Whether you plan to keep your Havanese in a short, manageable coat or a full show coat, grooming is an essential part of their care. As a coated breed, Havanese require regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance. Even if you plan to leave the grooming to a professional, it’s crucial to socialize your puppy to the grooming process from an early age. The goal is to ensure your dog is comfortable with being touched all over, accustomed to the sounds of blow dryers, and familiar with the sensations of having their nails trimmed, coat brushed, and more.
Touch
The more your puppy is comfortable with being touched, the easier it will be for both your groomer and your veterinarian to handle your dog. Begin by gently handling your puppy at home. Place them on your lap, a non-slip table, or the floor. If you’re using a table, make sure it’s safe with a non-slip mat to avoid slipping accidents. Start by touching your puppy’s head, ears, paws, tail, and underside, and take a look inside their mouth. Use a calm, gentle touch and keep them relaxed. Reward them with treats each time they remain still and calm during your handling. Many puppies, especially in the early stages, may be sensitive about having their paws or mouths touched, so be sure to spend extra time on these areas.
Brushing
Even if your puppy doesn’t need much brushing at first, it’s crucial to introduce them to the experience early. For young puppies, a gentle brush like the Chris Christensen’s CCS Wood Pin (Ash) brush is an excellent choice, as it won’t hurt their sensitive skin. Brushing should become a daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Don’t forget to brush the puppy’s legs and underarms, as these areas are often neglected.
If you plan to keep your Havanese in a longer coat, it’s essential to train them to lie still while being brushed. Start by gently coaxing your puppy to lie on their side for a few seconds, rewarding them with a treat when they stay still. Gradually increase the time they spend lying on their side until they are relaxed enough to stay still for longer grooming sessions.
Bathing
Start with short and positive bath experiences to ensure your puppy gets used to the process. I recommend filling the sink with a few inches of warm water before placing your puppy in. Ensure the water temperature is comfortably warm (not hot or cold). Gently lower your puppy into the water, but avoid fully submerging their head initially. You can introduce the sensation of water on their face by gently dripping it over their face using your fingers. Offer treats and praise during the bath to help create a positive association with the experience.
For puppies, always use a tear-free shampoo like Chris Christensen’s Happy Eyes. When rinsing your puppy, you can either use the tap to gently wash the shampoo out, or, if your puppy is sensitive to the sound of running water, you can pour warm water over them with a cup. After the bath, gently squeeze out excess water from your puppy’s coat and wrap them in a towel for warmth and comfort. Some puppies may want to shake off water immediately, so have a clean towel or area for them to roll on—just be prepared for a bit of post-bath fun!
Drying
Hair dryers can be intimidating for some puppies, so it’s essential to introduce them to the sound and sensation gradually. At Alegria, we introduce puppies to blow dryers before they even leave for their new homes. If you’re working on this at home, start by making positive associations with the dryer. For example, bring your puppy into the bathroom while you dry your hair, and reward them with treats when they remain calm around the noise. You can also sit with your puppy on the floor, blow-drying your hair while offering treats, or use a toy to encourage them to approach the dryer.
For more hesitant puppies, you can start by using the dryer in another room and rewarding your puppy for staying calm while hearing the distant sound. As they become more confident, you can bring them closer to the dryer. Make sure to keep sessions short and calm. Once your puppy is comfortable with the sound, you can gradually start using the blow dryer directly on their coat. For puppies who are particularly sensitive, you can use a stand or have a family member hold the dryer while you hold your puppy in your arms.
Clippers
The sound and vibration of clippers can be intimidating for some puppies, so it’s important to introduce them slowly. Turn on the clippers and let your puppy get used to the sound from a distance. If you don’t have clippers, you can use household items that create similar vibrations and noises, such as an electric toothbrush or immersion blender (without the blade). Once your puppy is comfortable with the sound, gently run the clippers (without the blade) along their back and legs. Gradually increase the areas you clip as your puppy becomes more accustomed to the sensation.
If you plan to take your puppy to a groomer, be sure to ask about puppy packages. Many groomers offer special packages designed for puppies, which involve several shorter grooming sessions to help them slowly get used to the process without overwhelming them with a full groom all at once. You can begin taking your puppy to the groomer around two weeks after their second set of vaccinations. Keep in mind that many groomers book weeks in advance, so it’s a good idea to schedule appointments ahead of time.
• Patience is Key: Every puppy is different, and some may take longer to adjust to grooming than others. Always be patient and work at your puppy’s pace.
• Positive Associations: Throughout the entire grooming process, your goal is to make grooming a positive experience. Use plenty of treats, praise, and gentle handling to keep your puppy relaxed.
• Short, Fun Sessions: Keep grooming sessions short and enjoyable to prevent your puppy from feeling overwhelmed. It’s better to have a few positive minutes than long, stressful sessions.
• Consistency: The more often you introduce your puppy to the grooming tools and techniques, the more comfortable they will become. Consistency will pay off in the long run, making grooming an easy and enjoyable experience for both of you.
By taking these small steps to socialize your Havanese puppy to grooming, you’ll help them grow into a calm, happy adult who enjoys their grooming routine. The early experiences will set the foundation for years of stress-free grooming!