How to Clip, Trim & Groom Dogs

Unlike cats, dogs don't care much about grooming themselves. That leaves it up to owners to keep their pets clipped, trimmed, and sweet-smelling. Long-haired dogs need grooming more often than the short-haired variety, but all dogs can benefit from regular grooming sessions. If this is the first time you are attempting this at home, take your time, don't try to get everything done all in one session, and have plenty of treats handy.

Things You'll Need

  • Nail trimmer for dogs
  • Metal dog comb
  • Dog brush
  • Small scissors
  • Rubber mat
  • Dog shampoo
  • Cotton balls
  • Large towel
  • Blow dryer (optional)
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Nail Trimming

    • 1

      Approach the task at the end of the day or any time when the dog is relaxed or tired. Dogs who don't like having their nails trimmed may be less likely to resist if they are winding down for the day.

    • 2

      Turn on a bright light so that you will be able to see the quick of the dog's nails. The quick is the dark area inside of the nail where the blood vessels end. If you cut into the quick, it will hurt the dog and the nail will bleed.

    • 3

      Pet the dog and massage his paws lightly. If the animal is comfortable with this handling, hold one paw firmly but not too tightly. Push any hair out of the way and quickly trim off the end of the nail in a blunt cut with the nail trimmer. If the dog is very resistant, don't try to trim all of the nails in one session. Give the dog a treat and try again the following day.

    Grooming

    • 4

      Using a wide-toothed metal comb for dogs, carefully work through the dog's coat, being careful not to pull at any mats. Long-haired dogs should be combed and brushed at least a few times per week to prevent their hair from matting. Short-haired dogs should be brushed weekly to clear out dirt and debris from their coats.

    • 5

      Carefully work through matted hair with the comb and your fingers, taking care not to pull too hard. If the mat cannot be worked out, cut the mat out with a small, sharp scissors.

    • 6

      Clip any hair between the toes with a small, sharp scissors. If necessary, have someone hold the dog firmly so that it won't get accidentally cut if it moves or jerks away.

    Bathing

    • 7

      Brush or comb the dog to remove excess hair. Work through any matted hair or clip it out as described in the section on grooming.

    • 8

      Place a rubber mat in the sink or bathtub depending on the size of the dog. Fill the sink or tub with approximately 4 inches of warm water. Wet the dog using a light spray from a hose or large plastic vessel and then apply a mild dog shampoo. Take care not to get water or shampoo in the dog's eyes, ears or nose.

    • 9

      Massage the shampoo in gently, working from the head back to the tail; do not scrub vigorously. Rinse the dog thoroughly with clear warm water from a hose or large plastic vessel.

    • 10

      Dry the dog with a large towel. Some dogs will tolerate the use of a blow dryer, but be sure to put it on a low setting and keep it moving so as not to burn the dog's skin.

    • 11

      Check the dog's ears for dirt or debris. Use a cloth or cotton ball to clean the ears but do not insert anything inside of the ear canal.