Tools Needed to Start Dog Grooming

In order to groom successfully, whether for your own dog, show dogs or as a business, essential commercial grade grooming tools are needed. Appropriate combs, brushes, clippers, nail trimmers and shears should be varied enough to accommodate most breeds of dogs. Store your tools in a groomer's case made for the job and clean them between grooms. These steps will enable you to successfully use these sometimes pricey tools for years to come.

  1. Metal Tools

    • Handled metal tools such as combs and shedding blades are essential.

      Metal tools include combs, shedding blades, stripping blades, mat breakers, rakes and other metal handled tools needed to groom a variety of different coat textures and lengths. Since there are so many options for these types of implements, it is best first to get a general idea of the types of grooming you want to do. Specialized tools such as shedding blades, mat rakes and stripping tools may be added to your tool box at a later date if you find them essential. In the beginning, purchase fine, medium and coarse combs that will be applicable for each coat type. Pet Edge and Pro Groom offer a wide variety of metal tools on their websites.

    Brushes

    • Brush styles vary to accommodate different coat types.

      Basic brushes necessary for dog grooming encompass short wire bristled slicker brushes, pin brushes, which have long metal bristles, and typical dense bristle brushes, with soft, medium and hard density bristles made from natural or synthetic sources. Having several brushes from each category should provide you optimum range to effectively brush the coats of most breeds. There are literally thousands of brush brands and varieties on the market. When purchasing brushes, consider what types and brands will endure the most use for the price. A selection of quality brands for reasonable prices are available from Pet Edge, which has long been a trusted pet supply company.

    Shears and Clippers

    • There are hundreds of shear styles used for grooming specific breeds.

      When it comes to purchasing clippers and shears, it is best to first consider which of these tools will allow for basic grooming skills. Considering that shears can cost upward of $150.00, it may not be necessary to purchase specialty shears immediately. Get shears that allow you to perform basic skills like trimming whiskers, feathering features on legs and body, and grooming around the face. Clippers need to have a variety of blades that allow you to clip the coat close to the skin or at specific longer lengths. Professional groomers, grooming instructors or the professionals at online retailers such as Pet Edge or Pro Groom can guide you to the purchase of specific shears and clippers best for your budget, needs and skills. Shears should be of proper balance and fit to the size of your hand.

    Nail Trimmer

    • There are three types of nail trimmers.

      For safety purposes and task efficiency, rotary style electric or battery powered nail grinders comfortably grind the nails on any breed of dog. Choose the best grinder that you can afford with options for multiple grinding wheels, speeds and power supplies. You need to have a backup plan if power grinders fail. Both guillotine and alligator style manual nail clippers should be in your grooming kit. Choose a brand that comes with replacement blades and a safety guard to ensure a clean and correct cut. At some point, you'll clip a nail too short. When you purchase your nail tools, purchase a can of styptic powder. It will stop nails from bleeding immediately.