Grooming your own pets

Sagz_2

I've always cut my dogs hair myself as I don't really mind what they look like, I just want them to be comfortable. I use scissors mostly but also have a pair of cheapy clippers I got from Argos that work surprisingly well.

As for nails I usually cut them myself, but also use a nail grinder as one of my dogs really freaks out when I try to use the nail clippers on him. After 2 years of training he was no better (he has a self-healed broken leg and lots of scars on his legs and feet so I guess the trauma left him a little a sensitive) so I tried the nail grinder and he doesn't mind too much as long as there is lots of sausage to go along with them.

Miss_Ratty

Absolutely no way...we have tried to groom our dog - just with a brush and the nail clippers, and he does not like it one bit! We were going to treat him to a professional groom before our wedding as he was our ringbearer, but were so scared that he would go as nuts as he does in the house when we even try to brush him (even 3 of those grooming gloves have been snatched and destroyed!!) that we decided not to bother. I have so much respect for groomers though that just seem to have a way with the animals. I wish I had that midas touch!

picklepick

Miss Ratty, if you really wanted your dog groomed professionally, they would probably muzzle him if he's likely to go nuts. And probably have an assistant to help hold him still. Is he a breed that needs to be groomed regularly?

angelaloveschocolate

Just wanted to update you all. I bought Wahl clippers as recommended by Hintisza (thank you) and set to work for the first time this weekend. The clippers were really great and so easy to use. First dog looks just fine and if I say so myself, looks every bit as good as a professional trim. Second dog nearly as good, certainly adequate, he's a bit nervous and fidgety so did'nt take extra time to perfect the finish.
The main problem were paws as neither like thier feet being touched. DH says they both look like they're wearing bedroom slippers.LOL.
Overall I'm very pleased with the results, and as the clippers cost around £28, and a professional cut would cost £50, I've already saved £22
Definately go back to the groomers next time, but I'm very happy to give an interim home trim now that I know that I can achieve a reasonable result. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice, and if you've been thinking of trying this youreself, go on, give it a go.

life_in_termoil

My dog is having a pamper day on Tuesday although he wont like it 1 little bit!! hes a very nervous dog so I will have to muzzle him and give him sedatives!!! Hoping the dog groomer can do something with him as he is a right mess. I did take him to pets at home for them to groom him and he looked a right mess by the time they had finished (4 hours later!!!)

Wont be his week next week either as on Friday he is being castrated and having his 5th toe removed from his back paws!

suki1964

Know this is a late addition but for any new puppy owner, do yourselves a huge favour and spend a few minutes every day teaching the pup to stand still and be brushed. Only a puppy brush to start, then as they get a bit older - introduce scissors. Every day for a few mins after the morning walk. And when pup is sleepy and relaxed, get them used to having their paws touched esp between the toes. You will be doing yourselves, pup and future groomer a huge favour

killywillykaz

Just wanted to add, although probably quite obvious, please try to do the sensitive bits - dangly bits, tum, feet and bum areas, first before the clippers heat up :eek:
And also, for between clips, I can highly recommend the Marrs Coat King which is brilliant for taking out the dead under coat which can make them look so scraggy. I only just got mine from ebay and can't tell you how impressed I am with it - it beats the Furminator hands down. Only £16 for the economy version, and my springers have never looked better.

mozzyc