Do you notice that your dog’s fur appears unkempt? Is it time to give Fido a makeover? As with humans, it is usually advisable for dogs to rely on experts to trim their hair (particular if you’re clueless in that area). However, there may be instances when you’re unavailable to take your pet to the groomer owing to various reasons such as lack of time or funds. This is when in-home grooming becomes a viable alternative. Our manual on how to groom dogs will direct you on the best dog grooming toolkit and help you cut their fur safely while enhancing their appearance and well-being.
Proceed With Caution
Although brushing and bathing your dog can be done safely at home, trimming their coat can pose risks, especially if you lack the necessary skills. When grooming your pet, it is important to exercise extra caution to avoid accidentally injuring them and causing them discomfort.
If you still want to do some grooming or touch-ups at home, keep in mind that a professional dog groomer possesses trained expertise, utilizes high-quality equipment, and has a level of patience with dogs that the average pet parent may not have. However, here are some instructions on how to do it yourself.
How To Groom A Dog At Home
Before you groom, you should make sure your dog is clean . TIP: bathe them the night before so they are fluffy and extra dry. If you’re new to bathing your dog, check out our tips first.
It is important to stay calm and patient while trimming your dog’s coat. Your dog can perceive your tension, hence it’s crucial not to stress. The duration of trimming may vary based on your dog’s breed, size, and temperament. Moreover, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers to your dog’s health.
Please be informed that we will guide you through the process of grooming your dog using scissors and a shaver, and the choice of tool to use depends on your dog’s breed, hair length, and the desired style. The primary objective is to ensure your dog’s comfort, which includes keeping their body temperature in check and maintaining a neat and tidy coat.
To avoid a mess, it’s best to groom your dog outside or in a room with easy-to-clean floors instead of on a carpet or rug. To make cleaning up easier afterwards, consider laying down a towel for your furry friend’s comfort. For your own benefit, wearing shorts and short sleeves can help prevent hair from sticking to your clothes.
1. Prepare
Position your dog on a robust kitchen table or counter that provides a comfortable height for you. You can conveniently groom bigger dogs while staying seated next to them.
If your dog tends to squirm, enlisting some assistance to keep them calm and still during grooming may be beneficial, particularly during the initial attempts when neither you nor your furry companion will be familiar with the process. To achieve this, a grooming arm or table can be utilized to hold them steady.
A helpful hint is to incorporate treats frequently to make the process more enjoyable. To divert your dog’s attention, try using a waterproof toy they enjoy or give them a dog lick pad filled with peanut butter, yogurt, or mashed banana.
After positioning yourself, allow your puppy to sniff and become acquainted with the equipment you intend to use to help them feel comfortable. Offer them plenty of praise and affection to help them feel at ease, and consider playing calming background music as well.
2. Brush & Cut Hair
To trim your dog’s hair, begin by following these steps that involve brushing and cutting. It’s important to always start with the body.
Body
When using scissors or shears, comb the hair upwards and backwards using the comb to identify any unevenness. Afterward, hold the hair using your fingers, ensuring the ends are parallel, and cut above your fingers using the scissors to achieve a level result.
When using a clipper, begin by choosing the blade length, opting for a guard with a higher number to keep more hair. Keep in mind that it’s possible to trim further if needed, but it’s impossible to add back what’s already removed. Use a gentle and even hand to maneuver the clipper along the back following the direction of hair growth.
As you proceed with the brushing process, keep an eye out for any uneven spots. Utilize the other hand to support your dog’s belly and prevent any discomfort or bumps by holding their skin taut while you trim with the clippers.
Gently move your hand along your dog’s back towards the base of its tail and then down each side. Keep repeating this action until the hair is evenly trimmed and has reached the desired length.
Belly
Exercise caution when grooming the stomach and groin region as it is a sensitive area. It is advisable to utilize scissors or a smaller razor in this area. In case you use a razor, make sure to move against the direction of hair growth. You may hold either the front or back paws of your dog using one hand to lift them up.
To stay safe, it is recommended to avoid turning your dog onto their back when trimming their body. In case you need to do it, bear in mind that sudden movements could be risky. Your dog may become scared and attempt to flip back over, which could be potentially hazardous if you are using scissors or clippers.
Legs And Paws
If you are using scissors to trim your dog’s fur, you should first backcomb their legs and then cut the hair to match the leg’s shape. In case of clippers, follow the same process as you use on the body, but later employ shears for trimming around the paw pads. To trim the hair between their paw pads, a shaver can be used cautiously.
