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Prepare Yourself for Grooming Your Dog at Home

Before getting started with your practical learning on how to groom your dog, obtaining the right dog grooming supplies is essential as well as setting up an area or room at home where the job can be done effectively, and with the most efficiency of cleaning up afterwards, is important. No two ways about it – grooming can be a messy job!  You could have an outdoor area (ideally, enclosed so the dog can’t go running off in the middle of the job) or, if there is no outdoor area, a laundry or bathroom would probably serve just as well to set up all your equipment.  You also need to have all the necessary dog grooming supplies to hand.  Below, is a general list of the different coat types and some, or all, of the appropriate dog grooming tools that you may require – you may not require all of these, e.g. you may not need to purchase dog nail clippers if the dog runs on hard surfaces and they are naturally kept short.   Our dog grooming supplies page details the different types of equipment that may be necessary, or alternatively the links of each individual item will direct you to the appropriate page if you are not sure what the different items are or where to purchase them from.

Firstly, consider whether you will need a table to stand the dog on while you are doing the grooming.  For small dogs, it is much easier to groom them at waist height so you don’t have to bend over.  Special dog grooming tables with adjustable heights and with non-slip surfaces are a good idea, particularly if you have more than one dog to groom.  A range of grooming tables from simple stand tables through to hydraulic professional grooming tables plus accessories are available.  Generally, a hydraulic table would be used by professional dog groomers who groom dogs all day long, however for someone who is not able to pick their dog up, it might be more useful than a normal dog grooming table.  If you are using a normal table you have at home then a non-slip mat would be required to prevent damage to the table and the dog slipping.


If you have a dog that is likely to wriggle then you may wish to look at purchase a grooming arm, although if you purchase a grooming table then the grooming arm may be included.  The arm is to be secured to the table tightly so it does not move and the loop is to be placed around the dog’s neck.  If you have a particularly wriggly dog, then a second grooming arm may be useful to secure the dog from the back end also. Place the dog’s hind lets into the loop and then slide the loop up so it holds the dog around the around the tummy area.  The loops can be adjusted for size – they should not be too loose or too tight.  They should fit comfortably around the dog’s body and should just be enough to hold him/her in place.  It is quite possible, if you have the right type of ordinary table, that these arms could fit onto a normal table as well.  This allows you to use two hands to do the grooming rather than holding with one and trying to groom with the other and rather than having a second person hold the dog.


If you have multiple dogs or not able to lift your dog onto a table then you may wish to consider the tables that you can adjust to height.  Hydraulic tables are a lot more expensive, ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars.  The cheaper options may not be of the best quality so it might be worthwhile checking the ratings.

Cherrybrook Hydraulic Table

The PetLift Hydraulic Table/Standard Fixed Top Raises 19 – 42 in Masterlift (as shown in this picture) from: CherryBrook is one of the variety of hydraulic tables available.  These are available with either hydraulic or electric height adjustment.  The beauty of these is that a large, heavy dog can be walked onto and off the table with no lifting on the part of the groomer.  They can then be raised to the appropriate height for maximum comfort of grooming.  For a large dog, you have the ability to raise the table a little higher while you are working on the lower part of the dog’s body and the lower the table to groom the upper part of the body so there is no bending or reaching high – it can all be done at a comfortable level.  These are, however, are a lot more expensive .  Check out the great range and specials at CherryBrook!

It is also important to sit or stand comfortably while you are grooming your dog.  It generally takes an hour or more to complete, depending on how fussy and neat you want the dog to look.  Standing for a length of time may not be possible for some people so a comfortable stool or chair is important and depending on whether you are using a table or what height the dog is would depend upon the type of chair or stool required.  The following are a few ideas you may wish to consider.

Bathing Requirements

a)    shampoo and conditioner (if you wish to condition the dog’s coat after the bath);
b)    shammy or cloth to wash the dog’s face and clean any tear build-up out of the eye corners;
c)    ear wipes or an ear cleaning solution to clean the dog’s ears;
d)    bath towel to wipe the dog down after his bath;
e)    hair dryer or blow dryer to dry the dog off with (if he/she will tolerate it, that is).

Your bath area should be clear from anything that is breakable and dangerous.  If your dog wriggles or shakes you don’t want anything damaged or any accidents occurring.

BEWARE of electrical cords and water.  Make sure water is not going splash or puddle near any electrical equipment.  You don’t want to electrocute yourself or the dog.



You might want to also consider how close your area is to the basin or bathing area where you intend to wash your dog.  If you are doing the job inside the house will your dog be dripping water through the house?  Are you planning on using a dryer to dry off the coat?  You might find that the best place for clipping and grooming is your laundry area.  Have you got towels ready to hand and have you a cloth for washing the face?    Is the shampoo ready to hand?  You don’t want to start washing him and then find you have left something in another room.  You might want to have cotton balls and ear solution,  and clean your dog’s ears while he/she is in the bath.

Cool N Dry Pet Shammy 17×27 Large
from: CherryBrook
The Cool N Dry Pet Shammy 17×27 Large literally loves water! This multifunctional dog towel cools your pet when it’s hot or dries your pet when he is wet. The Cool N Dry Pet Shammy has a dimple texture on one side (for cooling) and a smooth surface on the reverse side (for drying). When it is hot: simply wet and drape over your pet or use as a cooling mat. Great for use after walks or competitive events. When your pet is wet: the Cool N Dry will dry your pet completely in a matter of seconds! And it doesn’t drip! Use after baths, rain or snow showers. This extremely durable, hydrophilic sponge polymer towel has a reinforced center mesh which prevents the material from ripping or tearing. It can be cut with scissors for the perfect size. Machine washable! Available in assorted colors only.

Dog Grooming Apparel

Other handy items are either a waterproof grooming apron which will protect you from getting wet or a nylon grooming jacket, a great range available from Amazon.com, which will help prevent dog fur sticking to your clothes.

These dog grooming instructions are intended to assist you in getting your area set up in an organized way so you will find the job will be made a lot smoother and easier.  All your dog grooming supplies will be at hand and you won’t worry about forgetting anything.

 Cherrybrook Stand and Groom

 The Amazing Stand N Groom prevents your dog from sitting while grooming! This innovative product is gentle on the dog and allows the freedom to use both hands while grooming. Simply slide the Stand N Groom under your dog and groom as usual!

Prevents laying and moving around the table
Can be used with or without a grooming noose
100% leather with an acrylic base
Lightweight and easy to pack
1-piece sturdy construction
Available in black or pink

Top Performance Anti-Fatigue Dog Mat, 36-in x 24-in

Top Performance Anti-Fatigue Mat

The Top Performance Anti-Fatigue Dog Mat is the paw-fect addition to any busy grooming shop. Help protect your hips, knees, feet and back with the durable PVC and padded foam that relieves stress and supports joints when you’re standing for long periods of time. The eye-catching print pairs well with any environment for a pop of fun you’ll love to have in your space!

Related Pages:

Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming Supplies

An Introduction to Clipping Your Dog

Dog Bathing Techniques

 

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