The Wash Table
All lessons
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 1
How do you clean around eyes safely?
Clean around a dog's eyes with damp cotton, gentle wiping and a calm routine that protects the eye surface.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 2
How do you deal with tear staining at home?
Manage tear staining at home with regular cleaning, dry hair and vet checks for causes that grooming alone cannot fix.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 3
How do you trim hair around the eyes at an introductory level?
Trim only the hair that obstructs vision at an introductory level, with blunt tipped scissors, stillness and a clear stop rule.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 4
How do you clean a beard or muzzle?
Clean a beard or muzzle with lukewarm water, gentle wiping and thorough drying to prevent odour and matting.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 5
How do you check and trim paw pads and the hair between them?
Check paw pads and trim only overlong hair between the toes with blunt tipped scissors, keeping pads visible and clean.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 6
How do you do a sanitary trim safely at home?
Do a conservative sanitary trim only on clean, calm dogs, trimming overlong hair away from sensitive skin and stopping early.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 7
How do you check paws after walks and grooming?
Check paws after walks with a calm look, feel and rinse routine that finds cuts, seeds and debris early.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 8
How do you clean skin folds at an introductory level?
Clean skin folds at an introductory level by lifting gently, wiping with damp gauze and drying fully, with vet referral for soreness.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 9
What do you do about a dog that will not hold still for face work?
Help a dog that will not hold still for face work with short sessions, rewards and hands on help, never force or restraint.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 10
How do you spot a thorn, burr or foreign body in a paw?
Spot thorns, burrs and foreign bodies in paws by checking between toes, watching gait and knowing when to seek vet help.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 11
How do you keep face and paw work short and calm?
Keep face and paw work short and calm with preparation, one task at a time, pauses and a predictable finish.
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Face, Eyes and Paws · Lesson 12
When do face, eye or paw signs need a vet?
Learn which face, eye and paw signs need a vet promptly, and which routine changes simply need monitoring and notes.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 1
Why is tooth brushing part of grooming at home?
Tooth brushing is part of home grooming because it removes plaque daily and keeps mouth checks routine, within clear vet limits.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 2
How do you choose a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs?
Choose a dog toothbrush that fits the mouth and a dog toothpaste that is safe to swallow, avoiding human toothpaste entirely.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 3
How do you introduce tooth brushing step by step?
Introduce tooth brushing in tiny rewarded steps, from lip lifting to a damp brush, over days or weeks without force.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 4
How do you brush the outer surfaces of the teeth?
Brush the outer tooth surfaces along the gum line with gentle circular motions, focusing on back teeth and stopping for pain or bleeding.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 5
How often should teeth be brushed?
Brush teeth daily if possible, because plaque reforms each day, with a realistic minimum and vet checks for dogs that cannot be brushed.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 6
What should you check when you look inside a mouth?
Check teeth, gums, tongue and mouth lining briefly for colour, tartar, damage and change, and refer anything abnormal to a vet.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 7
What are dental chews and water additives, and what are their limits?
Dental chews and water additives can support brushing, but they do not remove tartar or replace daily brushing and vet care.
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Teeth and Mouth · Lesson 8
What is dental scaling, and why is it veterinary care?
Dental scaling removes tartar under anaesthesia with examination and X rays, and it must never be attempted at home.