b'Puppy Prep Guidance From A GroomerTo ensure your puppy has a good first time experience with the groomer, start prepar-ing her even before making the first grooming appointment. Paws: Your puppy should be accustomed to having her paws handled before herfirst groom. Begin with gentle touches on her paws. Gradually increase the duration ofthese interactions. Anytime your dog shows signs of discomfort or pulls away, slowdown the process, wait for her to favorably respond, then take a break. Always stop ona positive note so as not to reinforce bad behavior. The goal is to make paw handling anormal, stress-free experience. Patience is key. By making paw handling a regular, pos-itive part of the routine, you help build her confidence for that first grooming sessionand nail trim.Brush: Acclimate your puppys exposure to the use of a brush by gently brushingher. Again, using short and soothing intervals that include touching and holding theears, face and tail on a regular basis.Dont wait six months to have your puppy groomed, especially if she has a curlyor long coat like a Goldendoodle or ShihTzu. After your puppy has had her final roundof core vaccinations, bring her to your groomer so they can start building a relation-ship. This will help your puppy become acclimated to handling and the sounds of thesalon. Dont wait until she is six months to a year old to bring her to the groomer. Bythen she may be totally matted and will need to be shaved down. Set your puppy upfor succes and to enjoy her grooming experiences. Whisper and Dylan Harmon, groomer,photographer, content creator. Jennifer Harmon is the groomer/owner of Pet Styles by Jennifer in Dunedin, FL.She has been a Photograph by Laura Allen Studiosprofessional pet stylist for more than 30 years. 727.736.2468 www.PetStylesByJennifer.comwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 69'