How to Groom a Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful medium-sized dog. Its rich cream to golden coat is medium to long in length, silky and smooth with feathering on its legs and tail. With warm brown eyes, pendant-shaped ears and a long straight tail, Golden Retrievers are easily recognizable. Although they are heavy shedders, regular grooming can keep them neat and your home clean.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bristle brush
  • Cotton tip applicator or cotton swab
  • Grooming shears
  • Undercoat rake
  • Dog shampoo
  • Pair of dog nail clippers
  • Ear cleansing solution
  • Styptic Powder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb and brush your dog with a bristle brush at least twice a week. Make sure to brush his dense undercoat with an undercoat rake, which will greatly reduce shedding.

    • 2

      Bathe your Golden Retriever as needed with a quality dog shampoo. Ask your veterinarian for shampoo recommendations. This breed can be bathed often without causing coat or skin damage.

    • 3

      Clip your dog's nails regularly to avoid foot problems. Using a pair of dog nail clippers, trim just the tips and be careful to avoid cutting the quick, which will cause the nail to bleed.

    • 4

      Groom the hair on your dog's feet with grooming shears. Remove excess hair from around his pads.

    • 5

      Trim the hair on your dog's tail, so it has the appearance of a fan. Start by trimming at the tip of his tail and work toward the base.

    • 6

      Keep your dog's ear hair thinned and neatly trimmed, inside and on the outer ear along the edges.

    • 7

      Clean your Golden Retriever's ears at least twice a month with an ear cleansing solution, found in any pet store. Squeeze a few drops of the solution into your dog's ear canals, working it in by gently rubbing the base of your dog's ears. Use a cotton-tip applicator or cotton swab to remove any dirt, debris and excess solution.