How to Groom a Medium Size Dog

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How to Groom a Medium Size Dog

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

One of you wanted a big dog, the other a little pup, so you settled on a nice medium size dog. Bluey is an Australian Shepherd and has now reached the point where he needs to be groomed on a regular basis. Since day one, everyone in your family has handled him frequently, touching his paws, ears, and other "sensitive" areas so that when grooming time came along, he would be ready and not shy away from being touched.

Dog's Perspective

Bluey is quite content with his life, whether you choose to groom him regularly or not. But if you want to keep him looking his best, you need to groom him regularly. While many breeds can be bathed on a monthly basis, you should check with your vet to see how frequently your dog should be bathed. Some breeds, like Alaskan Malamutes, should not be bathed more than once or twice a year (unless your dog gets in a mess). Bathing too frequently removes the natural oils that protect their coat and skin.

The Comb-Over Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Comb

Step

It all starts with a nice comb out

Using a good quality canine comb, work your way thoroughly every inch of your dog's coat. Go slowly, staring with the head and then following the grain of his hair, work your way down his neck and chest. Take a short break and give him a treat.

Step

Just a touch off the top, if you please

You can use the comb as a length and line guide. Use shears to trim around the eyes, face, and ears. If this is your first time, cut the hair in stages until you achieve the desired style and length. Keep in mind, you can always cut his hair shorter, but you can't cut it longer.

Step

Work your way down the front

Work your way down his neck and chest using the comb as a cutting guide and either clippers or shears to trim his coat as needed. Brush his legs from top to bottom, then lift each paw and using shears, trim the hair from between his toes and pads.

Step

The body works

Using the comb or a slicker brush, start at his spine and work your way down to his belly. If there is any trimming to be done, work from the bottom up. This will help you to keep his coat level and properly shaped.

Step

Around the rump and below

Gently comb or brush the hair around his tail, down his rump and the outside of his rear legs. When you brush out the hair on his rump is a good time to very carefully trim the hair around his anus as this area is very sensitive. Have your dog roll over on his back, brush or comb out his belly, trim any long hair and finish up with a happy, healthy, good looking pup.

The Stem to Stern Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Comb

Clipper

Step

On top of the world

Start by brushing your dog's face, muzzle, and head. Be sure to get his ears and around his eyes. If your pup has longer hair, this is a good time to cut out any tangles or mats. Trim his beard and around his eyes being very careful not to cut or nick him.

Step

We're going down, down, down

Work your way down his neck and chest, brushing in the direction the hair grows. This will help keep his hair lying flat. Be sure you brush all the way down to skin level as this ensure a throughout brushing.

Step

Corner to corner

If your your dog has long hair on his legs, brush his legs from top to bottom. Pick each paw up and brush any hair on the top. On the bottom, trim any long hair between his pads and toes. This is also a good time for you to trim his nails.

Step

Bodywork next

Brush from the middle of the back down his sides, and then have him lie down and roll over so you can brush his belly. Here you need to pay close attention to where you are working as the skin around his genitals is very thin and sensitive.

Step

The final strokes

Finish up with brushing his rump and tail. If he has long hair around his anus, you should trim it back to reduce how frequently he soils himself. Take your time, work with your pup, make it fun, and don't be afraid of using plenty of treats to reward him for working with you instead of against you.

Caution & Considerations

Be sure any products such as shampoos, conditioners, and detanglers are vet-approved.
Be sure the shears and clippers you use are nice and sharp. Dull blades tend to snag and rip hair painfully out of the skin.
If your dog seems a bit wound up, try taking him for a walk before grooming.
Give him plenty of time to get used to the tools you plan to use, this will make grooming easier.
Let him set the pace and make it as much fun as you can for both of you.
Never be afraid to use too many treats in the early stages of getting your pooch used to being groomed. You can always wean him off them later.

Conclusion

Grooming time isn't just about bathing, brushing, combing, and trimming. It's the perfect time for you and your dog to bond and have fun. The more frequently you groom him, the more relaxed both of you can become and the more fun you can have.

How to Groom a Medium Size Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Comb-Over Method

The Stem to Stern Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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