How to Groom a Golden Retreiver

Grooming your golden retriever should not be stressful for you or your pet. Schedule a time to be able to take care of your pet's needs with no distractions. Grooming involves caring for the dog's hair, nails and ears. All of these do not have to be done at the same time. Some dogs become excited after a bath, so nail trimming and ear cleaning can be left for the next day.

Things You'll Need

  • Medium to soft bristle dog brush
  • Wire pin brush
  • Undercoat rake
  • Slicker brush
  • Dog shampoo
  • Washcloth
  • Dog nail trimmers
  • Styptic powder
  • Ear cleaning solution
  • Cotton pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the dog's coat with a bristle brush. Stroke in the same direction of hair growth. For grooming the undercoat, use a wire pin brush or an undercoat rake, also brushing in the same direction as hair growth. Work the slicker brush gently on hair tangles or matted spots.

    • 2

      Place the dog in a bathtub. Soak the dog completely with lukewarm water. Apply shampoo from the neck to the tail. Begin lathering, starting at the base of the dog's neck and working down the body. Apply a small amount of shampoo to a wet washcloth. Gently wash the dog's face and ears. This helps prevent shampoo from getting in your pet's eyes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Towel dry the hair.

    • 3

      Push the pads of the dog's paw gently. The nail will extend out for easier trimming. Locate the end of the nail quick -- this is the dark line in the dog's nail. Hold the trimmers just below the quick at a 45-degree angle with the cutting side closer to the end of the nail. Squeeze the trimmers to cut through the nail. Repeat on all nails. If the quick is cut, the nail will bleed. Apply the styptic powder to the wound to stop the bleeding. Try to avoid cutting the quick.

    • 4

      Apply a small amount of ear cleaning solution to a cotton pad. Lift the dog's ear to see into the ear canal. Gently swab the inside of the ear. Repeat with fresh cotton pads until debris and wax are no longer visible.