Your dog depends on you to take care of him!

You probably don't remember learning how to brush your teeth or comb your hair. An adult started teaching you these things when you were just a toddler. They also trimmed your finger and toe nails and gave you bubble baths.

Think for a moment about your dog. How did your dog learn to do all these things? Actually, he hasn't. Dogs are smart, but they can't tend to all their grooming needs the way we humans tend to ours. Your dog can't brush his own teeth or run a comb through his hair. He can't turn on the water, jump in the bathtub, soap up or towel off. He can't trim his own nails.

Your dog depends on you and your family to take care of these essential aspects of grooming for him.

The amount of grooming time varies from breed to breed. This double-coated Old English Sheepdog requires lots of attention.

Grooming your dog regularly will help him feel good and look great from his head to toes. The amount of time you should spend grooming your dog varies from breed to breed. When choosing a dog, it's important to research the different breeds of dogs, their coats, shedding characteristics, and grooming needs before deciding on the breed that's best for you. For instance, the double-coated, long-haired Old English Sheepdog needs lots of brushing daily, while the short-haired Beagle needs only occasional brushing. Some breeds are much more likely than others to require professional grooming. Think about this when selecting your next canine family member, and choose carefully among the 150 wonderful AKC-recognized dog breeds.

While all breeds' coats are different, there are certain grooming essentials every dog needs. As a responsible dog owner, be ready to establish a home dental care routine that includes a nutritious diet and regular brushing. Clean your dog when it's dirty. Check its eyes for redness or swelling. Clean its ears occasionally, and trim its nails.

The younger a puppy is when its grooming routine is established, the better it will accept grooming as an adult. So get off to a good start early! For some detailed how-to information about grooming basics, click on "Grooming Your Dog."