How to Groom a Dog without Clippers

Home
Grooming
How to Groom a Dog without Clippers

None

Need regular grooming services?

Browse Wellness Plan Options Browse Wellness Plan Options

Introduction

Sometimes you just need to trim your dog without clippers. This could happen for many reasons. Maybe your dog goes to a groomer, but it’s not in the budget this time. Or maybe you don’t own clippers. Did you know some dogs are afraid of clippers but can still have cute haircuts without them? It happens. With a vision, some trimming shears, a comb, and a brush, you can make your dog beautiful again without using clippers. Make a little extra time for a scissor grooming session, and bring your patience with you as you learn this old-fashioned way of grooming.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog might be a little antsy at first, but you can help keep him entertained with a toy rope or even a puzzle toy filled with tasty treats. Be cautious of any anxiety he might be showing and unless necessary, try to keep the scissors parallel to the skin instead of pointed toward your pup. A sudden movement could cause him injury, and nervous dogs don’t often sit still.

The Trimming Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Comb

Step

Brush and comb

Brush your dog’s body fur in the direction it grows. Be sure to rid the fur of any knots you can brush out. Use a comb for the fur on your dog’s face. If his facial fur is long, be sure it is combed out nice and smooth for trimming before getting the scissors.

Step

Head

Start at the top of your dog’s head with scissors and comb. Pull the newly combed fur forward and cut at the length you’d like. Pay close attention to where the fur falls near your dog's eyes and around his mouth. You may want to trim it out of his eyes and mouth.

Step

Ears

Careful of the edge of the ear, trim with scissors to the length you’d like. Make this line neat and even as you trim, but be careful not to cut your dog’s ear. Lift the ear and trim the hair on the underside of the ears as well.

Step

Neck and body

Trim your dog’s neck and body by holding scissors parallel to the skin, careful not to point the scissors right at your dog. As you cut, point scissors downward and trim in straight lines. Comb in between cuts to blend any lines your scissors create.

Step

Legs

Trim stray or long hairs on the back of the leg and around the paws. This will create a neat trim look. Tidy the front of the leg using scissors pointing down.

Step

Sides

Starting from the top back moving down the dog's sides, cut your dog’s fur in an angle with scissors pointing down. Comb in between to make your scissor lines blend.

Step

Tail

Be sure to comb any tangles out of the tail before cutting. Trim to the length you’d like to see on your dog. Lift the tail and trim the back side with scissors pointing down.

Step

Brush again

Brush your dog out again, checking for any lines and stray long fur. Tidy up with minor trim fixes and offer your dog a treat for being patient while grooming.

The Quick Cut Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Comb

Step

Position

Place your dog at the right height to groom him well. You’ll want smaller dogs on a table and larger dogs on the floor so you can sit comfortably next to him.

Step

Brush

Brush your dog's coat from top to bottom, back to sides and stomach, and head and tail, removing any loose fur and ridding the coat of any mats or knots.

Step

Scissors

With a comb, lift your dog’s fur upward and cut the ends, aiming for an even line. Use your fingers as a guide to create a trimming line.

Step

Repeat

Repeat trimming, grabbing small sections of your dog's fur and trimming it with the scissors in vertical lines.

Step

Comb

After each time you cut an area, comb through it, blending the scissor lines and ensuring a clean cut.

Step

Continue

Continue this process for your dog’s body and tail.

Step

Face

Comb your dog’s face to even the fur and repeat the same steps as above using small sections between your fingers to cut. Start at the top of your dog’s head, moving to his face, and then finish with his ears.

Caution & Considerations

Your scissors may leave scissor lines or marks within the fur. Blend this by cutting in a different direction as your last cut and using a brush to blend the fur together.
Try not to cut too short with scissors because these lines will be more visible if the fur is uneven and close to the skin.
Always hold your scissors parallel to the skin instead of pointing directly at your dog.
Be careful of sensitive areas such as your dog’s potty areas and spaces between paw pads and toes. The skin in these areas is thin and sensitive.
Consider cutting out mats and knots before brushing.
Have a look in mind before you approach your dog with scissors. You may need to understand your dog's breed and shape in order to get the exact look you would like before you start cutting.
Remember this is your dog and he loves you regardless. So, if your first couple of scissor cuts are not perfect, it will grow back and he will still love you.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a round of apaws from your dog, try to give him the best cut possible. But keep in mind with a tasty treat your dog is incredibly forgiving--even if you give him a barking bad haircut. Be safe with your scissors, brush your dog out, give him lots of love and attention, and he won't know the difference.

How to Groom a Dog without Clippers

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Trimming Method

The Quick Cut Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides