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An Introduction To Clipping Your Dog

This introduction to dog clipping will help you prepare you and your dog for clipping.  Also refer to the page with detailed instructions for using the dog clippers to clip the dog’s body.  These instructions are designed to make it as easy as possible for you to clip your dog yourself, explaining how to work in a pattern so that you get the job done as quickly as possible with the best possible result.  It may take time and a few tries before you feel totally comfortable clipping your dog.  The more you practice the easier it will become and you will become quicker at it.  The more the dog gets clipped the more he will become used to it also.

Dog grooming and clipping DVD’s are also available in our Dog Store which may be helpful if you prefer to watch a demonstration on how to clip your dog.  There are DVD’s for specific breeds as well as DVD’s showing how to give  a general clip.  Some grooming clipper sets come with a DVD instruction also.  Another way to learn hands on instructions is to do a dog grooming course.

Karen Pryor - Click for Grooming.

Click for Grooming………
Whether you groom at home or take your dog to a grooming saloon, the clicker and it’s methods outlined in this book can be used to ensure that the whole experience is pleasant. Even the professional groomer will benefit from understanding and using these methods. Dogs will enjoy being groomed and owners will find the process rewarding. This book is directed towards teaching both owner and groomer how to use the clicker methods in order to make grooming and enjoyable process for both dog and caregiver alike.

………………………………………………The Smooth Road to Shavedowns DVD by Jodi Murphy………………………….The Puppy Cut DVD by Jodi Murphy

……………………………………..The Smooth Road to Shavedowns DVD …………….The Puppy Cut DVD

Overview Of Clipping

Clipping is the process of using dog clippers and a blade to shave the dog short.  The clippers can be used over the body, down the legs and around the face.  Depending on the length and thickness of coat, and also whether the dog is matted will determine the length of the blade you need to use.  More detailed information about clippers can be found here; detailed information about the different blades and their lengths can be found here.

The face can be either shaved or if you prefer scissored.  Feet can be trimmed with scissors and the tail can either be shaved or just brushed out and trimmed with the scissors.  You can find more information about trimming the face, feet and tail here.

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Care and Comfort of the Dog

Whilst going through the instructions please remember that the handling and comfort of the dog is paramount.  Dogs should not be maneuvered in a rough or harsh manner.  If you have trouble with your dog wriggling then I would suggest that you get some help – maybe a friend or family member to help keep the dog still by giving the dog some treats as a reward for being still.  Bear in mind, though, that if the dog is too stressed he won’t be interested in eating the treats.  Refer to our page on dog grooming training for some training ideas.

Sometimes dogs don’t mind their bodies being clipped however they will wriggle when the legs are being done or feet being trimmed, for example.  If the dog is being difficult it might be better to do a little bit at a time and then give the dog a break and coming back to it bit by bit until that section has been finished.  If you stress the dog too much it makes it worse.  If the dog is really being too difficult it may be necessary to take him to the vet where they can give him a sedative and they will clip him while he is under sedation.  This can be expensive.

If you don’t have available help then a natural calming herbal remedy may help to relax the dog so the grooming can be done.

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Stress Gold for High Stress Situations in Dogs by Pet Wellbeing

Stress Gold is a quick-acting, non-addictive, herbal formula designed for dogs. This herbal combination naturally supports the central nervous system in times of nervous tension or heightened states of emotion.

The primary ingredients in this formula act directly on the brain to produce a natural and safe sedative effect. The result is reduced nerve tension, subdued restlessness and a decreased tendency to hyperactivity or excitability. The class of herbal sedatives used in this formula are safe and will not cause stomach upset. Other types of natural sedatives can be described as narcotic in nature and usually contain high levels of alkaloids. Our ingredients do not contain high alkaloid levels.

Stress Gold will help your pet feel pleasantly relaxed and possibly sleepy.  Read more here….

 

If you have all the dog grooming supplies and your work area set up then you are ready to go ahead and follow these dog clipping instructions:-

How To Use Your Dog Clippers

How To Trim Your Dog’s Face, Feet and Tail

How To Clip Your Matted Dog

Make grooming extra speedy with the Flying Pig Grooming Simple Home Dog & Cat Grooming Dryer. Groom like a pro with this ultra-quiet and lightweight portable dryer that can slash drying time by up to 60%! That means less time slaving over your furry one, and fewer knots or damp spots for your pal, even on those double coat breeds. It’s easy to use with two air speeds and heat settings, and easy to clean with the removable filter. With the included interchangeable nozzle heads and stretchable grooming hose, you can have all the flexibility you need to work your magic!

 

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