Do You Clip Your Own Doggie?

[brittanygirl]

I used to send my shih tzu X to the groomers every 4 weeks for a trim, but when I bought my first brittany to show, i had to buy the grooming equipment for her, so decided to give him a go as well. It has saved me $35 every month, and I have gotten good at it over time. He usually looks very cute and I enjoy it. The bonus of having had him professionally groomed for the first several years was that he was perfectly trained already when I started, which made my job very easy.

[poodlefan]

Tramissa:

As someone that is just starting to look into doing my own clipping - I am overwhelmed.

What breed of dog have you got Tramissa - you'd be amazed how many step by step guides to grooming a particular breed are detailed with pics on the internet or in books.

[tramissa]

Lowchen.

There's some good information around about how to do the actual clip, which I'll end up printing and looking at.

But as to what clippers I need, what blades I need, whether I need scissors etc, if I need more combs/brushes than I have, do you really need the toe attachment to clippers etc etc, I can't find good information for that.

Most of the info tends to be aimed at people who know the basics and want to learn a specialised clip, rather than someone just starting out.

Edited to add - I'm beginning to think I should just bite the bullet, buy a set of clippers off ebay and go from there - but that's a pretty expensive way to do it if I get the wrong clippers etc.

Edited October 5, 2006 by tramissa

[poodlefan]

OK, I'd recommend you rename this post or start a new one called "How to Groom a Lowchen" so any pro groomers or Lowchen breeders can spot it.

Have a read of the topics here on clippers and you'll see a few recommended brands come up time and again. Most people seem to use Wahl, Andis or Oster. I have Wahl's and Andis and prefer Andis but you need to have the clippers in your hand to make up your mind.

Are we talking about show grooming or a pet clip - that will determine the blades you need. A toe blade is a "nice to have" for clipping out feet because of its narrower width and I use one. However lots of people just use a normal width blade.

[Lowenhart]

Lowchen.

There's some good information around about how to do the actual clip, which I'll end up printing and looking at.

But as to what clippers I need, what blades I need, whether I need scissors etc, if I need more combs/brushes than I have, do you really need the toe attachment to clippers etc etc, I can't find good information for that.

Most of the info tends to be aimed at people who know the basics and want to learn a specialised clip, rather than someone just starting out.

Edited to add - I'm beginning to think I should just bite the bullet, buy a set of clippers off ebay and go from there - but that's a pretty expensive way to do it if I get the wrong clippers etc.

Hey,

What clippers/blades you need depends on what trim you want to do. For the signature Lion Trim I suggest a 30 or 15 Oster blade or equivilant (depends on how short you like their arses and the sex - boys prefer 15 or 10 for their jewels). I use the normal 30 blade to clip feet but I learnt using the foot blade and relearnt when the foot blade died.

I use Oster clippers but others recommend Andis. It is a personal (and financial) thing, you could try and pick up a set of second hand clippers in good working order if you aren't doing multitudes of dogs.

Any specific questions you can PM me!

[tramissa]

Poodlefan and Lowenhart - thank you!!

I've kept my girl in the lion clip as an 'advert' for the breed - people always comment and ask what she is when they see the clip and I love being able to tell them about a lowchen. When she's in full coat people tend to assume she's a mixed breed mutt and don't care (apart from the 'she's cute' comments).

My current groomer does her on a 10 but that doesn't take it back to skin - no idea what brand of clippers she's using either. I've been told a few times since I posted in this thread that Oster or Andis are the way to go - I always thought Wahl was one of the top brands but seems people don't like them as much anymore?.

I will keep an eye out for some 2nd hand ones to start with I think and see how I go from there.

As an aside, I have been checking out your site often Lowenhart - it's one of my favourites when I need a Lowchen fix :D

[poodlefan]

I'm not sure what Lowenhart's thoughts will be on this but Tramissa if your Lowchen has pink skin, I'd recommend the 15# blade over the 30# The paler poodles with pink skin tend to be more sensitive to the blade and you can get clipper rash with anything closer than 15 (same goes for the boys "jewels" :D )

[tramissa]

Ah, thanks Poodlefan - had never heard of it before.

