Grooming is a word that is incomprehensible to our ears. And yet, it has become firmly established in the lives of those who have a four-legged pet at home. You may not visit specialized salons with your pet, but, without knowing it, carry out procedures at home, which are called by this term. That is, cutting, combing, drying hair after bathing - all this can be classified as grooming. From the article you will learn: what is the essence of grooming, its types, and the main stages. We will try to find out where it is better to carry out the procedures so that they have the greatest effect and what means to use.
Why does a dog need a haircut?
Wool protects the pet from cold, heat, and aggressive environmental influences. But in order for it to cope with the task, it must be properly looked after - the pile must be clean, dry, without lumps, otherwise problems are possible.
Tangled, lifelessly hanging strands provide poor warmth in winter and float in summer. Ungroomed fur can turn into a dense, hard coat that can impair blood circulation, hide cysts, dermatitis, skin irritation, hives and other skin diseases. It is more difficult for owners to detect ticks and deal with fleas.
Clumps of fur around the anus can cause feces to dry out, preventing bowel movements. Dirt near the anus is ideal conditions for bacteria, which can then enter the dog’s intestines.
Types of dog haircuts
- Hygienic is a simple procedure that allows your pet to look neat and well-groomed. This option is recommended if you need to trim your dog’s hair at home yourself. The procedure involves removing tangles, plucking hairs in the ears, between the fingers, and near the intimate area.
- Exhibition – the service is necessary if the animal is regularly exhibited. To trim a dog's coat, the groomer follows the rules recommended for the given breed.
- Trimming is a procedure necessary for dogs with hard hair (wire-haired terriers, schnauzers, Jack Russells) that do not have a period of shedding. The job is to evenly remove dead guard hairs.
- Pedigree - a pet is cut not for an exhibition, but “for oneself”, taking into account the characteristics of the breed. This haircut emphasizes the natural beauty and dignity of the dog.
- Model (creative) - to give the pet originality, the groomer resorts to interesting techniques, incl. to coloring, use of rhinestones, sparkles.
Eye and ear care
This must be done once a week. The pet's eyes and ears should be wiped with a special lotion for animals. It should be purchased from a veterinary pharmacy. Lotions should not be used on humans. Ideally, a healthy “tail” should not have any crusts near the eyes or ears. Only a small amount of clear color bleeding may be observed. And if the discharge has a color or smell, you need to consult a doctor. This may indicate the presence of infection or the development of pathology.
What you need to know about wool before cutting your dog's hair
The variety of coats of dogs is explained by the climatic conditions where this or that breed appeared. At the same time, wool is structured differently than human hair. If we have one hair growing from one follicle, in pets from one follicle sprout from 5 to 22 hairs - one main one, the rest are downy. The density of the fur varies in different areas of the skin.
Dogs have the following types of hair:
- Undercoat is the bottom layer of wool, which reduces heat transfer from the body. It is short, soft, thin, slightly wavy, reminiscent of down. In dogs of northern breeds, the undercoat fits tightly to the skin, and the wind does not blow it through. In southern animals it is rare, short, and may be completely absent.
- Guard hair – protects the undercoat from water. In dogs that live in warm conditions, it fits tightly to the body, which makes the animal smooth-haired.
- The outer coat is the longest and stiffest, protecting the most vulnerable areas of the skin. In some breeds it creates eyebrows, mustaches, and beards. The outer hair protects the animal from direct sunlight, which can cause heat stroke and skin burns.
- Tactile hair. They are located under the eyes, on the cheeks, upper lip, under the lower jaw.
The appearance of the dog depends on the guard and integumentary hairs, which tightly fit the body. Boxers have smooth coats, Shih Tzus have long coats, and Poodles have curly coats. Short-haired breeds include Labradors, Staffordshire Terriers, and German Shepherds. Huskies are considered to have medium length hair. Breeds with long hair - collies, Samoyeds.
Peculiarities of animal grooming, depending on wool
Animals with medium and long hair, as well as pets with short curly hair, need a haircut. It is important to remember that your pet should be cut, not shaved. The doctor resorts to the second option before surgery, for skin diseases.
The following breeds need to be trimmed:
- American Cocker Spaniels. How often should a dog of this breed be cut? The recommended number of procedures is 4 times a year.
