicken broth 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups cracked wheat or 1 c. cornmeal GLAZE:... [Read more]

Champion Cheese & Veggies Chews

Champion Cheese & Veggies Chews 1/2 cup grated cheese — room temp. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 teaspoons applesauce 1/2 cup vegetables — what ever you like 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 cup whole wheat flour nonfat milk Mix cheese,... [Read more]

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits 3/4 cup Beef stock — *see Note 1 egg 3 tablespoons oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup Bulgur — *see Note 1/3 cup Bran 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast Place... [Read more]

Bulldog Brownies

Bulldog Brownies 1/2 cup shortening 3 tablespoons honey 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup carob flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Frosting 12 ounces nonfat cream cheese 2 teaspoons honey Cream shortening and honey together thoroughly.... [Read more]

Bone A Fidos

Bone A Fidos 2 1/4 teaspoons Dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 Pinch sugar 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour 2 cups Whole wheat flour 2 cups Cracked wheat 1 cup Rye flour 1/2 cup Nonfat dry milk 4 teaspoons Kelp powder 4 cups Beef broth — or chicken GLAZE:1... [Read more]

Apple Cinnamon Drops

1 large apple 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup of water 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oatmeal 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/8 cup whole wheat flour Directions: Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C). Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor... [Read more]

Beef Twists

Beef Twists 3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup cornmeal 1 package unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained 1 beef bouillon cube 3/4 cup boiling water — or beef stock Dissolve bouillon cube in... [Read more]