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The earlier you start, the easier it will be to get your puppy used to being groomed.

How much grooming your dog will require will depend upon the length and thickness of its coat and the activities it performs. For example, a dog that likes to run through brier patches will need to have a lot more care given to its coat than would be a lap dog that never sets a precious paw off the lawn.

The first time you groom your puppy, you may be tempted to simply hold it in your lap. Don't do this unless you are willing to groom a full sized dog in your lap. From the very beginning you want to get the puppy use to the same treatment what it will receive when it is full-grown.

Decide now if you'll want to groom the full sized dog on a table or on the floor. For most, except the biggest breeds, grooming your dog on a table will be the easiest on your back.

• When choosing a table, make sure that it is sturdy and that it is not slick. Also, make sure to choose a table that you will not mind if it becomes scratched.

Perform the grooming in an out-of-the-way part of the house, or wait until the house is very quite. The less distractions, the more compliant the puppy will be.

Place the puppy on the table. Keep a firm grip on it. Puppies' are curious things and will naturally wander over to the edge. Puppies' do not have very well developed sense of depth perception and may accidentally walk off the table.

Start slowly. Talk to the puppy the whole time it is on the table. Pet it and conduct a general inspection, taking a peak in its mouth and ears. Pick up the puppy's paw and gently touch the toenails – this will help prepare the puppy for having its nails cut. If the puppy becomes skittish or rebels put it down on the floor and try again later.

• You want your puppy to learn to like being groomed. Never yell or discipline the puppy on the grooming table.

Once the puppy gets use to being placed on the grooming tabled and gets use to be handled, it is time to begin getting it use to being groomed.

Start with the simple act of brushing the puppy. Have the brush on the table before you put the puppy on it. Let it sniff and investigate the brush so that it learns that it is nothing threatening.

Then begin by gently brushing the puppy. At this point, you should be more interested in getting the puppy use to the feel of the brush rather than in actually brushing or styling the hair. Always brush in the direction the hair flows.

One problem that you may experience is that most puppies, and grown dogs for that matter, like to have their stomachs brushed. Once they get use to it, you may find that once you put them on the grooming table that they'll simply flop over and present their tummy's for brushing. To help prevent this while you are trying to brush their backs, place one hand under their chest and literally try to hold the puppy up.

As your puppy gets use to being brushed, you can extend the sessions and begin to add other tasks such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and bathing.

• Before attempting to trim your puppy's nails, ask your vet to give you a demonstration. Nail trimming, if done properly, is a quick and painless task. Done improperly, you can severely hurt your dog. Hurting your puppy while grooming it will also teach it to be fearful of grooming and you may need to retrain it to accept being groomed again.

As you add new grooming activities, precede slowly. You want your puppy to think of grooming as an enjoyable and expected routine. Once they come to accept grooming as a routine you will find that they'll get upset if you forget your 'appointment' with them.