How to trim the hair on the feet of a long coated dog

Many owners of long coated dogs have problems with getting burrs in the foot because the hair is too long. Especially in the winter it is important to keep the feet trimmed somewhat to prevent "ice balls" between the toes and yet still protect the feet of the dog from snow and icy conditions. The trick is to keep the hair between the pads as a protection for the foot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• thinning shears
• regular hair trimming scissors
• slicker brush
• a dog with long hair on the feet

1. slicker brush brush up the hair on the top of the foot with a slicker brush
2. trimming top of foot trim the long hair between the toes on the top of the foot so that it is even with the rest of the foot
3. tipping the foot over tip the dogs' foot to the underside
4. trimming the pads trim the hair on the bottom of the foot FLAT to the pads, do not trim between the toes on the underside
5. set the foot back down and trim all the way around the outside edges, rounding out the appearance
6. check that the foot is done, it should look rounded and fluffy like a dandelion on the top

Tips & Warnings

• although you can do this while the dog is lying down it is easier to do it when the dog is on a grooming table, standing up
• do not trim down between the toes either on the top or bottom of the foot, it removes mother nature's protection against cold weather
• in the winter check the feet daily if you are walking your dog on sidewalks where there is salt and chemicals