Things You'll Need
- Dog brush
- Scissors
- Clippers
- Clipper oil
- Dog shampoo
- Towels
- Blow dryer
Instructions
Invest in the proper tools. Visit the grooming section at your local pet store and purchase dog shampoo, brushes, hair clippers and scissors. Having the necessary equipment is worth the cost because you will use these tools for many years.
Brush your dog, untangling the hair and removing any mats before you shampoo the dog. Brushing also will help calm your dog before the bath, which can be a stressful experience for some dogs.
Bathe your dog, removing all dirt and debris. Use shampoo that is specially formulated for your dog; like humans, dogs have variant textures of hair. The ASPCA recommends using lukewarm water, and rinsing thoroughly to ensure no chemicals are left on your dog's skin or hair.
Dry your dog thoroughly with towels, or with a hair dryer, on low heat, if your dog will tolerate it.
Trim the hair to the desired length with scissors; or use clippers to shave the desired areas. Be careful when trimming around sensitive areas, such as eyes and ears. When using clippers, check often to make sure they aren't too hot; and apply clipper oil at frequent intervals.