Many people are looking to do their own grooming in this economy. Learning how to groom a dog is incredibly rewarding. It is a great way to save money and bond with one’s pet. There are five Dog Grooming basics that every pet owner should be familiar with.
Dog Grooming Equipment
Before grooming begins, one should have all of the necessary equipment gathered. Sometimes, the most important thing is having a great helper. A large, unruly dog can be a lot to handle in the bathtub. Listed below are some essential items:
- Dog Shampoo
- Plenty of Old Towels
- Nail Clippers
- Electric Dog Clippers
- Brush or Comb
- Corn Starch or Flour
- A Trusty Assistant
Steps in Grooming a Dog
- Washing Your Dog When the dog grooming equipment has been gathered, the washing can begin. One will need to decide on the location. Most people prefer to wash their dogs in their own bathtub. Some people will even take their dogs to dog wash businesses. The most important part of the dog wash is getting all of the soap rinsed off. Soap that isn’t rinsed off can be irritating to sensitive skin. Find more tips on How to Give your Dog a Bath here.
- Clipping Your Dog’s Coat Many dogs have high maintenance coats. Poodles, Schnauzers ( Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer ) and other small dogs need regular clipping. Most people just take their pets to the grooming salon. More courageous owners are interested in clipping their own dogs. One needs to purchase a set of dog clippers and a bottle of cooling lubricant. Beginners should always use a guard on their clippers.
- Clipping Dog Nails A great way to begin the nail clipping process is to wrap the dog in a towel. This helps keep the dog still and make him or her feel safe. One should never cut past the quick. The quick may be difficult to see on dogs with dark nails. If a nail is trimmed too short, a little bit of corn starch of flour will stop the bleeding. Know How Often You Should Trim your Dog’s Nails.
- Techniques, Tips and Tricks on Dog Grooming A few techniques and tips can really help the amateur dog groomer. Having treats on hand is a great way to ensure one’s dog enjoys the grooming salon process. This is a great way to encourage and reassure nervous dogs. Keeping a set of clippers cool and lubricated is the secret to a great hair cut. A bottle of spray lubricant is a clipper’s best friend. A good blow dryer is also a great asset for dogs with thick coats. It could take all day for a double-coated retriever to dry.
Ultimately, dog grooming is a learning process. Some of these techniques may be difficult at first but if you pay attention to your dog groomer you can learn from some tricks, like a mini-training session. Learning how to groom a dog is a great way to bond with one’s pet and save money. Visit our Pet Grooming Center for more tips!
