How to Use Clippers to Give Your Dog a Hair Cut

With a few tools and some spare time, you can give your dog a haircut. Not only does this provide a more enjoyable experience for your dog, it gives you the added satisfaction of giving your dog the care he needs while saving money and time. In a quiet room free of distractions, give your dog a haircut by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Table
• Dog comb
• 40-blade dog clipper
• Dog noose

1. Position the dog on the table. Comb through the dog's hair to remove tangles. Begin the haircut at the dog's head.
2. Guide the clipper along the top of the head in the same direction as the hair is growing. Move the clipper in short, quick strokes to maintain an even cut.
3. Finish cutting the dog's head by doing the sides and all around the nose. Put the dog's head through the dog noose.
4. Groom the ears by holding them in your hands. Run the clipper flat along the top outside of the ears. Trim the edges of the ears in slower strokes.
5. Continue by grooming the dog's back and full body. Start at the end close to the dog's head.
6. Place the clipper at the top of the backbone. Move the clipper down both sides of the dog, from the backbone and along the entire side. Work each section until reaching the tail end. Finish by clipping the dog's underside.
7. Take one of the dog's paws in your hand and gently pull it so that it stretches out straight. Begin at the top of the leg and work down toward the paw in shorter, slower movements. Do the same with the other paws.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase aerosol clipper lubricant. Spray it on t he blades so they don't overheat and burn the dog. Check the blades frequently during the grooming session to make sure they are not too hot.