The Best Ways to Clip a Dog's Fur

A dog's fur may require clipping for a variety of reasons including keeping it cool in hot weather, reducing the amount of daily grooming required, giving it a certain look or readying it to compete in a dog show. It's important to know the best style of clip for each specific dog breed. Some dogs should only have light trims and clipping the entire dog can permanently damage its coat. Consult with a professional dog groomer or the American Kennel Club for information on what type of clipping is best suited to your dog before attempting it at home.

  1. Clippers

    • Dog clippers are designed for use on specific types of coats. Large, heavy-coated dogs will require higher-quality clippers with stronger motors to accomplish a faster, better clip. Different blades are available for different lengths of coat. The lower the blade number, the longer the coat that will remain after clipping. For dense, matted coats or as a fast first pass on a long-coated dog, use a skip-tooth blade for a rough clip. A full-tooth blade can then be used to smooth the coat. Blade lubricant is necessary to reduce heat produced by clipper friction. Snap on guide combs are available to help make a unified cut and to prevent clipping to close.

    Introduce the Dog to Clippers

    • The earlier in its life the dog is introduced to clippers, the better. Start clipping your puppy at a young age. Older dogs are more prone to balk at their first experience with clipping. Compare the sound levels of clippers and choose a quiet brand, especially when first introducing the dog to the process. Loud-buzzing clippers can frighten a sensitive dog. Turn on the clippers and let the dog get used to the sound before attempting to clip it.

    Preparing for Clipping

    • The dog's coat needs to be clean, dry and free of mats before clipping. Bathe the dog and wait for it to become completely dry before clipping. A wet coat or mats will jam clippers and potentially injure the dog. Bush the dog thoroughly and remove all tangles and mats after bathing. Be sure clipper blades are sharp before using. Always have clipper lubricant handy to prevent burning the dog.

    Clipping Safety Tips

    • Clip in the direction the dog's fur grows. If they get too close the dog's skin, clippers will grab, pinch or cut folds the skin. Lightly pass the clippers over the dog's coat. Don't apply pressure, as that can cause clipper burn, which presents as a rash or scabs on the dog's skin. Check the clippers for heat regularly. Clippers can heat up quickly. Turn them off and allow them to cool down when they begin heating up, or change hot blades for fresh cool ones. Be very careful when clipping the stomach and groin area and watch to be sure you don't nick nipples on both male and female dogs.