DIY doggy DAY SPA

GIVE YOUR POOCH THE PAW-FECT TRIM FROM HOME!

We all want to pamper our furry friends, but it can be tough to know where to begin. Petstock’s grooming expert, Stephanie Goodwin, answers all our questions on how to care for your pooch at home.

TOOL CHECK

For a successful at-home groom, start by ensuring you have all the right equipment.

“This includes a highquality brush, grooming scissors, clippers, shampoo, conditioner, and any other tools specific to your dog’s needs,” explains Stephanie.

When it comes to trimming, wait until your dog is calm and use the correct tools to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

“Opt for grooming scissors that have ball tips to protect their sensitive areas,” says Stephanie. “For those with less experience, use guard combs, which form a protective layer over the blade teeth and reduce the risk of cuts.”

CALM ENVIRONMENT

Using treats and praise can help your dog associate being groomed with a positive experience, rather than a stressful one, says Stephanie.

“When grooming your pup, it’s important to be calm, gentle and confident, as they can become unsettled by nervous energy,” she adds.

“Another great approach is to break up grooming into smaller sessions. It can be overwhelming for a dog to receive the whole works. Starting small is a good way to get them used to their grooming routine, especially if they’re a puppy.”

AVOID AN UPSET PUP

“If you play with your dog

beforehand, they’re less likely to put their remaining energy into stressing out over being groomed,” advises Stephanie.

“Try to distract your dog. You could spread a little Vegemite or peanut butter on a washable surface and allow them to lick it off while you brush or wash them.”

• For grooming tools, pet supplies and other services, head to petstock.com.au