Dog Clipping Tips

Dogs provide a lifetime of loyalty and companionship. Keeping their coats clean and appropriately trimmed can keep them comfortable and happy and avoid matted hair, parasites and dirt. The least expensive way to keep your dog's coat trimmed is to clip it yourself, but giving your dog a haircut can be a bit daunting for a beginner. Here are a few tips to keep your dog clipping experience simple and enjoyable.

  1. Get the Right Tools

    • The right clipping tools is vital to a good trim. The same tools don't work with every breed of dog. For example, a dog with short, straight hair, such as a dachshund, may require only one set of clippers. However, a dog with long, curly hair, such as a poodle, will need brushes, scissors and perhaps more than one set of clippers. Brushes help you get tangles and dead hair out of the coat before cutting. Scissors are useful for trimming delicate areas, such as the ear or under the belly. Using clippers in such areas might pull the hairs and make the dog uncomfortable. Clippers can cut wide areas of hair easier and are perfect for larger dogs. Always consider your dog's breed before starting a clip job. While it's possible to clip your dog while he's unsecured and on the ground, this can be uncomfortable for both you and the dog. A grooming table will bring your dog to a comfortable clipping height and keep him in one place. Your dog will be less likely to flee from a table several feet high. If he still resists and tries to flee, you may need an assistant to secure the dog by holding him tightly. If your dog tries to bite, you and your assistant should wear thick coats and gloves.

    Start Long

    • Another important tip to keep in mind is to cut the hair a bit longer than you want. This is true even when clipping human heads. Clipping close to the length you want doesn't leave you much room for error. Making a small mistake can cause a drastic problem. Cutting the hair too short means you will have to cut the entirety of the dog's hair down to that length. This could leave your dog unprotected against the elements and can be a health hazard. A dog won't understand clipping at first and may become afraid and squirm and cause mistakes. Just remember that you can always shorten hair but never lengthen.

    No Pressure

    • Avoid pressing your clipper down on your dog. You may think this will help with the clipping but this isn't necessary. Pressure on the dog will make it feel like it is under attack and may cause it to react angrily. It may also cause skin damage. At the very least, it will cause razor burn. Razor burn is painful and may cause your dog to resist clipping. Instead of pressing, just move the clipper along the dog's hair. The clippers will do the cutting naturally as you move. If the hair doesn't seem to cut, you are probably moving against its growth. Go in the opposite direction. This will make clipping easier and be more comfortable for your dog. Areas like the face and stomach are very sensitive and may develop razor burn easily. Use scissors on these areas instead.