I'll probably keep Min longish (like a 10 blade) as she's not going back in the ring (has lost her bum and her right foot turns out something shocking) and I don't want her getting sunburnt up here. She'll be good for me to practice on though.

In a few years when I get my show boy they'll be kept inside so he doesn't get sunburnt during the day - but from everything said, he'll need to be a 15 blade anyway :D

Here's a pic of Min that was taken a week ago (almost) - Please forgive the bad stack - I was actually in the process of setting her up when the photo was taken.

ETA - sorry to hijack your thread Becky!

Edited October 5, 2006 by tramissa

[Lowenhart]

Hey Poodlefan - I have never had clipper burn from a 30 on a Lowchen. I'm a bit of a Parti fan so I am used to the unpigmented bums. Many people will even use a 40 on the Lowchen, thats when you see clipper burn!

Tramissa - 10's aren't too bad to use but you have to clip more often. I use 10's on Babies though, or when the 30 is blunt.

Keep your eyes on classifieds. I lean towards Osters only because we've had them 30+ years, I have heard raves about Andis but if the Wahls are in your price range...

Mini looks good! Don't fuss about that foot... you'd be hard pressed to find a nice Lowchen who doesn't have a foot that turns out slightly.

I find the hardest thing to do on Lowchen are feet & 'jewels'. I do 'jewels', feet, belly/inside backlegs, forelegs then butt in that order so the blade is cooler for the sensitive parts (never EVER put a hot blade near a dogs 'jewels' :D ). Not that you hae to worry about jewels yet, the girly bits aren't so delicate.

Your welcome to visit either of my Lowchen sites Tramissa

[dasha]

I have a Border Collie and I clip him myself.

I bought a pair of Oster Clippers to use and I have 2 blades. I clip him fairly short for summer as it helps his itchy skin.

I am assuming from the comments here you have a poodle. I think you should have a go. For the investment you put in at the start it will certainly pay off. Yeah your first few trims may be a bit average but it will improve. If they are not show dogs, you could get away with a modified pet clip.

I used to work in a vet clinic so have done a few clips of various breeds but we mainly did them for comfort not style. Thats not to say we just shaved all the hair off. I did do a few Scottish teriiers and a range of SWF and poodles.

I do remember having to do my first poodle and it was a 6 month old standard poodle that had never had a clip. I was wondering how I was going to get this big black fluffy dog to look like a poodle. Luckily there was another poodle in the clinic that day so I used it as a rough guide and it all turned out OK. It needed a few little tidy ups here and there in its next few clips but it is easy to grasp after a few practices.

Give it a go. You can always tidy up little bits as you go as they are yours.

PS- Practice on friends/neighbours dogs first hehehehehe (if they just have pets in the backyard)

[schnauzer]

Hi Tramissa,

I am with Poodlefan on the clippers - I would recommend Andis AGC Professional - I have clipped with Osters as well and much prefer the feel of the Andis - it is also much quieter than the Oster if your dog is noise sensitive, and doesn't tend to heat up as quickly. I also use ceramic blades which I love. You can purchase Andis new on Ebay for around $250 mark.

The Lowchen clip looks so gorgeous on Min.

[tramissa]

Thanks Schnauzer I'm biased, but I think so too.

I think the votes for the Andis clippers are way ahead now - time to get serious about looking!

[Kirty]

I am a groomer and like the Wahl clippers - we have two Osters but they get really hot very quickly (to hold). I would not clip my own dogs though because I don't particularly enjoy grooming so will never own a long-haired dog! LOL!

I have also seen my fair share of grooming 'accidents' - including an oodle who had massive chunks of hair cut off everywhere (some were so short I had to do the whole dog on an 8.5. He also had a really deep gash on his abdomen where the woman cut him with the scizzors - he had to be stitched by the vet.

If you want to clip your own dog, its safer to use clippers than scizzors. Spend the money and get good equipment. And most importantly, buy a good book or get someone to show you how to do it properly.

[javajava]

I am a groomer and agree with Kirty, Wahl Single speed are my favourites and they are the brand we use at work. They don't get as hot and are not as heavy to hold as some of the other brands. Whatever you purchase the faster the clippers the better the cut. Look around because you can sometimes get clippers on special - now may not be the best time to purchase as they are in hot demand with the weather warming up.

