Tips for Dog Grooming and Haircuts

Dog grooming skills run the gambit from those of simple bathing, blow drying and brushing to learning how to properly strip the coat of a terrier or clip and scissor a poodle into a pet or show cut. To groom successfully, you first have to understand the nature of specific breed coats and what grooming is necessary for each breed. Grooming equipment, products and techniques vary for each type of dog.

  1. Equipment

    • One pair of specialized grooming scissors can cost more than $200.

      The most essential tip for anyone interested in grooming dogs is to have the right equipment. The basics would include an adjustable grooming table, easily accessible raised wash tub, commercial blow-dryer, combs and brushes for different types of coats, nail grinders, scissors and clippers specific for grooming dogs. Cherrybrook has long been a provider of quality dog grooming equipment. You can browse its website to get an idea of prices, manufacturers and different styles and types of professional grade equipment available for groomers.

    Products

    • Products such as shampoos and conditioners are specific to coat type.

      Having the right products for the job is another important tip. It is difficult to produce a gorgeous coat on a dog if you are not using products appropriate to the dog's coat type, condition and color. On Cherrybrook's shampoo and conditioner page, there are 26 manufacturers offering a full range of quality products.

      Read the product information and determine which products will work best for the dogs that you intend to groom. Many groomers find their favorites through trial and error or based on the recommendation of professionals in the field. There are products that gently cleanse, kill parasites, enhance the dog's coat color, thicken the appearance of coat, untangle, add volume and enhance shine.

    Breed Specifics

    • Specific grooming skills differ for each breed of dog.

      Very few groomers see wash and wear breeds only. Learn all that you can about proper grooming techniques for the various dog breeds. The wash and wear dogs may only need a bath and blow dry. Many owners can groom those dogs at home. Groomers tend to see dogs that need monthly grooming to keep coat length and condition manageable or dogs that are difficult for the owner to groom. For these breeds, there are no shortcuts to knowledge. If you cannot attend dog grooming school or intern at a dog grooming shop, quality books and DVDs on the specific grooming techniques can be found by searching for grooming information on the Dogwise website (see the link in Resources).

    Handling the Dog

    • Could you handle this dog long enough to bathe and blow him dry?

      Keep in mind that most dogs do not hold still for grooming or may initially fear grooming equipment. Obtain some basic dog management and handling skills, so that you are comfortable grooming any size of dog. You can volunteer to groom at your local shelter or rescue organization or sign on at a local grooming shop. All the grooming skills in the world will not be successful if you can't handle the dog that needs your help in a timely and efficient manner.