A lawn mower perfumes the air with the fragrance of freshly-cut grass. You let the frisbee flit from your fingertips, then watch as your dog bounds alongside its dark green shadow. Her teeth clip the disk, and head held high, she marches triumphantly back…on fluorescent green paws. At times like this, a dog grooming guide is essential!

Summer is here, and, although the ASPCA suggests a three-month time lapse between groomings, every three days might seem more realistic this time of the year. Dog grooming, no matter how frequent, does not have to be a struggle if you familiarize yourself with the ASPCA’s guidelines.

Ease into It: Five to ten minutes may seem like insufficient time to groom your dog, but the first few grooming sessions need to be brief and fun. Otherwise, your dog could develop a negative attitude toward grooming—and a nigh fatal smell.

Brush First: This might also seem counterintuitive. Brushing before bathing untangles any mats lurking in your pet’s fur before they get soaked. Always consider the length of your dog’s coat: long fur will, understandably, require more maintenance.

Bath Time: If your dog is treading water, you probably went overboard. Four inches of warm water is all that is needed! From there, it is pretty straightforward. Just remember to use a pet-safe shampoo and to keep it out of her eyes!

Nail Trim: Your dog might not be crazy about this one. Occasionally rubbing her paws will eventually make her more comfortable around you. When trimming, avoid the pink near the base. That part is actually a vein, so it will bleed if cut!

Follow these tips, and dog grooming will never have to be a struggle again. Keeping your dog out of that mud puddle to start with is another matter entirely!