7 Grooming Tips Every New Dog Owner Should Know

Bringing a new dog into your life is one of the best feelings ever. There’s nothing like the first tail wags, cuddles, and that look they give you when they know they’re home. 

But along with all the love and excitement comes a bit of a learning curve, especially when it comes to grooming.

At Good Boy Billie, we know that grooming isn’t just about looking good (although we do love a shiny coat!). It’s about helping your pup stay healthy, feel comfortable, and build trust with you. Whether you’re figuring out nail trims, bath time, or just learning how often to brush your dog’s coat. We are here to help!

These 7 tips are for new dog parents who want to do right by their pups, without the stress or guesswork. Let’s make grooming feel a little less intimidating and a lot more doable.

1. Start Early and Make It PAW-sitive

Dogs learn best when they’re young, and grooming is no exception. Whether your pup is 8 weeks or 8 years old, the key is to introduce grooming as something calm, consistent, and rewarding.

Here’s how to start:

• Touch their paws, ears, and tail gently while giving treats or affection.
  
• Let them sniff the brush or clippers before using them.
• Keep sessions short at first — even 2–3 minutes of brushing counts!
  
• End on a high note (think treats, praise, or a walk).
  

Pro tip: Use a lick mat with peanut butter or pumpkin during baths or nail trims to keep your dog distracted and happy.

2. Understand Your Dog’s Coat Type

Not all fur is created equal, and knowing your pup’s coat type can help you avoid tangles, mats, and unnecessary stress.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Short Coat (Boxers, Labs, Pugs):

• Low maintenance
  
• Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush
  
• Bath every 4–6 weeks or as needed
  

Long Coat (Golden Retrievers, Collies):

• Prone to tangles and seasonal shedding
  
• Brush at least 3x per week with a slicker brush and comb
  
• Regular trims may be needed around the ears, paws, and tail
  

Curly/Wavy Coat (Poodles, Doodles):

• High maintenance
  
• Daily to every-other-day brushing with a slicker brush + comb
  
• Must be professionally groomed every 4–8 weeks to avoid matting
  

Double Coat (Huskies, Aussies, Shelties):

• Heavy shedders
  
• Regular brushing with an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool
  
• Never shave, it can damage the coat and affect temperature regulation
  

3. Bath Time Basics: How, When and What

Bathing seems simple… until your dog makes a run for it mid-soap.

Here’s how to make bath time easier (for both of you):

Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks is ideal for most dogs. Overbathing can strip natural oils, leading to dry skin and irritation.

Shampoo: Always use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo made for dogs. Bonus points if it’s oatmeal-based, fragrance-free, or formulated for sensitive skin.

Bath tips:

• Brush your dog before the bath to remove loose hair and mats.
  

• Use lukewarm water, not too hot!
  

• Rinse thoroughly (leftover soap = itchy).
  

• Towel dry or blow dry on low, keeping the dryer moving and not too close to their skin.
  

For dogs who hate baths, try using a handheld sprayer or even showering with them, it’s less intimidating than a hose or deep tub.

4. Nail Trims: Why They Matter

We get it, nail trims are one of the scariest parts for most dog parents. But long nails can cause joint pain, posture issues, and even injuries.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Start slow and handle paws often (even when you’re not trimming).
  
• Use a nail grinder for a gradual approach, or clippers if you’re confident.
  
• Avoid the “quick” (the blood vessel in the nail). If you do hit it, styptic powder or cornstarch stops bleeding quickly.
  
• Trim every 2–4 weeks depending on activity level and growth rate.

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, don’t risk it! Your vet or groomer will be happy to help.

5. Ears, Eyes, and Dental Hygiene

It’s easy to focus only on fur and nails, but your dog’s ears, eyes, and teeth deserve love too.

Ears:

• Check for redness, odor, or buildup weekly.
• Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton pad, never Q-tips.
  
• Breeds with floppy ears are more prone to infections and may need extra care.
  

Eyes:

• Use a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to gently clean tear stains or discharge.
  
• If you notice persistent redness, cloudiness, or excessive tearing, check with your vet.
  

Teeth:

• Dental health affects the whole body.
  
• Aim to brush your dog’s teeth 2–3x a week with dog-safe toothpaste.
  
• Dental chews and water additives can also help, but they’re not a replacement for brushing.

6. Keep the Right Tools on Hand

You don’t need to turn your kitchen into a grooming salon, but having the right tools will make your life so much easier:

Basic grooming toolkit:

• Brush or comb (based on coat type)
  
• Slicker brush
  
• Nail clippers or grinder
  
• Dog-safe shampoo
  
• Ear cleaner
• Dog wipes
  
• Towels and/or blow dryer
  
• Lick mat + peanut butter (aka your secret weapon)
  

Optional but PAW-some: detangler spray, de-shedding rake, paw balm, and grooming scissors.

7. When to Call in the Pros

Some dogs (and dog owners!) need a little help, and that’s totally okay.

If your pup has a high-maintenance coat, gets nervous easily, or just needs a full spa day, a professional groomer can make all the difference.

Live in Utah County?
We highly recommend Grand Dog Grooming in Lindon! Their groomers are experienced, kind, and always take extra care with every pup they see. From basic baths to full grooming sessions, they’ll have your dog looking and feeling amazing.

Final Thoughts from Good Boy Billie

At the end of the day, grooming isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up for your dog in the little ways that matter. A good brush, a clean coat, trimmed nails, and a few extra belly rubs along the way? That’s love.

Whether you’re doing it yourself or calling in the pros, what matters most is that your pup feels safe, clean, and cared for. Start small, go at your dog’s pace, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it (we’ve all been there trying to trim one nail for 20 minutes).

You’ve got this, and your dog is lucky to have you!

Rep your love for your furry friend! Explore the Good Boy Billie shop for hats, stickers, and more.