How to Use Clippers on a Dog Like the Pros

You don't have to be a professional dog groomer to give your pooch a haircut. While it might seem easier at first to take your puppy to a groomer, buying a pair of professional dog clippers and doing the haircuts yourself will save you money in the long run.

Things You'll Need

  • Brush
  • Professional dog hair clippers
  • Clipper lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the Internet to find the best dog grooming styles and patterns for your dog's breed. Websites such as LowchenAustralia and Pet Place feature grooming patterns alphabetized by dog breed. If possible, ask a dog groomer or trainer for any tips concerning your dog's hair care.

    • 2

      Buy a pair of professional dog hair clippers. These work better than using a pair of human hair clippers and have comb settings specific to a dog's fur type. To find the best pair, consult websites such as Galt Tech, which offer reviews of the top-four-rated dog hair clippers, or read consumer reviews on websites such as Amazon.com. If possible, find a clipper that is not very loud, since the buzzing sound of the clipper might spook your dog.

    • 3

      Brush through your dog's coat thoroughly to get out any knots or tangles before you begin the haircut. Leaving a knot or tangle in the fur and cutting it with clippers might be painful for your dog or cause the haircut to be uneven.

    • 4

      Apply clipper lubricant, or coolant, to the clipper blades before you start the haircut and then use your dog hair clippers to give your dog a haircut. Use the pattern or style you found on the Internet along with the appropriate snap-on guide comb provided in your clipper set to give your dog an even haircut. The snap-on comb will keep the blades from getting too close to the dog's skin.

    • 5

      Frequently apply clipper lubricant to the clipper blades during the grooming process to keep the blades from overheating and burning your dog. If need be, swap out the blades with another pair of blades or set the blades on a metal surface, such as a cookie sheet, for a few minutes so they cool off.