Follow These Basic Instructions to Proper Dog Grooming

Dog grooming services can be expensive, and you find yourself paying for extra baubles like handkerchiefs. If your dog needs a nice clean and trim, but you want to avoid forking over the dough, these dog grooming instructions are exactly what you need to get the job done.

Gather Your Supplies

It is important to have everything you need in one place before you get started, especially if you are grooming your dog alone. If you have never groomed, it is a great idea to have a partner who can help you keep your dog still and hand you supplies, so grab your spouse or child if you can. Aside from a partner, the supplies you need depend on what sort of grooming you wish to do and what kind of dog you have. Some examples of necessary supplies are: shampoo, trimming shears or scissors, a brush, and nail clippers.

Set Up Your Space

Unless you have a tub for dog grooming in your backyard, it is a good idea to set up your grooming space close to the bathroom, so you have access to the bathtub. If you have a smaller dog, find a table you can move it to once your dog is clean. If you have a larger dog, you can do most of the grooming on the floor. Either way, make sure this space is as close as possible to the tub where you plan to bathe your dog, to keep from dripping all over your home. Once you've chosen a space, make sure it's clean and clear of any hazards to you or your dog. Keep clippers and shears within arms reach, but safely distanced from where you plan to have your dog.

Get Your Dog

Depending on how well-trained your dog is, it may already be hiding from you, because it knows a bath is coming. Have treats on hand and get your dog over to the grooming space.

Thoroughly Brush Your Dog

It will be easier to do everything else if you start with a well-brushed dog. Start at your dog's neck and work your way down its body, getting out any tangles. This will make it much easier to brush and trim the hair once it's wet.

Clip and Cut

If it has been a long time since you've cut your dog's hair, it's a good idea to get the bulk of it out of the way before you start shampooing. You can work on making it neat after the bath. This is also a good time to clip toenails and clean your dog's ears, eyes, and teeth. That way, any residue will wash off in the bath.

Make Sure Your Dog is Secured in the Tub

Each dog has its own needs for this step. Some dogs will sit patiently in the tub or even enjoy the process, while others might try to run away. If you're not sure what your dog will do, it is a good idea to have it on a lead. The more you bathe your dog, the more it will become accustomed to the process. You will also learn more strategies to keep your dog from ending up scared and you from getting all wet.

Wash Your Dog

Start by wetting the dog thoroughly. Go slowly at first in order to keep the water from scaring your dog. Let it get used to it over time. Once your dog is wet, you can start shampooing it, using the same pattern we did for brushing its hair: start at the neck and work down and back. If it has been some time since you have washed your dog, it could be worthwhile to lather and rinse more than once. Do this until any dirt or residue is gone.

Rinse Your Dog

Use the same care you used in originally wetting your dog, to rinse it off. By now, your dog should be more relaxed, but smaller dogs will often stay spooked until the bath is over, so keep a tight grip. Make sure you get all of the shampoo out.

Brush the Wet Hair

Now it is time to brush out your dog's hair once again. It should be easier than it was the first time, but use care so that it's easier to manage when it comes time to trim it.

Trim Carefully

If you got the bulk of your dog's extra hair out of the way earlier, all that's left now is the detailed trimming. It is a good idea to use a "noose lead" or other grooming tool to keep your dog still, that way you don't risk injuring it with your scissors. Once your dog is secured, trim its hair as desired.

Dry and Style

Depending on your dog, you can either pat it down with a towel and let it air-dry, or you may want to blow dry. Always blow dry on the "cool" setting, for the safety of your dog. Now is also a great time to add handkerchiefs, bows, or any other personal styles you like to give your dog.

Reward Your Dog

Being groomed can be stressful. Reward your dog for its good behavior with a treat or some attention.

With some practice, you will come to master these dog grooming instructions and figure out a great routine for you and your dog. There's no need to waste money paying a groomer when you can learn the skills and use them as another opportunity to bond with your dog.