{"id":78,"date":"2020-04-07T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdblogdev.frontrowdigital.com\/index.php\/2020\/04\/07\/once-you-finally-get-them-to-hold-still-grooming-will-bring-you-closer-than-ever\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T00:59:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T00:59:16","slug":"how-to-groom-your-dog-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/grooming\/how-to-groom-your-dog-at-home","title":{"rendered":"ONCE YOU FINALLY GET THEM TO HOLD STILL, GROOMING WILL BRING YOU CLOSER THAN EVER."},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"shogun-root\" data-shogun-id=\"6138f8f75d17e300d36f6972\" data-shogun-site-id=\"d9255bbb-e575-4245-8c97-6e6fd6cb260b\" data-shogun-page-id=\"6138f8f75d17e300d36f6972\" data-shogun-page-version-id=\"685c0e173cfaec37367ff46f\" data-shogun-platform-type=\"shopify\" data-shogun-variant-id=\"685c0e173cfaec37367ff5e7\" data-shogun-page-type=\"article\" data-shogun-power-up-type=\"\" data-shogun-power-up-id=\"\" data-region=\"main\"> <link rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text\/css\" href=\"https:\/\/a.shgcdn2.com\/css-2025-06-12-0213\/685c0e173cfaec37367ff46f_685c0e173cfaec37367ff5e7.css\"> <script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.shgcdn2.com\/js-2025-06-05-1257\/global-assets-c677f3036f76206e8caab8991ceb251dd178c5ad.js\" defer><\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-6a625c0c-d632-4a7f-81f7-42eb1fc5cae2\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our pets trust us for so much. Shelter. Food. Squeaky toys. But get out a toothbrush or nail clippers and suddenly we\u2019re the bad guys. Don\u2019t feel bad. Grooming at home isn\u2019t always easy, but it\u2019s an important part of pet wellness. The good news is that it really is a great way to bond, if you do it slowly and carefully.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-823878d4-7ce2-4b79-a56e-b76a852214d0\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-hr-wrapper\">\n<hr><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-01100e6d-b823-407e-9270-37ec2016e173\" class=\"shg-c shg-align-center\">\n<div class=\"shogun-heading-component\">\n<h1> THE GUIDE TO AT-HOME GROOMING <\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-fa4eff3c-d064-4fbc-b167-0303fca362db\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shogun-heading-component\">\n<h2> TRAIN YOUR PET TO BE HANDLED <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-75d4b3d1-cdc9-4c57-a7a9-940ec13230ef\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p><strong>When should it happen?<\/strong><br \/>As young as possible. If you rescued your pet as an adult, start weeks in advance of their first groom appointment so they\u2019ll be ready.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get them used to touch \u2014 rub their belly, play with their paws, ears and carefully with their mouth<\/li>\n<li>Let them sniff a grooming tool (brush, nail clipper), then give them a treat<\/li>\n<li>Try touching the tool to your pet without using it, then give them a treat<\/li>\n<li>Use the tool on your pet for a brief moment, then give them a treat<\/li>\n<li>Let your pet go if they\u2019re upset and give them a chance to calm down<\/li>\n<li>Start again, and if they sit still for the grooming give them a treat<\/li>\n<li>If your pets get aggressive at being touched, it\u2019s time to call a trainer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"shg-c \" id=\"s-53f1c4c5-20b4-4bff-ac3d-e7d258c185c1\">\n<div class=\"shg-row\" data-col-grid-mode-on=\"\">\n<div class=\"shg-c-lg-6 shg-c-md-6 shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"shg-c shogun-image-container shogun-image-linked \" id=\"s-9fb173fa-72e0-4123-92f2-f97f947cf3d5\"> <a class=\"shogun-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/fruitables?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Crunchy$2520Treats\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0035\/7338\/3238\/files\/30047-1582129295_720x_797f0850-7669-4854-a177-90edc811f03b.jpg?v=1585914380\" width=\"\" height=\"\" alt=\"Fruitables Crunchy Dog Treats\" class=\"shogun-image \" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/a> <\/div>\n<p> <script class=\"__SHG_DATA__\" type=\"application\/json\">\n    {\n      \"__shgImageElements\": { \"uuid\": \"s-9fb173fa-72e0-4123-92f2-f97f947cf3d5\" }\n    }\n  <\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-07e8959c-f9f1-4f37-86b2-5cbd12243d8e\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/fruitables?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Crunchy$2520Treats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fruitables Crunchy Dog Treats<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"shg-c-lg-6 shg-c-md-6 shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"shg-c shogun-image-container shogun-image-linked \" id=\"s-dc568bbb-f052-48f1-ad64-c728b7232808\"> <a class=\"shogun-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/bocces-bakery?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Training$2520Treats\" target=\"_blank\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0035\/7338\/3238\/files\/33.png?v=1585914531\" width=\"\" height=\"\" alt=\"Bocce\u2019s Bakery Training Bites\" class=\"shogun-image \" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/a> <\/div>\n<p> <script class=\"__SHG_DATA__\" type=\"application\/json\">\n    {\n      \"__shgImageElements\": { \"uuid\": \"s-dc568bbb-f052-48f1-ad64-c728b7232808\" }\n    }\n  <\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-052d2ed7-b7dc-4518-bafe-a2f2362344db\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/bocces-bakery?