7
Clipping Basics
1. Place your dog in the area you wish to work. If necessary, secure the dog so it cannot
move around too much. If you are using a grooming table it is essential that the dog is
prevented from falling off.
2. Hold the clippers in your hand in a similar way to how you would hold a pencil and balance
them evenly.
3. Select the length of hair that you wish to leave on the dog. Some clippers feature a
taper facility for variable cutting lengths. For longer lengths it will be necessary to use an
attachment comb fitted to the clipper blade.
4. Turn the machine on and when the dog is comfortable with the noise and vibration begin
clipping from the base of the skull. Keep the large, flat surface of the clipper blade parallel
to the coat surface you are clipping. Do not angle the clipper teeth into the skin as this can
cause injury and reduce the effectiveness of the clipper.
5. Move the clippers through the coat with smooth, gentle strokes following the lie of the hair.
Do not push the clippers through the coat too quickly as this will cause hairs to become
clogged between the blades. If you go against the lie of the coat this will cut the hair very
short and may cause a skin reaction.
6.
Clip both sides of the body from the sides of the neck to the shoulder joint on the front legs
and down to the thigh on the rear legs. Areas around the elbows, inside the back thighs
and under the belly can be prone to tangles and highly sensitive, so ensure they are knot-
free before clipping to prevent any pain or distress to the animal.
7. Work through the coat from front to back working away from the eyes and nose. A smaller
trimmer is recommended for the facial area.
8. Once you have completed the body, move onto the legs and tail. These areas are often
cut using scissors or a trimmer. If you wish to leave the hair longer then use an attachment
comb fixed to the clippers to increase the cutting length.
9. When clipping and trimming is complete comb or brush through the coat to remove loose
hair.
*Always oil the blades before you begin clipping and clean and oil them when you
have finished to prevent moisture in the air causing pitting and deterioration to the
blades.
TRIMMING
There are very few dogs that will not benefit from a little trimming at some time in their lives,
however, trimmers are limited in their capability and should not be confused with clippers.
For dogs that regularly attend a dog groomer, there may be opportunities for interim trimming
to maintain areas such as face, chin, ears and feet between regular grooming salon visits.
Choosing the Right Trimmer.
When selecting a trimmer consider how thick the hair is on your dog and understand that
there are only a few areas where a trimmer will be effective.
If the trimmer is powered by batteries then its effectiveness will be governed by the power of
the batteries. In general, areas for trimming are quite small and intricate. Ensure the trimmer
has a suitable blade for precision.
