Puppy Grooming

specific settings. Conversely, repeated positive adventures are written in their memory for life. Puppies introduced to regular gentle handling and home grooming lessons will accept it as a normal part of life. Preparing your pup for professional grooming can be simple and easy. Home handling sessions are a time to bond with your new puppy and should begin when you bring them home. Focus your first sessions on teaching your pup to be comfortable and relaxed while being held. Once you have mastered calm cuddles incorporate the following steps:

1. Touch the puppy's coat all over. Note sensitive areas like the feet, ears, tail, face, or belly.

2. Give them a gentle massage and work on the sensitive areas. Rub the paw pads, the legs, inside the ears, the tail, and the muzzle.

3. Place grooming tools next to the puppy, such as a comb and a soft slicker brush. Allow the puppy to sniff the tools.

4. Introduce the puppy to brushing. Begin with the less sensitive areas like the back and sides. Start with 2 to 3 slow, gentle strokes at a time. Praise and treat your pup for remaining calm.

We only accept well socialized dogs and puppies 4 mos./older for ½ or full-day daycare

NOT a drop-in daycare Boarding 7 days/wk., year-round boothbaycanine@gmail.com

653 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay

207-633-DOGS • boothbaycanine.com

Puppies have short attention spans and limiting grooming sessions to a few minutes daily is best. Only advance to the next step when the puppy is calm and comfortable. Observe your puppy for signs of stress, including but not limited to excessive yawning, trembling, whimpering, and trying to get away. Puppies may show signs of stress if you advance to the next step before they are ready. Enrolling your new companion in a beginner puppy class will help you navigate introducing your pup to new situations.

Puppies should meet the professional groomer as early as possible after their puppy vaccination series at 14 to 16 weeks old. Vaccinations protect against infectious diseases and are especially important when taking your new friend to public spaces frequented by other dogs. Consider making appointments early to be sure your puppy receives vaccinations on schedule so as not to delay its first visit to the groomer. Carefully select a grooming salon that offers puppy appointments during slower times of the day to minimize distractions. The first few puppy visits will provide time for a positive introduction to the grooming environment with minimal grooming. When your puppy is comfortable with grooming tools, the groomer will focus on trimming high-priority areas such as the face, feet, and fanny. Be patient with your groomer and puppy; it may take one or two sessions before the puppy is ready for an all-over haircut. Grooming is part of dogs' lifelong training to keep them in their best shape. Routine home care and handling sessions are an excellent way to bond with your pets and keep them happy to see the groomer.

More and more people are choosing to travel with their dogs these days. If you run a search online for top pet-friendly states, you will find Maine at the top of most lists. Here you will find more than 300 dog parks, beaches and trails, and hundreds of accommodations and stores that will welcome you and your dog.

Many of Maine’s pet-friendly lodging accommodations may provide special pet welcome packages that can consist of water bowls, treats, toys and blankets. It is always a good idea to also bring something familiar with you from home, a bed or a favorite toy to help them feel more comfortable. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and travel with a copy of their vaccination records.

While Maine laws do not permit non-service dogs inside restaurants and there are many with designated outdoor seating or picnic areas where your dog may be allowed to join you. It is always best to check with the restaurant in advance.

For the outdoor enthusiasts hiking is a great activity to enjoy with your dog. Maine boasts many beautiful trails, parks and beaches to explore. Your options vary from a simple one-hour walk to a day trip or overnight adventure. Most public areas will require your dog to remain on leash; however some may allow off leash time during certain parts of the day including Maine’s many designated dog parks.

If a city atmosphere is more your speed, check out dog friendly Portland. There you will find a variety of fido-friendly activities from annual pet events, harbor cruises, live outdoor music, petfriendly galleries, retail shops and sidewalk cafes.

No matter which activities or adventures you choose, be sure to read and follow all posted dog guidelines.

For a full list of pet-friendly parks, beaches and trails, pick up a copy of petMAINE, a statewide resource published in collaboration with Downeast Dog News (to request a copy via email: jenn@ downeastdognews.com).

Health and Safety Tips:

• DO NOT leave your dog in the car. It takes only minutes in a vehicle on a warm day for a dog to suffocate or suffer from heatstroke. Even when temps are in the 60’s, on a bright sunny day your vehicle can reach the danger zone. Rolling down the windows or parking in the shade does not guarantee protection.

• When traveling or out on adventures, bring along plenty of water to help prevent