Dog Grooming Techniques & Tips

Grooming for the Next Groom

A groomer friend introduced me to this concept many years ago, saving me time, effort, and grief. The basic premise is this: when you are grooming a pet dog, take a moment to consider what it will be like to groom that dog on its next visit.

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Shaping West Highland White Terrier Tails

How to Trim a West Highland White Terrier’s Tail: Pro Grooming Guide

When grooming West Highland White terriers, creating the proper tail shape seems to be confusing to some groomers. Here are some tips to help you nail those tails. 

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The Beginner’s Guide to Grooming

Beginner’s Dog Grooming Guide: Tips for a Fun, Stress-Free First Trim

Grooming your dog doesn’t have to be a battle—it can be a fun bonding experience for both of you! Whether you’ve got an adorable puppy or a seasoned adult dog, starting early (or with positive training) is the key to a stress-free grooming routine. Trust me, with a bit of patience, a lot of treats, and some positive vibes, you’ll both be enjoying grooming time together in no time!

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Dog's Behaving Badly

Handling Difficult Dogs: Grooming Challenges & Communication

Let's imagine a grooming scenario. A new customer brings you their dog for the first time. It's a young, medium-sized mixed breed. If you were going to guess, you'd suspect there is some Dachshund and a bit of terrier in there somewhere, along with other breeds, as well. It's a cute dog with a nice coat, and you and the owner come to an agreement about how the pet is to be groomed

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Six Pet Grooming "Do's and Don'ts"

Six Essential Pet Grooming Do’s and Don’ts for Professionals

I do a lot of thinking when I am blow-drying dogs. Last week, as I was (endlessly) drying a Cocker Spaniel, I began to ponder some "do's and don'ts" that apply to our industry. Here arethree of each that I came up with.

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Sitting Down on the Job

Sitting Down on the Job: Reduce Fatigue & Improve Grooming Comfort

If someone is said to be “sitting down on the job,” it tends to describe a person who is not working diligently. The phrase probably came about during the industrial revolution when many people worked in factories, standing for hours at a time while they worked.

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Spot Dematting

Spot Dematting: How to Safely Remove Mats Without Shaving

Jodi is a blond cocker/poodle mix that has graced my table every three weeks for many years. She gets a full groom on one session, a bath, fluff, and brush on the next. She's a good and pretty girl, and her signature look involves long, flowing ears.

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A Grooming Practice You Should Avoid

Why You Should Avoid Shaving a Dog’s Nose Bridge

Maybe the person who taught you how to groom told you to do it. Perhaps you saw dogs that groomers had done this on a breed you were not very familiar with grooming, so you started doing it, too, thinking it was acceptable. It's possible you did it by mistake once and then continued to do it because you didn't know how to fix it.

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Skimming Trimming

Mastering the Skimming Technique: Grooming Tips for Flawless Finishes

What is "skimming," and why should a groomer know about it? Skimming is a grooming technique in which a clipper is used to shorten the animal's hair, but not in the typical manner. Regular clipping requires us to lay the clipper blade flat against the dog's skin. The size and shape of the blade determine how much hair is removed as the blade follows the contours of the animal's body.

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5 Benefits of Brushing Your Dog

5 Key Benefits of Brushing Your Dog Regularly

Brushing your dog is more than just a grooming ritual—it’s an essential part of maintaining their health and well-being. Whether your dog has a fluffy curly coat, a long, luxurious drop coat or a short, shiny coat regular brushing offers numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend. Here are five key reasons why you should make brushing a regular part of your dog's care routine.

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