subject: Easily Use Dog Clippers At Home [print this page] Giving your dog a haircut at home can be a simple and money saving option. If your dog requires a regular trim, you may want to consider using dog clippers at home. It it easy to learn how.
You can purchase a set of clippers online or at a pet store. A quality kit should come with different guards for the blade that allow you to customize the length of the trim. You should also have a pair of scissors, leash and collar, and a sturdy surface to work on. Use towels or sheets to make clean up easier, or work in an easy to sweep area.
Keep in mind that if your dog hates going to the groomer, he probably will not like it any more at home! The sound of the clippers can be vary scary for some pets, and without the experience of a groomer, the results could be less than desirable. If you still want to try, go slowly, and ensure that you are not stressing your dog out.
A groomer usually has a post or other place to tether the dog to the table to prevent falls and escapes. You should use your dogs leash and collar to ensure that there are no unexpected falls. Using a mat on the tabletop can help make it less slippery for your pet, and put him at ease.
Decide how short you wish to trim the fur, and select an appropriate guard for the blade. If you want it very short, you can trim with no guard on the blade. Start at the neck and work towards the back end. Go slowly with gentle pressure, and let the hair fall away. Check the blade frequently, as it can heat up with extended use and accidentally burn your pets skin. Groomers use a special blade cooling spray to use their clippers for long periods of time. Ensure you keep the blade lubricated as well. Most clipper sets come with blade oil, and refills can be purchased.
If you come across a mat as you work, gently loosen the hair around it with the clippers, and work slowly to dislodge it. Skin under and around the mat can become sensitive, so take care not to pull at it or force the blade against it. Causing your pet pain may make it harder to continue.
When it comes to doing the paw areas, take your time. Pets can have ticklish feet just like people, and it may be difficult to trim these areas. Bending the leg so that the bottom of the paw faces up will give you a good view of the area, and may make your pet cooperate as he will be off balance.
Giving your dog a small break, a treat, and a trip outside at this point is always a good idea. It can give the clippers a chance to cool before you begin working on the face and neck. These areas can be tricky to clip, and most dogs do not like it! Again, patience is the key to doing a proper job.
To do the neck, hold your dog gently around the snout and lift his head. Continue to trim the neck and face. Be careful when trimming around the eye and ear areas, and ensure the trimmer blade is not hot.
Before long, you will be totally comfortable grooming your dog at home. With practise, it will be easier and allow you to try different techniques to achieve the look you want. Reward your dog with a new toy or treats with the money you will save doing the trimming at home.
