Keeping your dog groomed isn’t just for the frilly lap dogs. Grooming is an essential part of owning a dog, even if your dog is a tough hunting dog. Think of your dog like you might think of your child. Of course they are going to go jump in the mud puddles after bath time, but not bathing your child is not the answer. Your pup needs a good regular cleaning and grooming to make sure that he/she stays healthy and ready to join in your hunt.

Brushing

During hot months, you will want to make it a point to brush your lab’s fur coat a few times per week. It’s the best way to keep their coats from shedding in unwanted areas; and to keep them cool and calm. During cooler months, you can probably get away with brushing once per week. Brushing your dog is a great bonding experience for both of you, and he is sure to enjoy every second of the attention.

The best brushes, we’ve found are the combination brushes, like this one from PetSmart. You can find similar products at just about any pet store. The metal pin bristles are great for removing the loose hairs, while the after bristles are best for delicate areas like the face and paws. A deshedding blade such as this one is great for getting to that thick undercoat.

Bathing

Baths are another important piece of your pup’s grooming schedule. Dogs can get away with enjoying fewer baths than humans, but a regular schedule is something that you should embrace. Give your dog a good deep cleaning when you start to notice odors.

Be sure that during bath time you are wearing working clothes; bath time with dogs can get messy. If possible, bathe your dogs outside with a hose. They’ll enjoy the opportunity to shake off wherever they please. Have ready: dog shampoo & conditioner, a towel, dog brush, cotton balls, a water source, and a treat. Wet your dog with the hose, lather in shampoo, rinse, then condition. Once your dog is all rinsed off, allow them to shake it off and help them to towel dry. Dry out their ears with the cotton balls, and reward them with a treat.

Note: If you are bringing your dog hunting in the near future, use a fragrance free shampoo and conditioner.

Nail Clipping

This might be the most nerve wracking part of animal ownership. Cutting the nails of dogs is really scary because if cut too short, you can cause them to bleed. There are many types of dog nail cutters that are available at any pet supply store. Try out a few to see which one works best for you. We like the Quick Finder Nail Clippers, because they are really easy to use. If you still feel uncomfortable with cutting your dog’s nails, take them to a professional groomer or even a vet. They are well trained in nail cutting. Don’t forget that cutting nails is necessary step for the health of your pup.