How to Groom a Small Dog's Fur

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How to Groom a Small Dog's Fur

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Month

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Introduction

Are you tired of paying the ridiculous prices your local dog groomer charges for your pup's monthly grooming session? If you are, why not learn how to groom him yourself? It's a great way to save money and bond with your pup. Once you learn how to properly groom your dog, the two of you can turn it into a fun way to spend time together. The only real question you might end up asking yourself, is why on earth you didn't do this sooner? It might take the two of you are little time to master this skill, but once you have mastered it, grooming your little pooch should take less than half an hour.

Dog's Perspective

You can bet your little dog likes to look his best, especially when you take him out in public. But, at the same time, chances are good he won't like having your work on him using clippers and shears. Your pup may see them as scary at first, but with a little time and patience, he will get used to them. One thing you can do to help your pup remain calmer during his monthly grooming sessions is to take him for a nice long walk first. This will tire him out and help him calm down. Be sure you have a nice supply of treats on hand for this training.

The Time for a Bath Method

Effective

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Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Comb

Clipper

Dryer

Towel

Step

Prepare the bath

Run a nice warm bath for your pup, make sure the water is tepid, as anything hotter could burn his skin. Since your pup is a small breed, you may find this easier in the kitchen sink than in the bathtub or shower.

Step

Lather up

Using vet-approved shampoo, give your pup a nice bath, making sure to go over his entire body from head to toe. This will help remove dirt and debris, fleas, ticks, tangles, and mild mats.

Step

Prepare your pup

This is the time to let your pup get used to the shears, clippers, brushes, and combs. Lay them on the floor and let him look at them, sniff at them, even lick them if he chooses to. Let him take all the time he needs, including with the clippers running. Letting him take his time now will save you a lot of time and stress later.

Step

Using the clippers

Starting with the clippers, trim the top of his head, his neck, and chest. Take your time and cut in the direction in which his hair grows.

Step

The front half

Trim under his chest, the outsides of his front legs, then lift up his legs one at a time so you can trim the insides.

Step

Top and bottom

Working from the center of his back, work your way down under his belly to the center. Do this down both sides. Be careful under his belly as the skin is very thin and delicate.

Step

And in the end

Lastly, trim his rump, his rear legs inside and out and if necessary, his tail. When you are done, go over his entire coat with a boar hair brush and use shears to trim his muzzle, head, ears, and tail if needed. One final brushing and your pup should look amazing.

The Break Out the Comb Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Comb

Clipper

Step

To your stations

Choose a secure, convenient place to work and set up all your tools and supplies in easy reach. With a small dog, a table or counter fitted with a non-slip pad or towel may be more comfortable for you than the floor.

Step

Time to comb your pup

Using a good quality comb, go over your pup's coat slowly and thoroughly. Take your time here, as any mats or tangles could hurt if you pull on them too hard. Comb the hair in the direction it grows, and this should remove most of the mats and tangles.

Step

A little off the top

Using a pair of sharp safety shears, trim your pup's muzzle, around his eyes, and around his nostrils. Keep in mind, you can always cut his hair shorter until you are happy with the length, but you can never cut it longer--so take your time. Using clippers, trim the rest of his head, then use shears to trim his ears.

Step

On the downslope

Using the comb as your cutting guide, begin working your way down his neck with the clippers and then do his chest and shoulders. If you don't have clippers, you can use a pair of sharp safety shears. If your pup's coat is very thick, you will be better off using shears to cut the bulk of his hair; you can use clippers to trim once the hair is short enough.

Step

Legs and more

Trim from the top of his legs and work your way down to his paws. Be sure to lift up each leg in turn to trim the inside of each leg. Be sure to trim his toes and between his paw pads.

Step

From top to bottom

Starting in the middle of your pup's belly, work the clippers up to the middle of his back on both sides. You can use a comb or your fingers as a guide to help keep his coat all the same length. Take your time, it may take several passes to get his hair as short as you want it to be.

Step

This is the end of our tail

The finishing touches include trimming his tail and a final brushing to make sure he looks his best. When you are all done, give your pup plenty of praise and a treat or two.

Caution & Considerations

Always be sure your shears are sharp; dull shears tend to snag hair and pull it out.
You may need three different types of shears: straight, curved, and thinning.
Be sure your shears are the safety-type with rounded tips.
The same applies to your clippers, always keep the blades sharp.
You may find using a grooming table with a harness can make the job easier, especially if your pup won't calm down.
It can't be said enough to give your pup plenty of time to get used to the tools you will be using.
Take your time, be patient, and you will soon become a master groomer.

Conclusion

Every time you groom your pup, you want to end up with him looking his best. Go slowly, work with your pup instead of against him, and relax. You can make the whole process go smoothly the more relaxed you are. Your pup will pick up on your vibes for better or worse. It won't take long before your pup looks forward to your monthly grooming sessions.

How to Groom a Small Dog's Fur

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Time for a Bath Method

The Break Out the Comb Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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