How to Groom a Small Dog's Head

Easy
10 - 15 Minutes
1 Month
First Walk Free * Book Free Walk *

Introduction

Grooming a small dog's head is not as monumental a task as you might believe. Instead of paying a groomer what amounts to a small fortune over the life of your dog, why not take a little extra time and learn how to do it yourself? It's a skill that is relatively easy to master and is a great way to spend a little one-on-one time with your little guy. 

Dog's Perspective

Your dog probably doesn't worry too much about what his head looks like. Yet, if you want him to stay healthy and looking his handsome best, it's your job to take care the grooming. Learning to groom his head is only one small part of learning to groom his entire body. After the first few sessions, you should be able to brush and trim the hair on your dog's head in just a few minutes. 

The One Tired Dog Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Step
1
Go for a short hike
Just because your dog is small doesn't mean he isn't full of energy that can make him hard to handle. So, before you try to groom his head, take him for a nice long hike. You want to tire him out, but at the same, you don't want him comatose.
Step
2
Same time, same place
Okay, so maybe the time of day isn't quite so important but using the same place in your home each time for grooming will help to create a feeling of familiarity that can make grooming a lot easier. For small dogs, you might want to consider a grooming table with a safety harness.
Step
3
Smooth his hair out
Use a slicker brush to go over his entire head, starting at the top and working down in the same direction his hair grows. This will help separate the hairs and smooth them out.
Step
4
Trim time
Using clippers, trim your pup's hair to the desired length, starting from the bottom and working your way up to the top. This will help you to layer his hair so that it will lay properly.
Step
5
One last brushing
Using shears, trim around his eyes and nose. Then give his entire head one final brushing with a slicker brush to make him look his best.
Recommend grooming method?

The No Fuss Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Scissors
Comb
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Wash and dry
Start by washing his face with a warm soapy washcloth and then rinse it thoroughly and dry it off. This will clean out any leftovers, dirt, and debris.
Step
2
Brush it out
Brush your pup's hair from the top of his head to his neck and then under his chin and muzzle. Using a comb, gently pull his chin hair out and trim it to length. Be careful to avoid his jowls and any sagging skin.
Step
3
Above and beyond
Using a pair of straight shears, trim the top of his nose and muzzle, around his nose, and under his eyes. Go ahead and trim the sides of his eyes if needed. Use the comb or your fingers to pull the hair up away from his eyes and trim the hair so that it doesn't get in his eyes.
Step
4
What's all this ear?
If your pup has long hair on his ears, use the straight shears to trim it back. Be gentle as the skin on his ears is very thin and delicate. Be sure to trim the inside of his ears as well.
Step
5
Good to the end
Use a slicker brush to go over his head one more time, check for any long hairs and trim as needed. Your pup should now look great and you should give each of you a treat.
Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

  • Give your dog plenty of time to get used to the sight and sound of the shears and clippers.
  • Using the same place to groom him every time will help get him comfortable and make things a lot easier.
  • Always use sharp shears and clippers to ensure they cut the hair, not rip it out of your dog's skin.
  • Be sure your clippers and shears are lubricated.
  • Never use electric clippers on wet hair. Not only can they jam, but there is a risk of electrocution.
  • If you can't get your pup to settle down, use the safety harness to keep him in place. 

Conclusion

Grooming your small dog's head is really pretty easy once you both get the hang of it. There is a learning curve on both your parts. Take your time, be gentle, and use lots of praise as you go along. If your pup starts to fuss, take a break and let him calm down before resuming. This can be a relaxing time for both of you if you let it be. 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Have a success story or question?
Start here

More Dog Grooming Guides

Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Book My FREE Walk!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd