It can be a hassle trying to find the time to take your dog to a groomer. Find out how you can give your dog that salon quality experience by following these dog grooming tips to learn the best methods for how to groom a dog at home.

Washing Your Dog

1. Bathing Your Dog

Before you can do any kind of styling or grooming on your dog, you need to learn how to wash a dog first. Get your dog in either a bathtub or grooming tub that is already filled with warm water – the sound of the faucet is scary to some dogs. Lather your dog with a pet-safe shampoo and conditioner and rinse thoroughly using a cup or a grooming glove.

2. Drying Your Dog

Assist your dog to safely jump out of the tub, and get ready for the shake! Give a preliminary pat down with a microfiber towel. Using a pet-safe hair dryer, start with a low-medium heat setting so as to not startle your dog. If they seem comfortable, you can increase the heat and incorporate the dryer’s attachments which could include a detail nozzle, a brush, or sponge pads.

Grooming Your Dog

1. Secure Your Dog Onto the Grooming Table

Using a grooming table makes the process of grooming your dog at home infinitely easier. It gives you the advantage to keep your hands accessible and keeps your dog safe and secure. To start, either lower the table, use a ramp, or lift the dog onto the grooming table platform. Adjust the arm containing the stabilizing loops and the harness around the dog’s head and neck, and if your dog is larger, their hips.

2. Trim Your Dog’s Nails

With your dog safely harnessed on the table, you can start to trim your dog’s nails. All dog owners know how daunting this task is, but using a grooming table is a game changer. Using your choice of a nail grinder, or nail trimmers, cut only a nail or two at a time to keep your dog calm. Be careful not to do too much and risk cutting the nail quick.

3. Give Your Dog a Haircut

After your dog’s fresh blow out plus some time to air dry, you can now move onto their coat. Using pet-safe clippers, move in slow, steady strokes from the neck to the back legs. For more sensitive areas such as the ears and around the eyes, use sharp grooming shears.

By following these dog grooming tips, you can transform your pooch into a show dog. Knowing how to groom a dog isn’t as difficult as it seems after you do it once. Check out all of our dog grooming products for your dog’s next self care day.