- Miniature Schnauzers have hard, wire-like hair. They are not cut, but trimmed - dead hairs are plucked out.
- Terriers with medium or long hair can be cut or trimmed.
- Pekingese - special attention should be paid to the hair between the toe pads.
- Pomeranian Spitz - the procedure helps to enhance hair growth.
It is recommended to cut with scissors animals without undercoat with long, fast-growing hair - poodle, shih tzu, Yorkshire terrier. If the coat is not taken care of, the tangles form a dense, hard fabric, which can only be removed by a radical haircut.
Which dogs should not be cut?
Pets with short, smooth hair (Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer, etc.) do not need a home grooming. Their fur protects them from the cold in winter and from the heat in summer. There is also no need to shave the dog, otherwise the pet may get heatstroke. It is enough to limit yourself to caring for the dog’s ears, claws, eyes, and combing out the hairs during shedding.
Dogs with a dense undercoat do not need clippers. On the contrary, the procedure can cause baldness. The list of breeds that are prohibited from grooming includes northern breeds (huskies, malamutes), herding breeds (German and Belgian shepherds, mastiffs, border collies), and hunting breeds (labradors).
Differences in animal size
It is most convenient to cut a Yorkshire Terrier with a clipper.
The modern pet industry offers a wide range of clippers to choose from. The owner or specialist can choose the optimal size of the device.
Groomers prefer the standard type because they work with dogs of different sizes (from the Yorkshire Terrier and Italian Bolognese to the Black Russian Terrier).
However, owners of dwarf and miniature breeds can choose smaller models. These are not suitable for large individuals, as the operating time can increase several times.
Basic rules for dog grooming
- Before you start work, decide on the type of haircut - do you want to simply remove excess hair with a clipper or make a model version.
- It is better to cut the intimate area with a clipper with a 4-5 mm attachment. If you use scissors, the blade should be pointed downward to prevent your pet from getting hurt.
- The dog must be groomed on a table with a non-slip surface.
- The animal must stand while working.
- Remove hair on the face and ears carefully. If you hurt your pet, the animal will be afraid of the procedure.
- Don't remove too much lint in the summer. The dog may suffer heatstroke or burns.
- If your pet has long hair, pay attention to the animal's paws. Dirt, snow, and hair can accumulate between your toes, causing pain. Trim these areas promptly.
- If you are a beginner, first learn how to cut with scissors, only then with a clipper.
- The dog should be cut along the hair growth, except for the paws and between the toes. This way you won't hurt the animal if it jerks.
Knives
Knives for the machine
Replacement knives for the machine are integral attributes of the tool. Most groomers give their preference to products with metal blades. They are distinguished by high quality, efficiency and variability.
Thanks to them, the specialist will be able to cut the dog’s hair “short” and “not too short,” as pet owners often ask. Experienced craftsmen are able to create creative haircuts using only knives of different sizes (one of the options is “chinchilla”).
There are several types of knives:
- 0.1-0.5 mm;
- 2-6 mm;
- 8-19 mm.
With proper use and proper care, knives can last up to several years. However, from time to time they need sharpening, because their frequent use (especially by specialists) dulls the blades (the quality of the haircut noticeably deteriorates). Sharpening is carried out by masters, the process lasts about 15-20 minutes. The cost of sharpening one knife averages 400-500 rubles.
The number of sharpenings can reach up to 15 times with proper use of the tool. However, the procedure will not work for broken knives if they have cracks or missing blades). In this case, the knife must only be replaced.
All knives can be purchased in specialized stores that sell grooming products. They can also be found in major online stores. The price depends on the length of the blades. As a rule, it starts from 800 rubles and can reach up to 3-4 thousand.
How to train a dog to get a haircut
Pets often don’t like having their tail, ears, and belly cut. They twitch and become restless. How to properly groom a dog in these conditions? To keep your dog from worrying, get your puppy used to clipper haircuts as soon as you get him:
- Before you cut your dog's hair at home, teach your dog to comb his hair. Place it on a non-slip hard surface, run the brush through the pile with the words “combing.” Then give him a treat and let him go for a walk.
