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Large or small, long-haired or short-haired, all dogs need grooming to some extent. All dogs shed, it's just that some shed more than others, and some shed more frequently than others.
Naturally those with long or double coats shed more than dogs with short or single coats. Grooming helps with the shedding process which can be uncomfortable for double-coated breeds causing them to attempt to scratch the matted areas, making the problem worse and perhaps adding skin irritation to the dog's existing problem. Grooming also helps with the bonding process, providing of course that you take your time and don't distress your dog too much during the process. It's better to get your dog used to grooming at an early age rather than leaving it until it's older. A puppy is less set in its ways than an adult dog and it's far easier to teach your puppy what's expected of it at grooming time. And although they might wriggle a little, it's far easier to handle a small puppy than a fully grown dog when it comes time to introduce them to the grooming brush! Grooming initially means brushing with an appropriate brush for your dog's coat. For the shorter haired breeds such as the Boxer, once a week is fine. But that frequency will be dictated by the length of your dog's coat. If you have, say, an Afghan Hound or an Old English Sheepdog, then that frequency will have to be daily if you ever hope to keep on top of such a magnificent coat. If not, those knots and mats entangled with dirt and other detritis will never shift and make inevitable that visit to the professional groomers for the canine equivalent of the short back and sides! In order to make grooming as pleasant an experience as possible, concentrate on one area at a time, taking each knot or mat one at a time and working from the outside in. Lavish praise on your dog for being so good as you slowly work your way through its coat. So that he or she does not get too bored or distressed, allow it periodic breaks to run about and work off some of that pent up energy. For grooming your dog you will naturally need a brush suitable for its particular coat. You may need several, each of a different type for different areas. You'll also need a comb or two, and accessories such as shampoo and oil-based conditioner. If all else fails, you can always resort to the professional groomer who will know exactly how best to groom your particular dog. But of course if you can manage to groom your dog yourself it is not only cheaper for you but also less stressful for your dog.
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