How to Groom a Dog With Clippers

Grooming clippers provide a uniform haircut to dogs of many breeds and aid removal of fur mats or full pelts. You can use the same clipping methods to complete full styling or to address trouble spots, such as the area beneath the tail. Understanding health and safety precautions, the use of blade attachments and grooming techniques will help you successfully groom a dog with clippers. Always err on the side of caution and consult a professional groomer if you need help.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Clippers
  • Assortment of blades and/or attachments
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the dog's fur with a slicker brush. This brush smooths the coat and separates hair, thus easing the clipping process.

    • 2

      Attach the blade or clip-on attachment that suits desired coat length. For example, a 1/16 inch blade leaves 1/16 inch of fur on the dog.

    • 3

      Begin on the dog's back, at the base of his neck, with the clippers powered and the flat section of the blade against the fur. The blade spokes should be facing his tail.

    • 4

      Point the blade spokes into the fur---but not the skin---and glide the clippers down her back until they reach the tail. While doing so, perform a slight scooping motion from neck to tail. You'll know you have the right motion if hair falls from the dog and leaves a uniform appearance.

    • 5

      Clip both sides of the dog by holding the skin taut with one hand and gliding the clippers from shoulder---or leg---to hind end. You can glide the blade from spine to stomach to smooth the clipped fur.

    • 6

      Shave the front legs by clipping downward from shoulder to foot, and lifting the leg forward to shave the underside.

    • 7

      Shave the hind legs by clipping downward from rear haunch to foot and lifting the leg up and out to the side for clipping the inner leg.

    • 8

      To clip the area beneath his tail, wrap your arm around the underside of his waist and lift his tail with that same hand.

    • 9

      Clip the area beneath his tail by shaving from tail base to foot. You can use a shorter blade---such as the ---to perform this sanitary trim. Exercise caution not to touch his anus with the blade.

    • 10

      Steady the dog's face by holding onto her "beard" with your fingers, and clip down her neck and chest.

    • 11

      Stand the dog on his hind legs, and hold his front paws in one hand to clip fur from the stomach.

    • 12

      Finish the clipping process by blending the head hair into the neck with a longer blade attachment than you used on the body.