Dogs enjoy rolling around on the ground and chewing at their coats to keep clean. Regardless of whether you have a dog, grooming is a central responsibility of pet ownership. When it comes to how to properly groom your dog, regular brushing and bathing are of key importance.

Brushing

Regular brushing of your dog will help keep its hair in the best possible condition. For dogs with a smooth, short coat you will also only need to brush once a week. A rubber brush can be used to loosen dirt and dead skin, and a bristle brush can be used to remove dead hair. Dogs with short, dense hair like a retriever, the fur will be susceptible to matting. Your weekly brushing regime should start with a slicker brush to remove tangles, then a bristle brush to remove dead hair. Always be sure to also brush the tail. Finally, dogs with long coats should be brushed daily.

Bathing

You may need to bathe your dog more often if he spends a lot of time outdoors or becomes especially dirty. The procedure for bathing your dog is very similar for other pet. Again, you'll want to start by brushing your dog to remove dead hair and dirt, and then place your dog in a bath of 3-4 inches of warm water. Thoroughly wet your dog and clean him from head to tail with a dog-safe shampoo.

Make Fun and Exercise

Remember, grooming can be an important bonding experience for you and your pet, so you'll want to schedule grooming for when your pet is calm and relaxed. Early grooming sessions should be no more than 5-10 minutes until your dog is familiar with the process.