First Time Grooming

[Deuce]

Well, I just recieved my trimmers, and there are a whole lot of pieces. It'll be Rizzo's first time under the clippers and I plan on it being a long process that I may need to save for the weekend. He's almost 5 months old now, and I'm so tired of the puppy fur that I'm ready to clip it all off. He gets nappy 30 mins after I brush out all of the knots, its frustrating and I'm really hoping its just the puppy coat. I can see about 1 inch of grey coming in all over his body, so should a 1 inch attachment work?
What tips do you all have for keeping your little ones calm during the process?
Thanks for any tips, and if you have any pics of puppy cuts that are simple for first timers please post. I plan on leaving his head alone, with the exception of clipping some fur on his ears, and maybe doing a "fade" from his head to his back so it's not just a blunt line.
And of course, I'll post the results, no matter how bad, lol

[Britster]

I don't groom Jackson myself, I take him somewhere, but I find he's more calm and relaxed if I exercise him a lot beforehand, that way he's tired. If they're really stressed out, there's natural herbs and products to give them such as Rescue Remedy. I think it's all a matter of just getting them used to it and using lots of treats. Take it slow and have patience!

Jackson was a mess too with puppy hair. I would brush it and it would never look neat and clean but I was so scared a groomer was gonna just shave him. I made it very specific I just wanted a trim and she did just that... except I don't think she cut enough on his 1st haircut lol but it was perfect, not too much shock or anything.

I keep him pretty short now. If you go to google and type in yorkie haircuts in the images search section, alot of cute pics come up!

Here was Jackson as a pup, first pic is puppy mess, 2nd pic is after haircut.

[motomomma317]

If you have someone that can hold the treat while your giving him a hair cut that would make it a lot easier. I think its imp to have someone hold them still or hold the leash while you cut so they don't run all amuck.

I only bath my little guy myself. I leave the rest up to a good groomer that has all the tools needed.

Good luck and keep up posted. Remember hair grows. I would also test the clippers your using on the underside first to make sure its the length you want.... Just and idea.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by motomomma317

I would also test the clippers your using on the underside first to make sure its the length you want.... Just and idea.

Thats a great idea, there isnt much hair under there, but I think after running him around the yard and in the house he should be calm enough for at least a quick belly trim. I hope I don't butcher his hair or freak him out at all. Maybe I'll just try turning the clippers on next to him and pet him and give him treats if the sound freaks him out...I'll keep you all posted, going to start a little bit tonight.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Britster

Here was Jackson as a pup, first pic is puppy mess, 2nd pic is after haircut.

Looks like Rizzo has the same fur type as Jackson, he always looks messy, even right after a bath and brush. He just shakes and his hair is going every which way, lol. Thank you for the advice.