How to Trim Dog Fur

While taking a dog to the groomer is probably one of the easiest ways to trim its fur, it can also be more expensive. Long-haired dogs tend to have more matting or knots in the fur, which can become larger or more painful to the dog if they are not removed. The fur works as insulation against the heat and cold, so shaving a dog is not always a good idea, even in the summer. Trimming dog fur can be an easy and affordable way to keep the fur under control between visits to the groomer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Dog
• Fur clippers
• Leash

How to Trim Dog Fur

1. Gather your materials and get your pet comfortable in either a standing or sitting position. If your pet does not stand on its own, putting a leash on may assist in keeping it still for the trimming so it is not accidentally cut by the clippers. After the pet is situated, spend a few minutes petting it and making sure it is not scared or stressed. Many pets do not like to be groomed, so spending a few minutes to make them feel loved or important can ease their stress.
2. Use the clippers to trim excess fur off of the dogs body. The least sensitive areas on a dogs body are the back and sides, so try doing these areas first. Be sure when you are cutting the sides that you remain aware of where the skin is, since it tends to pull with the fur. Trim close to the body, leaving about 1/2 inch or more to keep the coat on the dog for protection of the elements.
3. Trim hair around the paws and tail, being very careful not to cut the skin. The paw fur tends to hold dirt, so be sure to clean them regularly and keep them trimmed so they can not attract as much dirt. Check between the toes and trim any excess fur slowly. If you are ever afraid of getting too close, or you are unsure of how much to cut, leave it to the professionals.
4. Check their chest hair and trim if necessary. You can also cut away any fur that is hanging or not uniform to other parts of the coat. Check with the breed type and determine what styles of fur they usually have and try to stay with that. Long-haired dogs, such as Collies, do not have short haircuts, so you should refrain from shaving them.
5. Trim any hair off the face or head, but be very careful not to cut their skin. Dogs are most sensitive around their face and ears, so they may start to get uneasy or jerk around. If they do and it becomes more difficult to trim, stop and wait until you can take them to a professional groomer. It is better to have a dog with longer hair than to have them get cut or hurt because grooming is being done at home.

Tips & Warnings

• Trim just as much as necessary to save trips to the groomers.
• Avoid getting too close to the skin. Sometimes it is hard to tell when the fur ends.