How to Cut Your Dog's Hair

Trimming or shaving your dog’s hair can be a complicated procedure.  Not only do you need to know how to cut it and which part to cut and how much to cut, you also have to find a way to keep your dog from moving around too much!  Before you start you will need to be armed with a plan.  Then you will need to gather the right tools, including perhaps another set of hands.  Finally, you need to take that big step and make the first cut. 

[Please note: Before attempting to cut your dog’s hair, you should first brush your dog’s hair.  Make sure to brush out as many of the tangles as possible, or at least as many as they will tolerate.]

Step One:  Make a Plan
Start out by noting any tangles still left in your dog’s fur after brushing as these will need to be cut out.  Next, you may want to search the internet for breed specific grooming instruction.  Look for complete step-by-step instruction, if possible.  If you cannot find instructions on the internet or you have a mixed bred dog you may have to settle for a vaguer grooming plan.  If you have previously taken your dog to a groomer, try to remember what your dog looked like immediately after the visit.  Compare this to what you see now.  Make note of what areas will need to be trimmed and how they should look.  Otherwise, decide which areas look too shaggy or which areas are prone to tangles.  This should at least get you off to a good start.  

Step Two: Gather the Tools
If your dog has tangles that need to be cut out, you will want a pair of sharp scissors or thinning scissors and a metal comb.  You will also want a pair of sharp scissors for general trimming and touch-ups.  If your dog’s fur is too shaggy and needs to be thinned, you will need thinning scissors.  If you need to trim sensitive areas, such as around the eyes, you will need ball-tipped scissors or security scissors.  Depending on how much you are cutting or how short, you will need an electric trimmer.  Finally, you should have a brush handy.  Oh, and don’t forget, you may want some doggie treats nearby – just in case.

Step Three: Make the First Cut
You are armed with a plan and the appropriate tools, now it is time to jump in and make the first cut.

• If you dog has tangles, this is a good starting point.  Use the metal comb to pull the hair away from the dog’s skin and make the cut, being very careful not to cut your dog.  Then comb through the area to make sure it is gone.  If not, either try brushing the remainder out or go back and make another cut, again testing with the metal comb when done. 
• If your dog’s coat needs to be thinned, now is the time if you did not already do this step during brushing.  If you plan on thinning and shaving your dog, you should thin the hair before trying to shave it as it will both extend the life of your electric shaver and make the shaving process easier for you.  If you find any tangles during the thinning process, make sure to brush them out.
• If you are using an electric shaver, start it up next but make sure to only shave in the same direction as the hair grows.  This will minimize the chances of accidently cutting into the skin of your dog.  Proceed to shave the dog according to your plan. 
• If you are trimming your dogs hair, pick up your scissors or safety scissors and get to work.  Now is the time to put on the finishes touches.
• When you think you are done, run the brush through all of the hair to make sure there are no tangles and that you have not missed any spots. 

Now breath a big sigh of relief… you are done.  Once you get the hang of it, things will run smoothly and you can start looking forward to this time as a chance to bond with your dog.  And just remember, you dog may be able to sense your mood.  If you are nervous, he will be nervous.  Relax and talk softly to your dog while you work and he may even come to enjoy the experience.