- Get used to scissors. When the baby is used to combing, take scissors and imitate a haircut, cutting off micro-fragments of hairs. During the procedure, say: “let’s get a haircut,” and give a treat at the end.
- Train your puppy to use the machine. Dry your hair with a hair dryer in front of him so that he is not afraid of the hum of an electrical appliance.
If you are cutting your adult pet's hair for the first time, before cutting the lock, stroke it behind the ear (near the tail, belly). How to cut a dog's hair if it won't cut it? Do not use force as the fear may worsen. A trusting relationship with your pet will help you cope with the problem. Be sure to praise the dog for its obedience and give it a treat.
Preparing to groom your pet
Before you groom your dog at home, set up a grooming area. The table on which the dog will stand should not slide (place a rubber mat). Its height should correspond to the height of the make-up artist so that it is convenient to work.
Before cutting your dog's hair at home, make sure that all tools are in good working order and work well, and that the knives are sharpened. Unsuccessful attempts to cut a tuft of fur can injure the animal.
Give your pet a bath a day or two before grooming your dog at home with scissors. Dirty hair is difficult to work with. If you decide to wash your animal before grooming, the coat must be completely dry. You can't cut a wet dog's hair. It will be difficult to evaluate the results; the blades of the machine will become dull.
Comparison of the best gadgets
We decided to make a small rating to make it easier for you to navigate the world of dog machine manufacturers.
Rating of amateur options and how much they cost
Baorun received the greatest number of positive reviews. One of their main advantages is their affordable price (about 2000-4000 thousand rubles). Machines of this brand have a very low noise level, which for most buyers is an undeniable advantage.
In second place is the Kodos company. Users note the product’s noiselessness and high quality. The blade of the clipper allows you to quickly and effectively carry out a hygienic haircut (stomach and groin area). The average cost of cars of this brand is 2500-4500 thousand rubles. It is Kodos that veterinarians prefer, since some manipulations require quick removal of hair from a certain area.
Siever is in last place in the ranking. Despite the low cost (from 1,000 to 5,000 thousand rubles), buyers are less likely to purchase Siver products. Some users claim that over time, the battery loses its ability to store energy and function without charging for a long time. Others are faced with poor product quality.
Professional rating and price
Among domestic groomers, the leading position is occupied by the German brand Moser. The products are of very high quality, thanks to which the device can work for many years without a single breakdown. However, the master will have to allocate a large sum - the minimum price of professional Moser machines starts from 6 thousand rubles and can reach up to 20 thousand. Professionals, as a rule, quickly pay for the tool in the flow of clients. Among specific models, MOSER MAX 45 (11-14 thousand) and Moser Rex (MOSER REX 1230) from 5,700 rubles are especially popular.
Andis takes second place in our small ranking. The American product is also of high quality, but at a lower price: the buyer can find an effective tool for up to 15 thousand rubles. For example, the Andis super AGC 2 model sells for an average of 12-14 thousand rubles and is in great demand.
In third place is WAHL. And although it is considered one of the oldest operating companies, it is preferred by fewer groomers. This is due, first of all, to the high cost: the WAHL KM 10 model (one of the current ones) costs about 14-20 thousand rubles.
How to cut a dog's hair with scissors
Before you cut your dog’s hair at home with scissors, you need to comb your pet, remove tangles and split ends. Then you can start cutting/plucking hair from the main areas - ears, pads between the fingers, around the eyes, intimate area.
When working with the muzzle, cover the mouth with your hand so that the dog does not accidentally bite. Before trimming the hair between your dogs' toes, use sharp, narrow-bladed scissors. They will help you get to hard-to-reach places. At the final stage, you can move on to the body.
How to cut a dog's hair with a clipper
Is it possible to cut a dog's hair with a human clipper? No. The device must be specifically designed for use by animals. Human hair devices can injure your dog and remove too much hair, leaving bald patches.
A dog clipper at home can be battery-powered or powered from the mains. There are options where both options are provided. Knives can be removable or permanent. Choose devices that have different attachments. They protect the dog from cuts and also help cut hairs of various lengths.
Before cutting your dog's hair with a clipper, carefully read the instructions that come with each device. The machine should be moved along the skin, without pressing. If the dog has skin folds, they should be smoothed out with your fingers, and only then the area should be trimmed.
