How to Brush a Small Dog's Face

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How to Brush a Small Dog's Face

Easy

10 - 15 Minutes

2 Month

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Introduction

Many small dog owners tend to be nervous when it comes to trying to brush the hair on their small dog's face. Let's face it, brushing around his eyes, nose, and the ears can be a bit nerve-wracking at first. However, once you see how easy it really is, you might find yourself wondering why you have been shying away from it for so long. The whole process shouldn't take longer than 10 or 15 minutes from start to finish.

Dog's Perspective

If your dog is like most small dogs, the last thing he wants is you messing with his face. Between the shiny shears, the comb, or brush tugging at his hair, and you holding his face, it could be more than your pup can handle at first, but with a little hard work and the proper training, both of you can start enjoying the whole process.

The No Fuss Method

Most Recommended

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Slicker Brush

Scissors

Comb

Clipper

Step

Burn off that excess energy

One of the most common reasons why so many people don't want to deal with grooming their small dog's face is that they have a hard time holding on to him. One easy way to handle this is to take your pup out for a nice long, tiring walk. This way he will be far more tired than he is concerned about having his face groomed.

Step

Choose your spot

Choose one location in your house where you plan to groom your pup. If possible, choose a spot you can use every time. In time, your pup will come to associate this space with being groomed.

Step

Slick him down

Go over your pup's coat with a slicker brush first, this helps to separate the individual hairs in your pup's coat, making them much easier to trim. Pay attention to the direction of hair growth, watch for tangles and trapped debris, and be gentle around your pup's sensitive face.

Step

How long

If your little buddy needs a trim along with his brushing, decide how long you want his facial hair to be and install the appropriate guide on your clippers. Starting at the top of his head, slowly work your way down his neck, around his throat, and under his muzzle. Trim across the top of his muzzle and around his nose.

Step

Trim up

Using a pair of thinning shears, trim around your pup's eyes, and level off any areas you might have missed with the clippers. Go over his entire head and face with the slicker brush one last time and you have mastered the fine art of grooming your small dog's head.

The Brush and Comb First Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Comb

Clipper

Step

A nice brushing feels good

Start out by brushing or combing the hair on your pup's face. If he has long facial hair, pay close attention to this area as it may contain food crumbs, tangles, mats, burrs, and more. Work in a single direction to help remove these.

Step

Bottoms up

If your little guy needs a trim to tidy things up, start under your pup's chin. Grasp the hair and pull it down gently. Use a pair of shears or clippers to cut the hair to the desired length. If your pup has jowls, be careful not to cut into them.

Step

The nose knows

Although your pup doesn't have internal nose hairs like humans do, he has plenty growing on the outside. Using the shears or clippers, trim this hair away from his nose far enough that it won't cause irritation.

Step

Above it all

Using clippers or shears, trim the bridge of his nose, then use a pair of small shears to trim under his eyes and around the corners.

Step

A little off the top

Brush or comb the hair back from above the top of his eyes so that you can trim it. You can use your finger or the comb as a guide to help you cut a straighter line.

Step

Detail time

Finally, give his face a last overall brushing and trim up any areas that need a touch-up and you are all done. Now you can sit back and be proud of all you have accomplished.

Caution & Considerations

Do:

Use sharp shears or clippers to avoid pulling on his hair.
Use extra care around your pup's eyes and ears.
Always give your pup time to get used the clippers and shears.

Do Not:

Groom your pup's hair when it is wet.
Never use dull shears or clippers, which can pull the hair out and be very painful.

Conclusion

It is only natural for you to be nervous about using tools around your little guy's face, but once you get the hang of it, you can make grooming his face a little fun and bonding time for both of you. The best part is when it is all over and you get to fuss over him and give him a tasty treat to let him know what a good job he did.

How to Brush a Small Dog's Face

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The No Fuss Method

The Brush and Comb First Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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