Grooming The
Keeshond
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Introduction
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New Keeshond owners, and even
some who have had a Keeshond for some time, are often wondering exactly what is involved
in proper Keeshond grooming. As a young puppy it seemed that brushing their dog out was no
big deal, 20 minutes and you have a cute, fluffy puppy again. But, as the coat matured,
the process became more tedious and the dog less cooperative. The best source to
learn how to properly groom your dog is your dog’s breeder. Sadly, many people do not
buy their Keeshond from a reputable breeder and so this is not an option. Still others
have adopted their Keeshond from Keeshond rescue or through an animal shelter and have no
breeder to turn to. This article will outline the steps involved in proper coat
maintenance for the breed and provide some tips to make the job less difficult to
accomplish. If you cannot find a Keeshond breeder in your local area willing to take the
time to show you how to groom your dog, then this article is for you. The next several pages will take you through a discussion of the Importance of Grooming a Keeshond, what makes the Keeshond Coat so unique, the Tools Required to properly groom your dog, the actual Grooming Procedure, A Procedure on Bathing Your Keeshond and finally the Conclusion and a brief explanation of what Grooming Services We Offer here at Cari-On Kennels. So, enjoy and let us know what you think or what may be missing. Thanks for visiting our grooming room.
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Why Grooming Your Own Dog Can Be So Important |
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| Grooming your own dog does not
have to be a painful, feared experience. Anyone can train their dog to behave throughout
the grooming process. Additionally there are many benefits to grooming your own dog.
First, there is the satisfaction that comes from knowing you can do it and the pride that comes from the complements received when walking your well-groomed dog in public. The Keeshond is a stunning dog when in full coat and properly groomed and will turn many a head. However, an unkempt Keeshond is a dreadful sight. Part of the joy in owning this double-coated breed comes from the pleasure derived from maintaining the coat for others to appreciate. Sadly, there are many Keeshond owners who did not consider the grooming requirements of the dog when they got it. Because they are not willing to put forth the effort necessary to maintain their dog’s coat, they never take their dog out in public, as it would be an extreme source of embarrassment. Please, do not acquire a double-coated companion if you are not willing to spend at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours every other week to maintain the coat properly. Second, grooming your own dog helps to develop that special bond between you and your pet. Experience has shown me that generally it is the person who takes the time to train and discipline the dog that the dog is most closely bonded to. Grooming sessions do not have to be long, drawn out bloody battles, but it does require consistent, regular, patient training on your part for the dog to develop confidence in your ability to groom him without inflicting extreme discomfort. For myself, grooming is therapy for me and my dog. Grooming for me is like gardening or toodling around in the workshop is for other people. It is time for thought and reflection. Your grooming setup should be comfortable for both you and your dog. We have a television and a stereo system in our grooming room. Our dogs usually fall asleep during the grooming session. Finally, grooming allows you to
become thoroughly familiar with your dog’s body. During regular grooming sessions you
will come to know every bump, every place that hair does or does not grow, and every spot
your dog likes or does not like to be touched. Knowing what your dog’s skin and coat
normally feel and look like will allow you to immediately ascertain when something might
be wrong. Generally, when a dog becomes ill, one of the first signs will be a
deterioration in the coat or skin. Also, any unusual lumps or bumps will be noticed
immediately. |