Before you cut your dog’s hair at home with a clipper, know that skills in working with electrical appliances take years to acquire. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that you may not get a cool hairstyle for your dog right away. If you are a beginner, it is better to start with scissors.
Brands
Today, many companies around the world produce haircutting devices. Devices from Germany and the USA are especially popular. Eastern countries are also engaged in their manufacture, but the models they produce have not been successful among professional craftsmen.
Wahl
Electric Wahl machine
Leo Wall (USA) invented the first machine while still a student. He later opened in Sterling, where the company's head office is still located.
Already in the 60s of the twentieth century, WAHL presented the first wireless device. And two decades later, the company introduces the first cordless trimmer.
By the end of the twentieth century, it moved to a new level, purchasing the Moser brand and starting supplying its goods to Europe. Until now, WAHL cars are very popular. This brand is preferred in 156 countries around the world.
Moser Electric Dog Clipper
Moser
It began in 1946 in the town of Unterkirnach. Its founder was the German engineer Kuno Moser.
Initially, he repaired various types of industrial equipment, but later devoted himself entirely to the creation of hair cutting devices.
He presented the first model of the machine in 1959 under the name “Famos”, which was an abbreviation for “Firma Moser”.
In the 70s, the company was bought by the Ebner family and during this period the company expanded. In the 90s of the last century, a merger between Moser and Wahl took place. Currently, cars under the Moser brand are manufactured not only in Germany, but also in the USA and even in Hungary. It is the Moser models that are extremely popular among domestic animal groomers.
Andis
Andis Dog Clipper
At the beginning of the 20th century, Matthew Andis was a hired hand making tools. He later quit, deciding to create his own business. Together with partners, he opened the Andis OM Manufacturing enterprise in 1920.
After the successful debut of his cat and dog clippers, Matthew founded the Andis Clipper Company. At that time, Andis models were characterized by compactness and higher performance. These qualities set the company apart from the rest.
Throughout its existence, the company and the plant were inherited in the Andis family. New managers, as a rule, worked at the enterprise from an early age and themselves proposed new and improved options. Today the company represents its products in 90 countries.
Dog clipper from the young brand Ziver
Ziver
Compared to other companies, the Ziver brand stands out for its youth. The company was founded in 2010 in Moscow. Its main direction is the production of products for the care of dogs and other animals. These are not only clippers, but also trimming knives, combs, various brushes, tangle cutters, a furminator and other accessories for pet fur.
Despite its relative youth, the Siver company has confidently occupied its market segment and gained strong popularity among consumers.
The company's factories and branches are located in Russia, Taiwan, South Korea and China. In addition to grooming tools, the Ziver company produces cosmetic devices, toys and even treats for cats and dogs, which are already quite popular in our country.
Codos
Chinese dog clipper Codos
"Shenzhen Codos Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd" or "Codos" for short was founded in 2004 in China. Models of machines of this brand are produced for specific purposes: for veterinary work, for hygienic haircuts and trimmers.
A special feature of the company is that most of the models are powered by a battery, which needs to be charged for 1-2 hours. In offline mode, the products operate for up to 90 minutes.
This version of the haircut gadget is convenient primarily at the exit. For example, if you often perform at shows with your dog, such a machine should definitely be in your arsenal of tools to quickly correct any shortcomings before the ring.
German dog clipper Baorun
Baorun
Unfortunately, not much is known about Baorun. This is a German brand whose factory is located in China. For this reason, Baorun cars are actively sold on AliExpress. Models from this company are considered a budget option for pet owners.
The products (like Kodos) work autonomously: they are charged from the mains for up to 4 hours and can work for 60 minutes without interruption and additional recharging.
Possible difficulties when cutting
If the dog does not like being cut with scissors or a clipper, he may growl. How to cut a dog's hair if it bites? Accustom her to the procedure as if you were working with a puppy - step by step, not forgetting to praise and give a treat.
To avoid injury, the animal should move as little as possible. If you need to reach hard-to-reach places or change the angle of the tool, it is better for the groomer to change the position.
When trimming claws, you can injure the animal if you accidentally touch a live area. Buy a hemostatic powder in advance, which not only stops the bleeding, but also disinfects the wound.
