So, why is grooming your dog important? If you have a short haired breed, then you may feel that there is no point in grooming your dog.
But actually there are many benefits to you and to your dog that grooming will bring.
Firstly grooming is essential if you have a long haired breed.
Grooming is best done once a day, for long haired breeds, but short haired breeds this can be done a couple of times a week.
Make grooming a happy time for your dog.
You do not want a dog that backs away from a dog brush, but if this is the case you can buy a mitt that goes over your hand with grooves in it, which will groom your dog but will just feel to them like you are stroking them.
By being positive and speaking gently and happily to your dog while you are grooming him, this will make it a more pleasant experience for your dog, although most dogs appreciate a good brush.
It also helps the bond between you and him grow and develop.
For you, brushing your dog has been shown to lower blood pressure, and make people feel calmer and more peaceful.
In a stressed out world this has major health benefits.
When you groom your dog you should also make it a habit to pick up his paws, look gently between the pads for any injury you might have missed, and look at the nails.
It is very important to get a dog used to having its nails looked at, because some dogs will need their nails clipped from time to time.
Because dogs are usually flight animals - they would rather run away than fight another dog - their paws are extremely sensitive.
They need to get to know that when you touch their nails nothing bad happens, and that they are safe with you.
When you groom your dog you should also brush their teeth.
You can buy "doggy toothpaste" - never use your own - but it is not essential.
A good brush with a dog toothbrush which is shaped to fit into a dog's mouth is adequate.
You will need to start them off as puppies with the toothbrush training; it is very difficult for an adult dog to accept.
Finally, check your dog's ears when you groom him.
Look for brown waxy bits in his ears.
In spaniels and dogs with drooping ears this can be canker - if so take him to your vets straight away.
By checking his ears, teeth and nails you will not only notice if there are any signs of illness, but you will show your authority over your dog, show that you are the boss, the leader.
You will develop a strong bond with him, and you will save yourself money by catching any problems early.
By grooming him regularly you will benefit yourself, and your dog.
But actually there are many benefits to you and to your dog that grooming will bring.
Firstly grooming is essential if you have a long haired breed.
Grooming is best done once a day, for long haired breeds, but short haired breeds this can be done a couple of times a week.
Make grooming a happy time for your dog.
You do not want a dog that backs away from a dog brush, but if this is the case you can buy a mitt that goes over your hand with grooves in it, which will groom your dog but will just feel to them like you are stroking them.
By being positive and speaking gently and happily to your dog while you are grooming him, this will make it a more pleasant experience for your dog, although most dogs appreciate a good brush.
It also helps the bond between you and him grow and develop.
For you, brushing your dog has been shown to lower blood pressure, and make people feel calmer and more peaceful.
In a stressed out world this has major health benefits.
When you groom your dog you should also make it a habit to pick up his paws, look gently between the pads for any injury you might have missed, and look at the nails.
It is very important to get a dog used to having its nails looked at, because some dogs will need their nails clipped from time to time.
Because dogs are usually flight animals - they would rather run away than fight another dog - their paws are extremely sensitive.
They need to get to know that when you touch their nails nothing bad happens, and that they are safe with you.
When you groom your dog you should also brush their teeth.
You can buy "doggy toothpaste" - never use your own - but it is not essential.
A good brush with a dog toothbrush which is shaped to fit into a dog's mouth is adequate.
You will need to start them off as puppies with the toothbrush training; it is very difficult for an adult dog to accept.
Finally, check your dog's ears when you groom him.
Look for brown waxy bits in his ears.
In spaniels and dogs with drooping ears this can be canker - if so take him to your vets straight away.
By checking his ears, teeth and nails you will not only notice if there are any signs of illness, but you will show your authority over your dog, show that you are the boss, the leader.
You will develop a strong bond with him, and you will save yourself money by catching any problems early.
By grooming him regularly you will benefit yourself, and your dog.