Discover my most valuable tips, gathered over years of experience, on how to groom your Golden Retriever.
Overview
When you bring your new puppy home, they will not require much of the grooming expectations that come as they grow more mature.
However, exposing them to the process when they weigh 25 lbs is much easier than waiting until they are adult-size and not accustomed to what you are doing to them! These are my personal recommendations from my dog experience.Â
Step By Step: How to Groom Your Golden Retriever
Bathing
As soon as you bring them home, bathe them. This is an especially important task as they grow older, and it is much easier if they are accustomed to the bath as a small puppy. Do it in the sink, bathtub, or whatever is available.
Use a mild shampoo, human baby shampoo is a viable choice in the beginning. You may want to move to flea and tick shampoo later or a whitening shampoo, a detangler. The important thing as a puppy is to get them used to a bath.
Towel them off lightly and try a blow dryer.
Hold it near them to get used to the noise, just blow on them a little but do not push it. This will be scary and take a little patience, one blow at a time. Dog hair dryers are not as hot as the ones we girls use so be aware you do not get them too close.Â
Brushing After The Bath
Brushing after a bath should be a pleasant experience and as a puppy, not so necessary to remove hair as it is to get them to love it!
Use a soft-bristled brush, later when they have grown their downy hair under the guard hairs you will want to use an undercoat rake to de-shed them. All should feel good and be a pleasant experience for your dog.Â
Cutting Their Nails
Start immediately and keep them clipped and filed. The best cutters come with a guide, so you do not cut too close.
If you do cut the quick, it bleeds like crazy so have some styptic powder on hand (available from any pet store or Amazon). Cutting nails regularly is much easier for the dog!!Â
Brush Their Teeth
There are several ways you can do this. Personally, I like the 3-sided toothbrush for adult dogs, but finger brushes work well for puppies. Â
Cleaning Their Ears
There are multiple ear cleaners available at the pet store that will work great (so does witch hazel).
Cotton balls to swab, again just getting them used to the process. If they develop redness or a smell, you have an infection and should see the vet for treatment. Â
Recommended Grooming Tools
Tool | ​Why | ​Recommended Products |
​Grooming Table | ​I invested in a grooming table and have never regretted that purchase. It is easier on you (your back) and the dog realizes they need to stand still and let you do what you need to keep them healthy and beautiful!!! | |
​Tearless Shampoo for Puppies | ​A tearless formula minimizes discomfort and irritation, ensuring a safer and more pleasant grooming experience for both the puppy and the owner. | |
​Soft Bristled Brush | A soft-bristled brush is ideal for a Golden Retriever's coat because it's gentle enough to avoid damaging their long, flowing fur, while effectively removing loose hair and preventing matting. | |
​Nail Clippers | ​A good pair of dog nail clippers is essential for grooming because it helps maintain a dog's overall health and comfort. Regular nail trimming prevents overgrowth, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and even mobility issues for the dog. | |
​Finger Toothbrush & Toothpaste | ​Finger toothbrushes are excellent for brushing the teeth of puppies because they provide a gentle and controlled brushing experience, making it easier to reach all areas of a puppy's mouth. Their small size and soft bristles minimize discomfort, helping puppies get accustomed to dental care from an early age. | |
​Ear Cleaning Wipes | ​Getting ear cleaner for a puppy is essential to maintain their ear health. Puppies can be prone to ear issues, and regular cleaning helps prevent infections, discomfort, and potential hearing problems by removing excess wax and debris. |
Conclusion
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Golden Retriever, especially when bringing them home as a young puppy at 8-10 weeks. The key is to introduce grooming gradually, making it a positive and routine experience. By handling, touching, and grooming your puppy consistently and with care, you'll help them grow comfortable with the process.
Remember to use treats to create positive associations, making grooming sessions enjoyable for both you and your furry companion. We hope you found this article helpful. Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what other topics you'd like to see covered in the future!
Comentarios