Professional Dog Grooming Tips: How to Keep Your Pup Looking and Feeling Great

Dog grooming is an essential aspect of pet care. Every dog owner should have basic knowledge of it. While some may opt for professional grooming services, not everyone can afford it.

Therefore, professionals from around the country have shared their top dog grooming tips and tricks. With these expert tips, dog owners can learn how to groom their pets at home, saving both time and money.

From nail trimming to extensive coat grooming, these tips are designed to make the process easier and more effective.

12 Professional Dog Grooming Tips

Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is essential to their overall health and happiness. Here are 12 professional dog grooming tips to help you achieve a clean and pretty coat for your furry friend.

Routine

Developing a routine that works for both you and your dog is crucial. Use the same shampoo, bathing spot, and steps every time to make it easier on you and less stressful for your dog.

Make sure to clean every part of their body, including the belly and face, and rinse thoroughly to avoid any shampoo residue left on the skin or in the coat.

Choose the Shampoo

There are a variety of canine shampoos available, and what you choose will be based on your needs.

For example, for dry skin, try an oatmeal-based shampoo. Puppies need special shampoo that won’t make them tear up, so make it more comfortable with a tearless puppy shampoo. In general, oatmeal-based shampoos are usually the best basic option.

Additionally, conditioners can be used if your dog has dry or sensitive skin, and dry or brittle hair. It also can help reduce matting.

Deshedding/Dematting

Take a comb or brush and work through the coat as you’re rinsing to rid your dog of excess loose hair and to detangle any mats that they’ve developed. You’ll find it easier to do this during the bathing routine, rather than when you’re trying to dry them.

Grooming Equipment

One highly recommended professional dog grooming tip is not to skimp on the tools you’ll need (brushes, scissors, trimmers).

Not only will they last longer, but they will work better than their cheaper cousins. Make sure that you clean your equipment after every use and lubricate and sharpen as necessary to prolong the life of the tool.

Organize Your Equipment

Having everything in one place — shampoo, combs, brushes, scissors, trimmers, etc. — will keep the process moving along. There’s nothing like an anxious dog making its escape while you search for the right pair of scissors.

Get a Helping Hand

Many dogs will not sit still for drying and trimming, so you might need a little help.

One dog-grooming trick is to use a Groomers Helper device to stabilize your dog and keep him from struggling, biting, or spinning. It will actually make your job go by all that much faster, a relief for the dog as well. If equipment isn’t in your budget, ask a family member or friend your pet is comfortable with to lend a helping hand.

Dry Before Grooming

Make sure that you thoroughly dry your dog before grooming. Partially dried coats will tend to curl more, making it difficult to get an even trim. This way you can do one pass with the clippers, rather than two.

Clippers 101

If you’ll be trimming your dog’s coat, you will need a pair of clippers and one or more blades.

Blades are numbered differently than human clipper blades, where 1 is the shortest. To keep your dog’s coat longer, use a #5/8, #3, or #4. For a shorter cut, go with #5, #7, #9, or #10.

Make sure that your blade is a finish-cut or FC version. The teeth are spaced a bit farther apart and the blades aren’t as sharp as a skip-tooth blade, which should be reserved for pro groomers. Also, for armpits, around eyes and in the sanitary area, use only a #10 blade.

Grooming Made Easy

Always go with the lay of the hair when trimming. Keep the tip of your blade down against the skin, holding the back at an angle. Then pull the skin taut as you move your trimmer along the coat (to avoid cutting the skin).

Trimming Paws

If you need to trim between the pads or around the edge of the paws, one of the simplest dog grooming tips is to move your dog to the edge of the work surface, so it makes it easier for you to get to.

Right Tool for Trimming Nails

There are a variety of clippers available, from electric dremel-style tools to scissor and guillotine styles.

There is no need to invest in an electric dremel nail grinder. It is more expensive than the other styles and the noise can be off-putting to your dog, who probably isn’t fond of the procedure to begin with.

How to Trim the Nails

Start with the back paws, as they tend to be less sensitive. Hold the paw firmly in your hand. Cut the end off the nail, below the quick, at a 45-degree angle. You can choose to take several small cuts or one larger cut, but be very careful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools are essential for professional dog grooming?

Professional dog grooming requires a variety of tools to ensure that the dog is groomed properly. Some essential tools include:

• Clippers: Clippers are used to trim the dog’s fur to the desired length. It’s important to use clippers that are designed for dogs and to choose the right blade for the dog’s coat type.

• Scissors: Scissors are used to trim the dog’s fur in areas that are hard to reach with clippers, such as around the ears and paws.

• Brushes and combs: Brushes and combs are used to remove tangles and mats from the dog’s fur. It’s important to choose the right brush for the dog’s coat type.

  

• Nail clippers: Nail clippers are used to trim the dog’s nails. It’s important to use nail clippers that are designed for dogs and to avoid cutting the quick.

What are some effective techniques for beginners starting dog grooming at home?

For beginners starting dog grooming at home, it’s important to start slowly and to be patient with the dog.

Some effective techniques include:

• Brushing the dog’s fur regularly to prevent tangles and mats.

• Trimming the dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long.

• Bathing the dog with a gentle dog shampoo to keep the coat clean and healthy.

• Using clippers and scissors to trim the dog’s fur to the desired length.

  

Can you describe a daily grooming routine to maintain a dog’s coat health?

To maintain a dog’s coat health, it’s important to establish a daily grooming routine. A typical daily grooming routine may include:

• Brushing the dog’s fur to remove tangles and mats.

• Checking the dog’s ears for dirt and debris.

• Cleaning the dog’s teeth with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Checking the dog’s eyes for any signs of irritation or infection.

• Wiping the dog’s paws to remove any dirt or debris.

What steps should be followed for a complete professional dog grooming session?

A complete professional dog grooming session typically includes the following steps:

• Brushing the dog’s fur to remove tangles and mats.

• Bathing the dog with a gentle dog shampoo to clean the coat.

• Drying the dog’s coat with a towel or blow dryer.

• Trimming the dog’s nails to the desired length.

• Using clippers and scissors to trim the dog’s fur to the desired length.

  

• Cleaning the dog’s ears and teeth.

How can I groom my dog at home using clippers safely and effectively?

To groom your dog at home using clippers safely and effectively, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Choose the right clippers for your dog’s coat type.

• Choose the right blade for the desired length of fur.

• Start slowly and work in small sections.

• Keep the clippers clean and well-maintained.

• Use caution when grooming sensitive areas, such as around the ears and paws.

What is the proper etiquette for tipping a dog groomer after the service?

Tipping a dog groomer is a common practice. The amount of the tip can vary depending on the quality of the service and the location. In general, a tip of 15-20% of the service cost is appropriate.

It’s also important to consider the groomer’s level of experience and the difficulty of the job when deciding on the tip amount.