How to Hold Dog Clippers

Operating dog clippers requires patience and precision. Improper handling can harm the dog or result in a bad grooming job. If you want to clip your dog at home, first learn the correct, safe way to handle and operate the clippers.

Things You'll Need

  • Clippers
  • Clipper oil
  • Grooming arm (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your pet on a table and stand behind him to get into position to use your dog clippers. The pet should be at a comfortable level for you to work.

    • 2

      Hold the clippers with front edge of the blade facing you. If you are right-handed, your thumb will be sitting on the right of the clippers while the remaining fingers will be on the left of the clippers.

    • 3

      Turn on your clippers to begin clipping with the angle of the blade sitting closely against the skin and facing towards the dog's hind end. You will be clipping in the direction that the fur grows.

    • 4

      Glide the clippers down your dog's back using gentle pressure, starting at the neck, behind the ears, and proceeding toward the tail. Continue until you have shaved the dog's entire body.

    • 5

      Turn the clippers around to cut against the growth of the fur to remove any track marks from your first pass with the clippers.

    • 6

      Clip the legs by pointing your clippers downward and twisting gently to follow the contour of the leg.