How to Clip a Dog’s Fur
You need to bring your darling dog to a professional groomer every now and then to cut off the excessive fur. Many owners find this ideal, but the problem is it can be very expensive. Don’t fret, because if you have a pair of fur clippers at home, you can do this task by yourself.
What You’ll Need:
Fur clippers (avoid human hair clippers, since these are only for light-duty clipping)
Scissors
Neat surface
Rubber mat
Dog shampoo/ soap
Towel
Comb
Leash
Procedure:
Bathe your dog before you begin clipping. Use shampoo or soap made for canines. The cleaner your dog’s fur, the easier it is to clip, since dust and other debris can dull the clipper blades. As you bathe him, make sure you remove all tangles, snarls and mats. Be careful not to put shampoo in his eyes, or your darling would be in pain and clipping might become difficult later on (Learn how to bathe your dog properly). Dry your dog thoroughly when you’re done. Brush his coat neatly. (Tips on how to dry a wet dog)
dog fur clipping
Put your dog on an even surface where he can sit comfortably. If your pet doesn’t like to stand on his own, put a leash on him to assist him. Using a rubber mat is a good idea, since it’s non-slip. Make sure there’s good lighting around your area too. On another surface, put all the materials you need (such as the clippers and comb).
You might need to spend a few minutes petting and playing with your pet before you start grooming. Dogs become stressed or scared during grooming, so make sure they feel loved before you begin.
Familiarize yourself with the clipper you have. Fur clippers come with different attachments depending on the fur type and the ideal length you want for your dog (long, short or medium). Also, choose a clipper blade that works best with your dog’s coat type, to get the result you want. If you’re a beginner, you should opt to run the clippers along the fur grain. Also, make sure the clipper blades are sharp, as dull ones pull the fur more.
Start clipping excess fur; It’s best to start on the least sensitive body parts. In this case, you should begin at the dog’s back. Clip the fur down the back, beginning at the neck and ending at the tail. Don’t jab your dog with the attachment, and just glide and guide the clippers in a gentle and smooth motion. Follow your dog’s body’s contour.
When you’re done with the back, go to the sides. Again, start at the top, then glide the clippers downwards. Clip as short or as long as you want. Do one side first, then the other.
You can now proceed to clipping the hair on your dog’s chest, neck and face. You’ll need to be very careful, as these are very sensitive areas. Make sure the clipper doesn’t touch his skin or he’ll be very surprised or scared. Be careful when clipping the area around the ears. When you get to the eyes, use a pair of scissors instead.
Using one hand, hold your dog’s tail straight, and clip the fur. Clip the bottom, top and sides, but be careful not to cut the tail itself. When working on your dog’s hind end, use scissors.
Proceed to your dog’s stomach. You can make your pet lie down or lift up its front legs. Make sure you don’t cut your dog’s nipples. Cover them with your free hand as you move over them with the clippers.
Comb your dog’s fur when you’re done, removing excess fur clinging all over his body.
Some Tips:
Start clipping your dog’s hair as early as possible. This will help them get used to grooming.
If you have a neurotic dog, it’s best to let a professional grooming him.
Find out more about your dog’s breed. Look at photos so you’ll have an idea of how long or how short to cut your dog’s hair.
During summer, it’s a good idea to cut your dog’s hair as short as possible. Long hair can be very hot and uncomfortable.
A well-groomed dog is a happy dog. Follow these steps and clip your pet’s fur as neatly as you can. For more information regarding this article, read Top ten ways on how to keep your dog healthy and as a bonus learn how to get rid of pet hair.