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Training$2520Treats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bocce\u2019s Bakery Training Bites<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-09cb74f2-b31d-4f9e-9438-4a0c7f740090-root\" class=\"shg-c shg-btn-wrapper shg-align-center\"> <a id=\"s-09cb74f2-b31d-4f9e-9438-4a0c7f740090\" class=\"shg-btn shg-cse shg-btn-text \" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/biscuits\"> SHOP NOW <\/a> <\/div>\n<div id=\"s-8bcccac9-10fd-45a9-8f56-2cc4340b1f39\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shogun-heading-component\">\n<h2> BRUSH YOUR DOG OR CAT <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-98f0c50c-8c9c-4058-83ee-77e031d29831\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p><strong>When should it happen?<\/strong><br \/> Every couple of days, no matter what kind of coat they have. For long-haired pets, brushing prevents painful mats from forming in their fur and causing problems like poor circulation and hot spots. For short-haired pets, brushing removes loose hair so they can better regulate their temperature plus it reduces itchiness.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Find the right brush \u2014 long-haired pets need pin brushes, shorter-coated breeds need bristle brushes<\/li>\n<li>Check for mats behind the ears and under the legs, use a dematting brush to remove them<\/li>\n<li>Remove anything caught in their fur, like burrs and grass<\/li>\n<li>Check out their skin for any abnormalities, like hot spots, irritations or growths<\/li>\n<li>Build up to sessions that are about 15 minutes long<\/li>\n<li>If your dog swims, be sure to always brush them out afterwards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"shg-c \" id=\"s-e66c5d91-234f-42ba-bd2d-244ab910af3d\">\n<div class=\"shg-row\" data-col-grid-mode-on=\"\">\n<div class=\"shg-c-lg-6 shg-c-md-6 shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"shg-c shogun-image-container shogun-image-linked \" id=\"s-09d5cab1-6689-4c66-a3f9-b6c1f7feacbe\"> <a class=\"shogun-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dog-grooming?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Brushes$2520$2526$2520Combs\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/i.shgcdn.com\/41f2036f-9a81-466a-a12e-3a3864877ff7\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/preview\/3000x3000\/-\/quality\/lighter\/\" width=\"\" height=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"shogun-image \" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/a> <\/div>\n<p> <script class=\"__SHG_DATA__\" type=\"application\/json\">\n    {\n      \"__shgImageElements\": { \"uuid\": \"s-09d5cab1-6689-4c66-a3f9-b6c1f7feacbe\" }\n    }\n  <\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-416a6495-7746-4e15-bb1a-7c9d1657fa52\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dog\/products\/furminator-dual-grooming-brush\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Furminator Dual Grooming Dog Brush<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"shg-c-lg-6 shg-c-md-6 shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"shg-c shogun-image-container shogun-image-linked \" id=\"s-d62271e7-1044-4d26-9968-becbe5f9d53c\"> <a class=\"shogun-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/grooming?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Deshedding$2520Tools\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/i.shgcdn.com\/f6218032-4f59-45f6-82e9-df9eb62be085\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/preview\/3000x3000\/-\/quality\/lighter\/\" width=\"\" height=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"shogun-image \" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/a> <\/div>\n<p> <script class=\"__SHG_DATA__\" type=\"application\/json\">\n    {\n      \"__shgImageElements\": { \"uuid\": \"s-d62271e7-1044-4d26-9968-becbe5f9d53c\" }\n    }\n  <\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-812ef7b6-b6c9-404d-8622-6ec86e773c40\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/grooming?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_type:Deshedding$2520Tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deshedding Tool<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-963b4ef2-c59a-4c91-b1bb-217633606418-root\" class=\"shg-c shg-btn-wrapper shg-align-center\"> <a id=\"s-963b4ef2-c59a-4c91-b1bb-217633606418\" class=\"shg-btn shg-cse shg-btn-text \" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/grooming\"> SHOP NOW <\/a> <\/div>\n<div id=\"s-e3272e08-bc9d-4277-b014-ed4b78941fcb\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shogun-heading-component\">\n<h2> TRIM YOUR DOG\u2019S NAILS <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-b587b4b6-de8d-4bc6-ba49-f49a3793b7c2\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p><strong>When should it happen?<\/strong><br \/>Every two weeks. And don\u2019t worry about forgetting \u2014 once you hear them clicking on the floor, it\u2019s time for a trim.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Getting started is tricky, so follow our training rules above and check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/health\/how-to-trim-dogs-nails-safely\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tutorial<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li>Be aware of \u201cthe quick\u201d \u2014 it\u2019s the nerve and vein portion of the nail<\/li>\n<li>If your pet\u2019s nails are clear, you\u2019ll be able to see this part of the nail<\/li>\n<li>If the nails are black, proceed carefully and look at the nail tip straight on after each small clip<\/li>\n<li>Once you see a pale oval appear in the tip, STOP \u2014 you\u2019ve reached the vein and nerve<\/li>\n<li>If you make a mistake and cut the nail vein, don\u2019t panic. Use a pain-relieving powder product to stop the bleeding. If that doesn\u2019t work, it\u2019s time to go to the vet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"shg-c \" id=\"s-5d59a53f-2c6c-4a2b-8af4-0119b52d8f6c\">\n<div class=\"shg-row\" data-col-grid-mode-on=\"\">\n<div class=\"shg-c-lg-6 shg-c-md-6 shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"shg-c shogun-image-container shogun-image-linked \" id=\"s-973f4293-6159-43b6-a4be-cb4717e48713\"> <a class=\"shogun-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/nail-care\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/i.shgcdn.com\/a2399d9a-6534-4abe-bb2e-b68b7b78872b\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/preview\/3000x3000\/-\/quality\/lighter\/\" width=\"\" height=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"shogun-image \" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/a> <\/div>\n<p> <script class=\"__SHG_DATA__\" type=\"application\/json\">\n    {\n      \"__shgImageElements\": { \"uuid\": \"s-973f4293-6159-43b6-a4be-cb4717e48713\" }\n    }\n  <\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-31865df3-1d47-4251-9b55-aea9b9763699\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/nail-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coastal Professional Dog Nail Trimmer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"shg-c-lg-6 shg-c-md-6 shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12\">\n<div class=\"shg-c shogun-image-container shogun-image-linked \" id=\"s-8ae3b0e9-ccdc-4fcb-a5d8-2048083c6597\"> <a class=\"shogun-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/nail-care?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_pet:Cat\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/i.shgcdn.com\/0c669abc-a31e-4108-8cf9-efe1e8cd618c\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/preview\/3000x3000\/-\/quality\/lighter\/\" width=\"\" height=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"shogun-image \" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"> <\/a> <\/div>\n<p> <script class=\"__SHG_DATA__\" type=\"application\/json\">\n    {\n      \"__shgImageElements\": { \"uuid\": \"s-8ae3b0e9-ccdc-4fcb-a5d8-2048083c6597\" }\n    }\n  <\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-b2e27a54-ff3f-485a-a54e-a7b1cdd81f5a\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/nail-care?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_pet:Cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coastal Cat Nail Trimmer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-e2f458e6-2e22-41fc-984d-182fad8e88f3-root\" class=\"shg-c shg-btn-wrapper shg-align-center\"> <a id=\"s-e2f458e6-2e22-41fc-984d-182fad8e88f3\" class=\"shg-btn shg-cse shg-btn-text \" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/nail-care\"> SHOP NOW <\/a> <\/div>\n<div id=\"s-de572fd1-fb5e-41dc-94d5-32d52c4ac7ea\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shogun-heading-component\">\n<h2> BRUSH YOUR PET\u2019S TEETH <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-50d4d018-e9b8-4916-9daa-001149026805\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p><strong>When should it happen?<\/strong><br \/>Two to three times per week. Don\u2019t beat yourself up if the sessions are short, this is a tricky one. Again, build up over time and remember, dental care is so important for overall health that every little bit helps.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check out our full <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/blogs\/news\/brushing-your-pet-s-teeth-will-really-make-you-feel-for-your-dentist\">guide to brushing your pet\u2019s teeth<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li>Never use human toothpaste \u2014 it\u2019s toxic for animals<\/li>\n<li>Lure your dog or cat into opening their mouth with pet-friendly flavored toothpaste<\/li>\n<li>Ease them in with toothpaste on a washcloth wrapped finger<\/li>\n<li>Build up to using a real pet toothbrush<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-f060404b-976b-4e6e-8844-380fac5fc838-root\" class=\"shg-c shg-btn-wrapper shg-align-center\"> <a id=\"s-f060404b-976b-4e6e-8844-380fac5fc838\" class=\"shg-btn shg-cse shg-btn-text \" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dental-care?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_category:Grooming\"> SHOP NOW <\/a> <\/div>\n<div id=\"s-b8f96e42-9c16-4c05-a210-6b2716b0640d\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shogun-heading-component\">\n<h2> DO TOUCH-UPS AS NEEDED <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-23b08935-de8d-4c0d-b97a-61628fc3091f\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p><strong>When should it happen?<\/strong><br \/>Any old time that a full bath isn\u2019t entirely necessary.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use a cleansing wipe to clean your pet up after outdoor play<\/li>\n<li>Remove eye discharge with a little saline solution (the kind that people use on contacts is fine) and a flea comb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"s-581ac098-e29b-44a4-bec8-071891f055ca-root\" class=\"shg-c shg-btn-wrapper shg-align-center\"> <a id=\"s-581ac098-e29b-44a4-bec8-071891f055ca\" class=\"shg-btn shg-cse shg-btn-text \" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/grooming\"> SHOP NOW <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our pets trust us for so much. Shelter. Food. Squeaky toys. But get out a toothbrush or nail clippers and suddenly we\u2019re the bad guys. Don\u2019t feel bad. Grooming at home isn\u2019t always easy, but it\u2019s an important part of pet wellness. The good news is that it really is a great way to bond, if you do it slowly and carefully.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-78","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-grooming"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":200,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78\/revisions\/200"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}