What do I need?
Before trimming your four-legged friend, you should get the right equipment. We have listed the most important things you need for trimming your four-legged friend:
- comb, fine or coarse
- brush
- Comb for hair removal
- hairdryer
- hair clipper
- Thinning scissors (without sharp tips)
When should you trim your dog?
Trimming your dog depends a lot on your dog’s coat type. The treatment differs depending on the type of coat. There are four types of fur. We will explain to you which fur treatment is the right one for your four-legged friend!
- fur for brushing
Dogs with this type of coat shed hair all the time, so they don’t need to be trimmed. However, it is still good to give your dog a weekly brush.
Example: Butterfly Hound, Bearded Collie
- fur to pluck
About three times a year a dog with fur for plucking needs to be trimmed itself. You don’t need a dog trimming course for this, because plucking is very easy. We’ll explain the plucking method in more detail later in this article!
Example: wire-haired dachshund, schnauzer
- fur to thin out
Four-legged friends with this type of coat need your help. With such coat types, it is good to trim your dog yourself. Often these dogs are meant to remain long-haired, but too little hair falls out, making trimming necessary. For dogs with thinning or thinning coats, cutting with thinning scissors gives the best results.
Example: Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese
- fur for cutting
Dogs with trimmed coats require the most attention when it comes to grooming. These skins hardly shed. Brushing a lot is a good tip!
Example: Poodle, Labradoodle
How do I trim my dog?
As previously mentioned, trimming your dog is highly dependent on your four-legged friend’s coat and requires a specific technique. In this article, we will explain to you how best to proceed so that you are perfectly prepared for trimming.
Brush the fur
Brushing your faithful friend can strengthen the relationship between the two of you. Make sure you use a good brush. The bristles of the brush should be long enough to penetrate your dog’s skin. This way, no inconspicuous burrs are left behind. The thicker your dog’s coat is, the stiffer the brush should be. Some dogs, like the Golden Retriever and the Scottish Collie, have what is called a woolly coat. This type of coat should be brushed and combed regularly. Note: some places are very sensitive to burrs. Pay special attention to the following points when trimming your dog yourself.
- abdomen and chest
- beard or moustache
- under the ears
- knees and elbows
- armpits
- tail and tailbone
Cut the fur
The best way to cut your tramp’s fur is with sharp scissors. Some spots require more attention than others. Please note the following points.
- Once a week
Section off the long pieces of hair around the legs and eyes. Dirt often gets stuck here and this can be annoying for your dog.
- Once every two weeks
Check for hair growing inwards on the ears. When hair grows into the ear canal, it is important to cut it off. It’s also important to keep a close eye on the hair around your dog’s anus.
- Once every three months
Go for the fur! Dogs with a coat that can be clipped need trimming about every three months. This is necessary to avoid serious tangles (e.g. from burrs).
Pluck the fur
Tufted dogs have ‘tuft-like’ hair that may be removed. It is best to trim your dog by hand or with a trimming knife. Grasp a clump of hair between your index finger and thumb and gently pull it away. Be careful not to hurt your four-legged friend when you pull on loose strands of hair! If it happens that the tufts are too tight, make the tufts smaller.
shave your dog
If the fur is thick, it makes sense to trim the dog yourself using clippers. Always shave in the direction of the hair! Also use a comb. Place the comb parallel to the skin so that your dog cannot injure itself. This removes the loose hair and makes it easier for new hair to form.
full shave
If you want to completely shave your wench, remember that this, too, requires a certain technique. Start at the head and continue shaving down the nape of the neck towards the shoulders. Stop here and continue at the ears. Slide your clipper from the ears to your dog’s chin and neck. Now start with the legs. Hold your dog’s hand and gently stroke the clippers in the direction of the hair on the paw. Beware of possible burdock entanglements in the armpits.
Now shave the back, flanks and belly. Glide over the outside of the hind legs. Be careful with the inside of the hind legs as most dogs find this part rather annoying. It is possible to shave the anus, belly and tail shorter with a thinner attachment.
Your dog is feeling stressed
Of course, not every dog is the same, and at first glance trimming seems a lot easier than it actually is. Dogs can be stressed during trimming. So be careful and pay close attention to how your dog reacts. Below are tips on how to handle your trusty trimming companion in a way that makes it a pleasure for both of you.
- Give your dog enough attention beforehand and don’t let on that the procedure might be uncomfortable for him. Make it clear to him that you will have a great time together!
- If two people are trimming a dog, make sure one person holds the collar steady while doing so.
- Let your dog watch. Start with a soft brush and slowly build up the trimming process. Little by little your dog will get used to it and will know what to expect.
- Talk to your dog. Create a relaxed atmosphere. Occasionally give him a hug or a cookie as a reward for his great behavior.
Are you ready to go to work like a real dog groomer? And all that without a dog trimming course? Would you like to find out what costs you will incur if a four-legged friend moves in with you? You can read about that in this article. I wish you success!