How to Groom a Lhasa Apso

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog Combs
Dog Conditioner
Dog Grooming Sprays
Dog Pin Brushes
Dog Shampoo
Nail Clippers For Dogs
Blow Dryers
Pet Ear Cleaners
Scissors
Elastic Bands Or Twine

Step 1:
Accustom your puppy to lying on his back and/or side for grooming when he is young. The best time to train him is when he is tired and willing to lie quietly.
Step 2:
Give your Lhasa apso a bath every 7 to 14 days, with several brushings in between. Visit a professional groomer every six to eight weeks.
Step 3:
Brush the Lhasa before bathing to remove mats or tangles, which can get worse when they are wet.
Step 4:
Use dog shampoo and conditioner to maintain the proper pH for the skin.
Step 5:
Clean the dog's ears using a cotton ball soaked in ear wash.
Step 6:
Squeeze or blot his coat with a towel after bathing - don't rub. Blow-dry the coat at a comfortable temperature.
Step 7:
Spray the dog with water mixed with a small amount of conditioner to make brushing easier and to cut down on static electricity. Or use an antistatic spray, detangler or crème rinse.
Step 8:
Brush the coat in layers; part the coat during brushing if you wish.
Step 9:
Remove a mat by spraying it lightly with conditioner or detangler. Then pull it apart as much as possible with your fingers. Finally, use the end tooth of a comb to loosen the individual hairs.
Step 10:
Use barrettes or elastic bands to secure the hair back from the eyes.
Step 11:
Trim the hair on the pads of the feet. Spread the pads apart to trim between them.
Step 12:
Trim and round the coat of hair around the feet. This step gives the Lhasa a finished look.
Step 13:
Take the Lhasa to a veterinarian to have the hair inside the ears removed. Ask the veterinarian to show you how to do it.
Step 14:
Trim the nails every two to three weeks.

Tips & Warnings

Don't cut out a mat of hair unless you want a big hole in your dog's coat. Cut through the mat only as a last resort.

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