Grooming your dog has benefits for both the dog and for yourself and your family. Here are some of the top reasons why you should groom on a regular basis.

Brushing is great for the health of their coats. Just like us, brushing increases the blood circulation underneath the fur which helps the cells get what the nutrition they need. And again, like us, they need to be washed in order to rid their coats of toxins that build up over time just from being outside.

Brushing your pup will improve his overall health by stimulating his blood circulation which in turn will boost his immune system, promote muscle mass and help fight off infections. It also makes them feel happy, loved and comfortable, which will turn them into even better dogs.

As I mentioned, dogs can do the basics, but really, they don’t seem to care if they smell! The longer or thicker your dog’s coat is, the more grooming they are going to require because their fur is going to capture and hold all the smelly places that they get into. Grooming them will help eliminate smells, and you could add natural oil scents when brushing or bathing them to make them smell even better.

Grooming gives you a chance to check out your dog’s body on a regular basis. Often our pet can hurt himself, or have a lump or swelling that we knew nothing about. The sooner you know these things, the better, and the quicker you can have them looked at it need be.

Regular grooming can save you money on professional dog grooming. Even if you go to a professional for cuts and styling, if their fur is in good shape to begin with, the job will be made much easier and therefore cheaper. Your dog will probably love you even more, since often professional dog groomers are not their favorite people!

One of the best reasons for groom your dog is that it provides you both with a sense of bonding. Your pet will love all the extra attention you give him and the two of you will grower even closer.

Any one of these reasons alone should be enough to get you into regular grooming. It is an essential part of the responsibility of having a dog and should be integrated into your routine as soon as possible.

Alex is a freelance graphic artist & marketing pro with a love of writing and dogs. She has a long and personal history with dogs and has studied what works and what doesn’t when training them. If you enjoyed this article, check out a couple of her others, like Are Table Scraps OK For Your Dog? or Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?.

Puppies chew as a way to explore and relate to the world around them. The activity is instinctive to them. Unfortunately, if chewing behavior is focused in the wrong direction, it can result in damaged clothes, shoes, and furniture.

It’s important to realize that adult dogs also chew, but do so for a variety of reasons that extend further than mere exploration. For example, your pooch might feel separation anxiety if you leave him alone for long periods. Or, he might be bored. This happens often when canines lack an outlet through which to expend their pent-up energy. Your pooch may also chew on your belongings as a way to get your attention.

Whatever the reasons for the destructive behavior, you can control the problem. Below, we’ll provide a few tips for training your dog to avoid chewing on your possessions.

Use A Crate

Crating your puppy is an ideal strategy for confining him when you’re unable to watch him. Not only will he come to see his crate as his personal space, but you’ll prevent him from ruining your furniture and clothes when you’re not home. If you plan to keep him crated, be sure to give him a few toys with which he can entertain himself.

Provide Chew Toys

The goal is not to eliminate your pooch’s penchant for chewing; again, that’s his way of relating to the world around him. Instead, redirect the behavior toward objects that are acceptable for him to chew.

For example, all pet supply stores sell chew toys that can keep your canine occupied. Some are rubber; others are made from durable rope; still others are designed from strong leather and rawhide. Any of these toys will keep your dog’s attention while providing the stimulation he desires.

Keep Your Departures Understated

Owners often unwittingly worsen their dogs’ separation anxiety by overstating their departures. When they return home, they’re surprised to find their furniture partially destroyed. Downplay leaving your home. The bigger fuss you make, the more likely your dog will sense that your leaving is a major event. That raises the likelihood of his chewing.

Provide An Outlet For Exercise

When canines lack an outlet for physical activity, they become bored. Moreover, their energy level remains unspent and stifled. That’s a recipe for destructive chewing. Make sure your pooch receives at least an hour of exercise each day. He’s less likely to suffer boredom and he’ll have less pent-up energy to direct toward your couch.

Offer A Swap

Puppies find chewing new objects to be irresistible. If you see your pup gnawing on something he shouldn’t be, take the item away and replace it immediately with a chew toy. Avoid getting into a tug-of-war contest with him. Instead, have a toy on hand and swap it quickly.

Some dogs love to chew almost anything they can get into their mouths. Other canines are more selective, though they can cause just as much destruction. Learn to control the problem by redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior to objects you don’t mind being destroyed.

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categories: dogs, canine, puppies, dog behavior, dog tips