when to start grooming

[ConantheBarbarian]

Hi all! Another question about Conan, my Bull Mastiff. He is 9 weeks, when should we start having him groomed?

[Crystal7883]

Unfortunately I can't take my dog to the groomer. He doesnt like it & he freaks out. I brush him everyday. Now he is shedding pretty bad. I'm not sure on how often to have him bathed. Sorry I couldn't be of more help

[Dax]

You should start doing everything now. When he's calm and not overly tired - touch all of him. Play with his paws - rubs his body - etc. I started by touching claws and now apply a gentle pulling so my little monster does fear or resent it. The more he is handled lovingly by you the easier he will take to being handled. Invest in a good pair of dog clippers (you won't need them yet). Let him sniff them, touch it to his toes. Same thing with brushes. Rule of thumb - the more it bothers them, the more you do it. Reward him with praise, love and maybe treats based on whatever system you choice.

There is no reason why you can't do all the grooming yourself especially if you have one of those "YOU BATH" centres where you use their bathtub etc. You can also buy now dog wipes (like baby wipes but especially for dogs) so you can clean the him now with no risk of getting him too cold or stressed. If you wait til he's 60 or 70 lbs and he doesn't like it - you'll be hooped.

[ConantheBarbarian]

Thanks for the help, Crystal7883 and doglover!Im going to look into the "you bath". Its sounds like it would be a huge help. I better get one quick before Conan grows as big as the table! I LOVE MY GENTLE GIANT!

[Crystal7883]

Doglover,
I bathe him at home usually but I will have to try those wipes. I have wipes for his paws when he gets muddy. We have been bathing him since he was a puppy but he just doesn't like the groomer.

[Dax]

I don't blame him. I have watched some of them really manhandle these dogs. And even had one of my doggy friends clipped with scissors.

Dogs aren't dumb - they know who loves them and who is doing it because it's a job.

The wipes are really good and cheap (here anyway). They make puppy smell nice too.

[Dax]

FORGOT - (i'm really getting up there) When Conan tops out at 180lbs you may want to take him to the "Special carwash places that also have dog washes next door"

The "YOU BATH" places have tubs set higher (so you don't kill your back) and steps so the dog can walk into the tub instead of being lifted. They also have the high powered dryers which blow out all the loose hairs. Bull Mastifs have short coats and you can probably get away to one or two full baths a year and then just brushing & the wipes.

[ConantheBarbarian]

Thank you again doglover! You are most helpful. I actually just found out that there is a "dog wash" about 5 minutes from my house! Perfect! I was ment to have a dog.

[ConantheBarbarian]

p.s. only a few baths a year?! Dog ownership gets better by the second! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[MarioLuigi]

Immediately. If the dog gets used to being handled now, he will be able to handle it in the future. Start now by bathing him monthly and brushing his often. Rub his gums, massage his paws and nails. That way he can better handle the touching and hadling.