Hi from Texas too! I am no expert but I took my babies to Petsmart within a week after bringing them home. They had their first shots and I was concerned about them being around other dogs. Called the groomer and she suggested I bring them in at 5:45, just after most of the dogs were gone. Dogs went straight in and I picked them up soon afterwards..no waiting in a cage for "their turn". They cleaned ears and around the bottom area, trimmed nails, tidied up their feet. I still take them monthly to do the stuff I can't seem to master but do the rest of the grooming and bath things inbetween. I bathed my little Biewer the minute I got him home at 12 wks. old. He smelled like Jet fuel (he came from Germany). Just made sure he didn't get chilled and he did fine.
Grooming, I like to do each morning before I get ready for work. I started it as soon as I got them home. At first they wouldn't stand still at all, but each week they stood longer until now I can ALMOST get through before they get tired of it and want down. I think the routine is what makes them relax and it gives me a chance to put up topknots so they can see (I am still learning how to do the topknot thing!). Its relaxing for us all.
__________________
Deb and the Gang! |