I agree that by purchasing your own clippers and blades you will improve with time and save yourself alot of money. The general guide for blades is the higher the number the shorter the cut - a 40/30 are surgical blades, 15/10 is close cut (for bottom and groin), 7 is usually seen on a clipped cockerspaniel and a 5 on the maltese x/small breed dogs. A 4 for the owner that does not want a short cut - again this is only a guide line and differs in different salons and on different breeds of dogs. Get yourself a slicker brush and a good pair of scissors. Unless the coat is matted or extremely course avoid skip tooth blades as there is more chance of cutting your dog. Your biggest hiccup will be whether your dog is going to be a good client or not!!!!

I would never discourage you from having a go at clipping your dog but please be careful. Working in the grooming industry we hear and see heaps of horror stories of dogs being injured, cut and/or people being bitten. Best case scenario would be if someone could teach you - do you have any vet nurse friends or know of a breeder that would help? I would get on the phone and make a few calls. Most people that work with animals would be happy to teach you.

Finally if you take the plunge be prepared for a mess - wear denim shorts/pants (hair does not stick and will come out in the wash, closed shoes (in case you drop something), no jewellery that can get caught and finally (I now this from experience) don't groom with your mouth open. Nothing like dog fur for lunch!!!!

[jemappelle]

I clip my long-haired dogs. I had a Shih Tzu and had a groomer come to the house a few times and she showed me what to do. Sometimes the clips are pretty tragic (too short) but it is only 2 weeks between a bad haircut and a good one I now have a Poodle x that I had professionally groomed by a friend and she explained to me what to do so I have done her myself this time.

I use Wahl clippers and really like them.

I also clip my old Persian cats

[Becky in Oz]

This is a very interesting read. I think I might venture the home groom some day in the future, but I'll let the pros handle it to start.

Tramissa, hope you post a pic of your first trim.

For a cocker, how do you trim the fur in between their pads on their paws and what about the fur in/aroun the ears?

I may need to seriously quiz the groomer this Sat.

[Becky in Oz]

I groom both my cockers, mainly because I love grooming (and show the younger one). Setting up with the gear is expensive to start with, but well worth it.

I have owned and showed an old english sheepdog and a cairn terrier. Both I groomed myself as the breeders were keen to teach me. The cockers are the hardest by far to keep looking good. I trim and bath each week - a big bill if I didn't do it myself.

Becky, happy to help with some tips if you would like to have a go. I'm still on "L" plates, but have some good teachers

Thanks Dougal! I may have to take you up on that offer one day.

In the meantime, Gomez (the 7yr old) ATE both ends of the cord to recharge my camera! So I am not using the camera until I get another cord. Am waiting for a call from Olympus.

Back on topic, the info on the blades size and cuts was excellent, JavaJava!

Carol, I have often thought of the lion cut for Oscar, but never been game- persevered with the felt prevention and combing instead.

[dougal]

Becky, for the fur underneath the paws, trim to be level with the paw - not inbetween the pads and toes.

Tops of the ears can be trimmed with either thinning scissors or clippers (depending upon colour of dog - golds with scissors, blacks/blues can be with the clippers). Inside the ear is done with clippers.

Edited October 5, 2006 by dougal

[tramissa]

Becky - oh you can bet I will - even if it's just to give everyone a laugh Thanks for letting me hijack your topic for a while

Thank you everyone for the info.

[ellz]

I actually clean out between the pads on the feet of my American Cockers with the clippers. I find it attracts less dirt and it is easier to see if there is an errant grass seed trying to poke its ugly head into the bottom of the foot in summer. AND they are less likely to clog up with dirt and mud if they happen to have a dig (and mine LOVE to dig!).

Best to clip the inside of the ears to keep the hair really short to allow maximum air passage to avoid problems.

I taught myself how to clip and groom 20 years ago, before the internet and with only the barest essentials in grooming equipment. There is only a couple of weeks between a good and bad trim and I've done some absolute shockers. Still do, but now I have more knowledge I can "bury" my mistakes better!

It really is worth investing in the tools and learning to do it yourself. Saves a bucketload of money in the long run and there is no greater satisfaction than when a total stranger admires your dogs and asks who grooms them and you can puff yourself up proudly and say "I do!"