Tips on Shaving a Dog

Shaving your dog can be a difficult process for you and your pet. Even if you have a normally calm and submissive canine, the act of shaving can make him panic. However, shaving your dog on your own doesn't have to be chore. With a little patience and by using a few proven tips, you can turn shaving your dog into an easy task for you and your pet.

  1. Prepare Your Dog for Shaving

    • Bathe your dog prior to shaving. Brush him thoroughly and try to untangle any knots or matted areas on his coat. Make sure to focus on typically matted areas behind the ears, tails and legs. You may need to cut out big knots from his coat to make the shaving process easier. Before having a full shaving session with your dog, get him used to his electric shaver by planning short interactions with the shaver on, or try shaving small areas on your pet for no more than five minutes at a time. Once he is comfortable with these shorter sessions, he is more likely to be comfortable during a full shaving session.

    Choose the Right Location

    • Picking the right location to shave your dog is extremely important. Make sure to choose a spot, indoors or outdoors, where your dog is comfortable. Don't pick an area that's new to your pet where he will be easily distracted. Make sure the area you choose is far away from standing water, as the combination of electric clippers and water is unsafe. Putting your dog up on a table can be easier on your back while grooming.

    Keep Your Dog Still

    • One of the biggest problems pet owners face while trying to shave their dogs is dealing with animals who move around or run away. Many dogs react to shaving in this way out of fear, not pain. If your dog has the tendency to bark, bite or snap at people when threatened, consider using a loose muzzle. A harness is another great tool you can use to keep your dog from moving around. You may also want to have a partner help you while shaving your dog. She can distract your dog while he's being shaved or help hold him still while you shave.

    Shaving Sensitive Areas

    • To clip your dog's eyes, change your shaver settings to a No. 10, and start shaving along the bridge of the nose, moving towards the eyes. Make sure you are careful along the edge of the eyes and always pull the blade of the shaver away from the eye. Trim the ears by shaving down and away from the entry to the ear and pointing the blade away from the ear opening. Have your dog stand when you shave his under leg areas, and carefully life each leg to shave underneath. When you get to the groin area, clip the hair first and shave carefully away from the groin.