How to Clip Animal Hair

Just as people like to keep their hair short, practical and stylish, many owners like to extend this treatment to their pets. This is particularly true of dog owners, who often like to have their pets matching their own look. As well as being a style statement, clipping a dog's hair can also improve its behavior, especially in the warmer months. Dogs with short hair may not need it trimmed at all, but those with long or shaggy fur will need it cut between once a year and once a season.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog hair clippers
  • Comb
  • Water
  • Blow dryer or towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb your dog's hair thoroughly to remove all the tangles.

    • 2

      Set your dog hair clippers to a high setting, around 9 or 10. It's best to start off higher as this gives you the option to shorten the hair later if you need to.

    • 3

      Clip the dog's hair on this setting around its armpits, stomach and his crotch area up to the tail.

    • 4

      Comb the hair away from your dog's eyes and muzzle area and then clip the hair from these areas, as well as her face, ears and head.

    • 5

      Lower the clipper settings by two stages and shorten the hair on his legs and paws.

    • 6

      Wash your dog to remove all the hair you've trimmed. Dry either by towel or blow-drying and check that the hair is evenly cut, going over any areas that need a bit of extra attention.