How to Clip My Dog

When summer rolls around, long-haired dogs suffer from the heat, often spending an entire day in whatever patch of shade they can find. Clipping your dog's fur is a good way to give it some relief from the heat, and it helps your dog stay clean. In addition, a good haircut can make show dogs look snazzy. Many owners take their dogs to professional groomers, but it's possible to clip your dog on your own if you know what you're doing.

Things You'll Need

  • Brush
  • Fine-toothed comb
  • Dog clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your dog on a table. A grooming table is best, but any table will do, as long is it puts your dog up to a height at which you can easily work. Make sure your dog is calm and relaxed - a long walk before the grooming session does wonders.

    • 2

      Brush the dog thoroughly before you turn on the clippers. Remove all tangles and mats, as these can wear out the clippers. Get out all loose hairs. This will help give you a more even cut. If you have a shepherd or other such dog that has a thick undercoat, you can use a fine-tooth metal comb to stimulate shedding.

    • 3

      Start out with a long guard blade that takes off less hair. This will keep you from accidentally removing too much fur. You can always switch to a shorter blade later, but you can't put back fur once it's cut off. Use a plastic guard so the blade doesn't hurt the dog - they heat up quickly. If you must use the bare metal blade, check its temperature often so it doesn't get too hot.

    • 4

      Run the clippers in the same direction that the fur grows - the clippers can pinch or cut skin that gets in their path. If your dog has lots of loose skin, pull the skin tight so the clippers have a smooth, even path. Don't press too hard, because pressure can cause red scabby areas known as clipper burn.

    • 5

      Take extra care around your dog's stomach and groin area. Both male and female dogs have nipples, so watch out for them. Don't use the clippers on the dog's head, either - scissors should be good for whatever cosmetic alterations you want to make. Attend the dog's feet with scissors, but first make sure your dog is used to having its feet handled.