Nail trimming often involves much howling on the part of the dog and flinching on the part of the owner, but with care and early training it can be accomplished without trauma for either party. Puppies have sharp, fast-growing nails, so keep them trimmed regularly, both to accustom your pup to trimming and to prevent painful gouges in your skin. Clip the tip only; avoid clipping past the curve of the nail, or you risk hitting what is called the quick, which is painful and will cause bleeding. Don’t neglect nail trimming. If nails grow too long, they can impair the dog’s ability to walk.

Part of the grooming process should include examining the foot pads for foreign objects or injuries. In winter, clean your dog’s feet after he has gone outdoors; this removes de-icing chemicals, salt, snow and ice, which can injure the feet or make your dog sick if he licks his paws.

End each grooming session with a soothing massage and a treat. Clean equipment thoroughly after each use so that it’s ready to go for the next time. And if you’re ever tempted to skip a grooming, remember that we brush our hair and wash our faces every day; we should do no less for our dogs.