The attributes of the ideal Samoyed owner, is someone who likes to brush dogs! Begin to attempt to add up all the hours you must spend engaged in the grooming activity to keep the dog’s coat and skin pristine and healthy.
Though this is a natural dog that requires nothing much more than routine brushing and combing—no fancy haircuts, no special equipment—it soon becomes clear to the new owner of an adult Samoyed in full coat just why so many owners prefer to have their dogs tended to by professional groomers. Nevertheless, Samoyed grooming can be done at home. Here’s a few tips.
Early Introductions
The earlier a Samoyed, or any dog, is introduced to the protocols of grooming, the better grooming subject it will be in the years ahead. Not that there is anything unsavory or painful about grooming that would make it something the Samoyed should dread, but it does require the dog to stay in one place for a while, and it may entail certain sensations to which the dog is not accustomed, therein lies the challenge.
The fun-loving Samoyed may rebel at first when it realizes that you expect it to remain lying on one side for 20 minutes, then on the other side for 20 minutes, and then be still while you pull at its tail, tend to the sensitive areas around its groin and haunches, and remain even more still as you pick and prod at its feet and clip its nails.
But, as with all training—and indeed this is all part of training—introducing the dog to these experiences at an early age and keeping the sessions short and highlighted by treats, will in time cause the dog to look forward to the grooming routine as a special time that you spend together. It may even come to overlook the inordinate amount of time you expect it to tolerate your ministrations.
Supplies You Will Need
Because the Samoyed is so natural a dog in need of no extraordinary grooming efforts, you will not go broke stocking up on the necessary grooming supplies for your pet. Though its coat will demand much of your time, its fundamental grooming needs, and thus the commensurate grooming supplies, are simple in kind, economical in price.
Brushes and Combs
Brushing and combing comprise the majority of the Samoyed’s coat care, so tools for those activities are the primary equipment items you will need.
Opinions vary on the optimum brush for a Samoyed, but purchase both a pin brush (an oval brush with metal bristles that resemble the heads of pins) and a slicker brush (a rectangular field of slender curved metal bristles that is expert at removing dead and loose hair), as there will probably be moments when you deem that one or the other is better for the coat at a given time.
The comb, too, is a staple in the Samoyed grooming kit, as are a rake to remove loose hair, a good pair of well constructed toenail clippers designed for large dogs with large nails, blood-stopping powder should you accidentally clip a nail too close to the quick, a pet toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs, and a supply of dog shampoo for bathe time.
Grooming accessories
As for the accessories, gather up a collection of old towels and perhaps blankets, too, all of which will be permanently designated as belonging to your pet for a variety of uses from impromptu bedding to bath toweling to grooming mats.
And finally, don’t forget the diversions. It’s always wise to have treats and special toys handy to divert the dog’s attention during grooming. Some dogs feel suddenly inclined to chew in the midst of a rigorous brushing session. Offer such a dog a favorite rope toy to vent the build-up anxiety and energy.
Or perhaps your pet doesn’t particularly enjoy nail clipping. Have some treats ready to reward the dog for complying with your requests that it sit still and offer its paws willingly for this less-than-coveted procedure.
