Edited by Deb Angus

Grooming for the Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier should start very early in life to help the critter accept someone working on his or her coat––a practice that should be a mainstay for life. Most owners don’t realize how important it is to start very early with a puppy. So FTN recommends getting started early on for the best experience.

Keep in mind, grooming for the Smooth Fox Terrier is not quite as intense as for the Wired Fox Terrier with bathing and toenail clipping being some of the most substantial work. Even with that in mind, its best to orientate your Smooth Fox Terrier early on to avoid grooming phobia.

Start in the Early Months

A good breeder will have been working on that puppy long before being placed in a new home. The puppy should have been bathed and brushed and nails attended. Hopefully the pup will have had some coat work done too.

When you get that new baby home, start with brushing and combing right away. Then take your little bumble of energy to a good groomer before turning three months old. Many of the problem dogs that a groomer sees are the ones that are never taken to a groomer before they are six months or even a year.

Even if you think that you want to do some of the grooming yourself, take him to a professional shop to begin with. Unless you have the training to do this right, you can cause more trouble than you are trying to prevent. It’s also important to have someone outside of the family handle the critter.

Choose the Right Groomer

Make sure that you carefully choose your groomer. Be sure that they have the time and patience to work with puppies. They should not have much to do the first few visits. And it’s best to have a puppy go every couple of weeks to learn what it’s all about and to like being treated. As with many of us, it’s the fear of the unknown that is the worst fear.

It’s also very important that the owner keep the puppy mat free, by combing and brushing all the time. If de-matting is required the first time your puppy goes to the groomer, there is a strong possibility the dog will not enjoy the visit which will create problems the next time you visit. That’s not fair to either the groomer or the puppy––and you will most likely not enjoy the experience either.

Another reason that a dog can become grooming phobic is if he is handled roughly or hurt. The suggestion is to stay away from very busy shops with many groomers. The groomers may be fine, but many of these shops hire kids to do the bathing and drying and they can certainly hurt your dog during this seemingly simple procedure. Ask to talk to the groomer that will be working on your puppy and to the bather if the groomer is not doing his or her own bathing. A smaller shop with one or two groomers is far better if they are not too busy.

Don’t put pressure on the groomer to hurry, either. That’s not in the puppy’s best interest. See if the groomer has a pen that the puppy can be in to sit and watch and learn. He is actually better off if he stays for a while before being groomed just to get used to the place and smells and the other dogs. Yes, he will be tired when he gets home, but that is most likely a good thing.

Be sure to tell the groomer that it’s more important that the puppy has a good time and wants to come back than to get the grooming job perfect. If the groomer seems more concerned about the puppy behaving so that she can get it perfect, try another groomer. You want someone that will play and make the pup feel safe and comfortable.

When you bring your dog to the groomers, be prepared to leave him there. Your pet will pick up on any signs of discomfort or stress that you are experiencing, which can be a poor message. We’ve heard some suggest saying that you are “sorry that you have to do it.” Leaving that message with the pup then abandoning him or her to the strange groomer and surroundings, without you the parent to provide protection, may send your animal into a tailspin.

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What many underscore is the importance of doing your homework, having pre-visit conversations, and feeling good about what your pet will experience. When you are convinced the baby will have a great time and look fabulous, you will be ready to check in, say “bye, see you in a while” and leave.

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When you come to pick him up, if caged, hold off in verbally engaging until the pet has been released and is on the floor and coming to you. Many pups have been injured jumping out of cages in a flurry to get to their parents. Bring him a treat if you wish, but, keep in mind, the first few visits may have been pretty overwhelming: don’t be surprised if the dog ignores you and doesn’t take the treat.

During this adjustment period, it may also be a good idea to avoid showing off new tricks. The overwhelming sense of the new environment, the memory of being touched and handled, and, most likely, the barking of the other dogs is already a lot. Avoid disappointment and realize that the pup will not be able to focus on what you are saying. Keep it simple and straightforward for the most enjoyable experience. Some even recommend avoiding making a “big deal” out of going to the groomers, encouraging owners to “just do it” and sending the message that it’s no big deal.

If you adopt an older dog that has not been groomed in a long time, don’t expect the groomer to take a long time de-matting and trying to make him beautiful. It’s not fair to the dog or the groomer. A long first-time appointment may make the dog unhappy and uncomfortable, and it may not want to return. Let the groomer take his coat down and brush out what is easy. Hair grows back. Don’t make him suffer to look good for you.

Tips for Working with a Groomer

• Ask friends and neighbors for referrals
• Discuss any behavioral, physical or unusual problems
• Tell the groomer ahead of time if the dog is a biter
• Build a good relationship with your professional groomer
• Watch for cues that your groomer has worked with and likes the Fox Terrier
• Find out what type of experience the groomer wants to provide for your canine: have they worked with puppies, or Fox Terriers
• Set up standing appointments
• Ask about what you can do at home in between visits

If a poor groomer provides a poor experience, the dog will have a poor attitude upon return. Help your dog enjoy grooming visits and avoid grooming phobia by practicing the aforementioned tasks. Have an open dialog with your groomer and never hesitate to ask if you have questions. You and your pup will be happy and groomer visits will be a healthy, enjoyable experience.

This article was published on the original Fox Terrier Network website.