8
Before you Start:
•
If you have washed the dog, ensure the hair is dry and well combed through, free from any
knots or tangles.
•
Ensure you have the right trimmers for the job.
•
Oil the blades and check the equipment is in good working order before you start.
•
Allow the dog time to get accustomed to the noise and vibration of the clippers.
•
If you are using a rechargeable machine ensure there is sufficient battery charge otherwise
the blades may pull at the hair instead of cutting it.
•
In the early stages it may be beneficial to ask someone to hold your dog for you
.
•
Keep the trimmer/clipper blades well oiled and clear of cut hair. Hot blades can indicate
insufficient oil, or the blades may be blunt and require sharpening or replacing.
Trimming Basics
If you have used the trimmers before ensure the blade is sharp and well oiled. There should
be no signs of rust or broken teeth on the blade as this will affect the cutting performance and
may cause injury to the dog.
The area being trimmed should be clean and free from mud, dirt or other foreign matter.
Trimmers are designed to cut through hair and any other matter will blunt the blades and
affect the performance and lifespan of the product.
Ensure that you keep any hair that you do not want to trim away from the blades.
1. Oil the blades and check the equipment is in good working order before you start.
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. For longer lengths it will be
necessary to use an attachment comb fitted to the trimmer blade.
4.
Ensure the pet is kept still. Keep the large, flat surface of the clipper blade parallel to the
coat surface you are trimming. Do not angle the trimmer teeth into the skin as this can
cause injury and reduce the effectiveness of the trimmer.
5. Move the trimmers through the coat with smooth, gentle strokes following the lie of the hair.
Do not push the trimmers 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.
TIPS AND ADVICE
FEET
Most dog breeds experience excessive hair growth around their feet and it can be beneficial
to remove some of the long hair for the comfort of the dog. During snow and wet periods,
long hair between the pads can collect ice and mud which may become very uncomfortable
for the dog. In the worst cases it can prevent the foot drying properly and lead to further skin
complications.
In the summer, one of the few areas from which a dog can sweat is their pads. The removal
of excess hair will assist in their natural ability to cool themselves. A compact trimmer is ideal
for removing hair in between the pads and cutting the hair around the outside of the foot and
from in between the toes. Alternatively a clipper may also be used, but will require a little
more care as the blades are considerably bigger.
