subject: Smart Owners Use Dog Clippers At Home [print this page] If you own a dog that requires frequent trips to the groomer, you know that it can be expensive. Perhaps you have considered buying your own dog clippers and trimming your pet yourself. If you are just looking to do a basic cut, this can be easy to do and save you money.
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.
If your dog is uncooperative at the groomers, don't expect that it will be any different at home. If you are confident enough to try, go ahead, just try to be patient with your pet. Situations like this can be a challenge even for a groomer with years of experience.
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.
Use a guard on the blade that will give you the desired length of cut. For very short cuts, you can fore go the guard altogether. Starting at the back of the neck and working toward the tail is usually easiest. Work slowly, gently, and never force the blade. Clippers can become hot during use, so be sure you stop now and then to check the blade and avoid burning your pet. There are cooling sprays available that will instantly remove heat from the blade. Keeping the blade lubricated can help as well.
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.
Before you do any more, give your dog a treat, let him out into the yard for a few minutes, he will need a small break. This will also allow the clipper blade to cool down before you do the neck and face areas.
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.
With practice, you and your dog will become more efficient and expert at using dog clippers at home. Although it can seem like a difficult task, you and your dog will become more at ease each time you do it. You can use the extra money you will save to treat your dog to a few new toys!
