Scissoring Techniques

Electric clippers are often used by dog groomers, but groomers often take pride in their scissoring techniques. Scissoring, like most other activities, takes practice, and is considered an art form in the grooming world. Novice dog groomers often spend hours holding the shears and learning to operate them effortlessly while strengthening their fingers and wrists. Different dog breeds require special finishes, which must be learned before attempting to groom them and can take hours to accomplish with the shears.

  1. Coat Preparation

    • Prepare the dog's coat. The coat should be as straight as possible and standing out rather than lying flat against the dog's skin. Use a good shampoo and condition lightly. Dry the coat with a strong, warm hair dryer while brushing it outward. Spray curly and heavy coats with a scissoring spray for the maximum effect.

    Shear Selection

    • Choose the best shears for the job. Having the right selection of shears will enable the groomer to do a better job. The more expensive shears are made from better quality metals, last longer and are more likely to stay sharp. Japanese metals are more brittle than German and tend to break if dropped. A set of straight and curved shears and thinning shears that will easily go through heavy coats will make the groomer's job more enjoyable. It is also important that the shank fits your hand and feels comfortable

    Holding the Shears

    • Hold the shears correctly. It is a good idea to practice the hand movements required whenever possible. The middle and index finger and your thumb control the shears. Rest your thumb alongside the ring and your index finger along the shank of the shears. Your ring finger goes in the upper ring and your pinkie in the loop or finger rest. Your middle finger goes below your index finger. Keep your upper arm close to your body when possible and move your body with your arm.

    Scissoring Movements

    • Move the shears forward through the coat without bouncing. Known as "dip and snip," this will produce an uneven finish. Hold the scissors upright and scissor up the coat, moving the coat forward in front of you. It helps to picture the hands of a clock. Start by holding the shears at the 12 o'clock position. Scissor most of the coat in the 5-1 position. Switch to the 10-2 position for smaller areas. Make certain you are using the entire length of the blades to cut.

    Speed

    • Practice getting up to speed. If you move the shears forward at a good speed you will obtain a smoother finish and the dog is less likely to become restless. Wrist and finger strength and suppleness will help you obtain the speed. Use thinning shears for de-matting, straight shears for a regular cut and curved-bladed shears for finishing off. Adjust the tension of the shears according to the weight and thickness of the coat.