How to Groom a Sheltie's Feet

The Shetland sheepdog is a herding dog that looks very much like a small collie. Like collies, they have a long, bushy coat. The hair between a sheltie's toes can grow very long, to the point where it is visible under the dog's paws. The hairs can pick up mud and debris, so it's best to keep the hair on your sheltie's feet groomed and clipped. You can keep the mud off your floors and keep your sheltie's feet looking neat and tidy using tools that can be purchased at any pet store.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric clippers
  • Blunt-nosed grooming scissors
  • Slicker brush
  • Thinning shears
  • Dog nail clippers
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the length on your clippers to short. You don't want to shave the dog down to the skin, but you do want only a small amount of hair left.

    • 2

      Turn the sheltie's paw over and run the clippers just over the surface of the pads. Don't try to cut the hair between the toes with the clippers, which may nick and irritate the dog's paws.

    • 3

      Trim the long hair between the sheltie's toes with a pair of blunt-nosed grooming scissors. Cut the hair as close to the skin as possible, but be careful not to pinch the dog's pads or cut the skin between them.

    • 4

      Turn the paw back over and brush the hair back using a slicker brush. The sheltie's fur should stand straight up.

    • 5

      Trim any long hairs using thinning shears. Unlike regular scissors, thinning shears do not leave blunt edges.

    • 6

      Trim any long hair around the outer edge of the paw using your blunt-nosed scissors to give the paw an even shape.

    • 7

      Trim the sheltie's nails using dog nail clippers. Since shelties often have black nails, cut only the tip. By trimming more of the nail, you may cut the sensitive quick and cause bleeding.

    • 8

      Praise your sheltie and give it a treat for being such a good sport. Over time, the dog will look forward to feet-grooming sessions.