If you own a dog, regular grooming will become a large part of your life whether you do it yourself or decide to use a professional groomer. But have you ever thought beyond the grooming basics for your furry best friend? Explore some fun, new ideas below!
ONLY Use Dog-Friendly Shampoos & Conditioners!
Today, the shelves are full of dog-friendly shampoos and conditioners for your dog’s best coat! Try experimenting with different scents to find some both you and your dog will love! Always rinse with plenty of clean water to completely remove any residue from your pup’s coat.

NOTE: Never use human-grade shampoos or conditioners to bathe your dog. Harmful ingredients, chemicals, artificial colors and scents can create:
- Skin allergies;
- Dryness;
- Itchiness;
- Redness;
- Inflammation;
- Skin problems making them more vulnerable to parasites and bacteria; and
- Even pain for your beloved pup.
When it comes to bathing or grooming your dog, always use products that are:
- All-natural;
- Gentle;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Dog-friendly; and
- Moisturizing.
If a professional is going to groom your dog, ask about the products they use before making an appointment for your dog to be groomed. Also, let them know about any specific hair or skin conditions beforehand.
Dog Grooming Cuts

A variety of canine breeds are groomed with specific dog cuts, trims and styles. Breeds like the Poodle, Bichon Frise, Cockapoo, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, Terriers and even Labradoodle have specific grooming styles as shown by PlayBarkRun.com.
Basic groom styles include the:
- Kennel cut.
- Lamb Cut.
- Puppy Cut.
- Teddy Bear Trim.
- Specific Breed or Show Dog Trims.
- Full Coat Trim.
Other common grooming procedures include the:
- Clean Feet.
- Clean Face.
- Pants.
- Pom-Pom.
- Round Feet.
- Skirt.
- Topknot.
Learn More Dog Grooming Terms (“groom-lish”) at Petco.com!

Dog Grooming to the Max: Exotic Styles
This is where the grooming goes wild! The professional groomer gets incredibly creative with cuts, dyes, painting and styles. Competitions around the world highlight this K9 creativity that only lies outside the box!
Also check out Zeus, a standard poodle whose owner (a groomer) transformed him into a zebra!
One Dog Style Never to Use!

Never shave your dog! While it seems like shaving your dog will help him stay cool during the hot summer, instead, it puts your dog at risk. Anytime you shave your dog, you run the risk of:
- Sunburn (due to unprotected, exposed skin).
- Overheating (from the lack of proper air circulation).
- Even skin cancer!
Shaving a dog can also ruin his coat, change the coat’s texture and cooling properties and even change the color of his coat! Bugs, ticks, grass awns and more can also easily attach to your dog’s unprotected skin causing negative side effects and health challenges.
So no matter how high the mercury gets, never cut your dog’s coat to less than 1 inch to keep your four-legged best friend protected as nature intended!
Always do what is best for your dog and its grooming needs. If you want to experiment with different cuts and/or colors, always work with a professional groomer for your dog’s ultimate safety!

ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
¾ English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies Available Now!
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
Image Credits (in order of appearance):
Nishizuka / Pexels
AmandaCullingford / Pixabay
Pawcastle.com
Courtesy: Animal Photography
Simona Kidric / Pexels







