If your doggie needs a trim and a tidy up, then you must be asking about how to cut your dog’s hair, this is an easy one actually cause here you will find the most important two tools the local dog-grooming salons use to do it at your home also it can help you save some money and attempt the job yourself
It’s very simple to groom your dog at home, but first, you have to have some basic knowledge of dog’s hair types and grooming best practices. This article will help you achieve a good result also it will keep your dog safe and comfortable while he’s being groomed.
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how to cut your dog’s hair?!
Best two ways you can find for cutting your dog’s hair are scissors and clippers but to choose which one to work with or if you want to use both of them, that what will you decide when you get to know both of them and how to use any of them but first you should be aware of hair types.
Dog Hair Types:
- Course hair, for example, a Westy, he will require electric razors also you must avoid any softeners or oils.
- Curly hair such as Poodles among others and this kind requires a special moisturizing shampoo. also, the cut needs to be done with scissors in some areas and some other areas need to be with clippers
- Short hair such as the boxer or pitbull and this kind doesn’t need any cutting, except for the medium-long haired specimens which are uncommon. For this, you may review some areas with clippers. Do not never ever use moisturizing products or oils.
- Long hair, like Yorkshire dogs, they require a softening treatment also you should use scissors with them.
As we said there are things you will use and the products you need to have so the next thing we should mention is…
What Do You Need For Cutting Your Dog’s Hair?!
You need These products and preparation after deciding which hair type will you be dealing with…
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Dryer
- Clippers
- Scissors
- Small scissors
- Brush
- Adhesive tape
After you get what is needed for your dog you should first give him a bath to eliminate all dirt, then dry him with a towel and leave the hair damp and ready to be cut also this will be easier for you to know the length of the hair.
Not just That, but you also have to brush your dog’s hair to eliminate all the knots and entanglements, this will make you spot any uneven areas to identify how much you need to cut.
You will find some similarities of course cause you are dealing with the same pet but the way of acting will be different.
How To Use Clippers?!
First, you have to get the right tools…
You, of course, will need a clipper, comb, and slicker brush. You can buy clipper blades, combs, and brushes at any pet store; from PetSmart if you want to the small boutique around the corner. When buying hair clippers, blades, and slicker brushes, do your research carefully.
At a pet store, There are many different kinds of tools when standing in the aisle so it can get overwhelming very often. To eliminate confusion, and buyer hesitation, you have to search either online or talk to a groomer to know the best types of tools which will suit your needs.
Keep in mind that, stainless steel, despite being a bit pricier, it will last longer, won’t rust, and will provide the strongest and cleanest cuts.
Try To Keep Quite…
Loud noises can surprise or even distress the dog, try to Test different clippers then choose the one that makes the least noise cause this will make it easy for you and him, try to stay in a quiet place away from any distractions, also try to be alone with your pet away from any other people or even animals.
Don’t Pull Your Dog’s Hair…
You can do this by keeping your clippers sharp cause it will cut through the hair without causing any tugging or discomfort to the skin also for some places like around the head and ears, you only will be able to cut with the top of your clippers cause these places are hard to reach.
Go Slow And In The Right Direction…
Don’t go so fast cause it will leave a line and won’t give you that natural look you are looking for also it will be best if you walk with the hair growing direction to keep it smooth and even.
Pay Attention To The Clippers…
Make sure that your clippers don’t get hot cause it can burn your dog’s skin so turn them off regularly and test the temperature also you can choose to spray on clipper coolant or lubricant, Switch to another clipper, Change out the blades for cooler ones, or Put the hot blade on something metal.
How To Use Scissors?!
First, you should Get a full set of grooming scissors…
You need more than a standard pair of scissors if you want to do your dog’s hair in a professional way, so look for a full set of grooming scissors in a pet supply store cause each type of them has a specific purpose, you have to get…
- Straight grooming shears cause you will use it in general cutting
- Curved scissors which will be for the rounding off layers of hair
- Thinning shears cause it will give your dog’s coat a natural edge, also it will deal with problem areas
- Rounded safety tip scissors to trim the delicate areas like the face and tail
Pay Close Attention To Your scissors…
The scissors as the Clippers must be sharp but also it must be oily cause dull scissors will yank on your doggie’s hair, which will cause pain and stress, so keep it sharp and put a few drops of scissor oil on your blades before you start cutting, this will maintain the shears also it will make cutting easier.
Set up a grooming station…
Place a mat underneath your dog to catch the flying hair from the cutting, and Make sure that all you need from your shears, dog brush, and any other grooming supplies are easy to reach while you work.
How To Start Cutting?!….
All the previously mentioned steps in clipping it’s the same when you use scissors, from bathing, brushing, keeping quiet, not pulling the hair to going slowly and in the right directions from the front to the back.
Also save the sensitive areas like face, ears, feet, and tail for last cause you have to give it extra care, and it’s better to work back to front when you trim the dog’s feet, it will help you to use rounded tip shears, the thinning shears will fix any problem areas such as matted areas or patches of thick hair.
Finally, Give your doggie lots of praise and treats before, during, and after grooming. it will create positive associations and it sure will make future grooming sessions easy.
It’s always better to groom your pet by yourself if you can cause everything you do to your pet creates a bond between you and him, he will love it more, feel comfy to it more, and you sure will be happy taking good care of him.