Tail
To trim your dog’s lengthy tail hair, lift the tail’s tip and ensure that the hair hangs uniformly on both sides. Cut the hair evenly with scissors or shears, taking caution not to accidentally cut the tail.
Head
To maintain long hair, begin at the crown and comb the hair upward before using scissors to cut to your desired length. To achieve a consistent appearance, employ clippers to even out the sides, top, and nape of the neck.
When it comes to trimming your dog’s face, it is crucial to use scissors with rounded tips and beware of cutting off their eyelashes or whiskers. Keep the hair around their mouth and chin as short as possible to avoid food from getting stuck in it. In case your furry friend experiences tear stains, Burt’s Bees Tear Stain Remover is a safe option for baths or whenever necessary.
Ears
To trim the hair on dogs with shorter ears, first comb the hair down and grip the ear at its tip. Proceed to cut the hair using shears, taking care to avoid cutting the skin. Once both ears have been trimmed, step back and check that the ears, head, and body are all symmetrical in length and shape.
For dogs with longer, floppy ears, use a brush or comb to smooth the hair and then use sheers around the edges to clean up the sides and bottom so it’s a consistent length on both sides.
Touch Up
Conclude the grooming process by brushing your canine’s hair once more and inspecting for any inconsistencies or tangles (refer to the tips on how to remove tangles below).
Clean Up
After grooming your dog and making it look nice, it’s time to use a vacuum that is designed to clean pet hair so that you can tidy up your home.
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Do you feel prepared to initiate the training process for your puppy or dog? Among the fundamental requirements for your canine pet are adequate socialization and tuition. You must commence instructing your pet early on in basic commands such as sit, stay, come, go to their crate, and to relieve themselves outside. Even if you’re a novice, handling the task independently is practical.
If you’re a newbie dog owner, the idea of training your furry friend can be intimidating. In all honesty, it’s a massive undertaking. However, approaching it methodically and breaking it down into manageable steps can make it feel less daunting. The following information aims to support you in beginning your training journey:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program : Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games : Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it’s easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog : Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement : There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.
House Training and Crate Training
House training, which is also known as housebreaking or potty training, is one of the initial things you’ll need to teach your dog. This is because unless you intend to keep your dog outside, which isn’t advisable, you’ll need to show your dog where to eliminate. Additionally, crate training can be a valuable aspect of the training process, encompassing house training and other training areas.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
Learning to walk on a leash is essential for all dogs, as it is often required by leash laws and can also be crucial for their own safety. Begin by introducing your dog or puppy to the leash and gradually training them to walk correctly, even beside you while cycling. A relaxed leash walk will teach your dog to avoid pulling or lunging on the leash, resulting in a more pleasant experience for you and your pet.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
To socialize your dog, you need to introduce them to different people, animals, and environments to help them become comfortable with these things. Dogs that have been socialized tend to have fewer behavioral issues and are generally more popular with people. In addition, socialization can help prevent the emergence of phobias and fears.
In summary, the act of socializing your dog or puppy can enhance their behavior and overall happiness.
Clicker Training for Dogs
Clicker training is a widely used positive reinforcement technique that’s both straightforward and efficient for teaching dogs. While it’s possible to conduct dog training without using clicker training, it’s a beneficial method for many individuals. The technique allows you to effortlessly and effectively teach your dog a range of basic and advanced commands and tricks. Moreover, learning how to clicker train your dog is a quick and uncomplicated process.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
It is essential for every dog to learn fundamental dog training commands and tricks, such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, and so on. These basic commands provide a sense of order for your dog. Additionally, they can aid in dealing with typical canine behavioral difficulties and keeping your dog out of danger.
Advanced Dog Training
After your dog has acquired sufficient skills in basic training, you can explore more advanced tricks. These activities not only maintain your dog’s physical and mental fitness but also reinforce the connection you have with your furry friend.
Always keep in mind that training is a continuous journey. It’s an ongoing task that you can never fully accomplish. It’s essential to consistently work on obedience training for your dog’s lifetime. Just like how people who learn a language during their young age but stop using it may tend to forget it gradually as they age, dogs also undergo the same process of “use it or lose it.” Practicing even the fundamental tricks and commands can assist them in retaining the tricks and commands in their memory. Additionally, it’s an excellent approach to spend some lovely time with your furry friend.
