Do you have a puppy that needs some love and care but don’t know where to start? You are not alone. When you’re looking at your dog and wondering how professional groomers make it look so easy, dog grooming can seem like a lot of work. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be hard.
Grooming your dog regularly isn’t just about making it look good for Instagram (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s really important for their health and happiness. Think of it as taking care of your pet before they get sick and saving money on vet bills. Plus, did you know that 73% of dogs who receive regular grooming show reduced anxiety levels? That’s because the routine becomes a bonding experience they actually look forward to.
((Don’t want to tackle it yourself? Book an appointment online for our dog grooming services! We love meeting new furry friends.))
Look, we get it. Many pet parents find grooming at home more convenient and budget-friendly than booking appointments every few weeks. And honestly? With the right tools and a little patience, you can absolutely nail the basics. But here’s what we always tell our clients—start with your vet. Especially if your pup has sensitive skin or specific breed requirements that might need special attention.
Now, we’re big believers in DIY grooming for routine maintenance. But there are times when you’ll want to call in the pros. Stubborn matting that won’t budge, breed-specific cuts that require precision, or any serious skin issues—these are better left to experienced hands.
(Want to become one of those experienced hands? Our grooming course is the most comprehensive, hands-on training on how to not only become a dog groomer in Texas but how to manage a grooming business too!)
Preparing for Grooming
Understanding Your Dog’s Coat
Before you grab any brush, take a good look at your dog’s coat. This might seem obvious, but each coat type needs different care—and the wrong approach can actually make things worse.
Short-haired dogs (think Beagles or Boxers) have that sleek, single-layer coat that’s pretty forgiving. A simple bristle brush once or twice a week usually does the trick. These pups are basically the “easy mode” of grooming.
Long-haired breeds are where things get interesting. Dogs like Golden Retrievers or Afghan Hounds have that gorgeous double-layer coat that looks amazing but can turn into a tangled nightmare if you skip brushing for too long. You’ll want a slicker brush followed by a comb to catch any sneaky mats.
Curly-coated dogs—Poodles, we’re looking at you—have tight curls that trap everything from leaves to lint. A slicker brush and comb combo works wonders here, but you’ll need to be more frequent with your sessions.
Then there are the wiry-haired breeds like Terriers. They’ve got that rough topcoat with a soft undercoat underneath, and honestly, they often need a stripping comb to maintain that classic texture.
(Learn how to groom a Cockapoo here—they’re a perfect example of how mixed breeds can have unique grooming needs!)
A list of things you need for grooming
Here’s what you need to buy to have successful grooming sessions at home:
Brushes and combs: Choose the right ones for your dog’s coat type. Don’t just get the cheapest thing; your dog will notice the difference, and so will you.
Buy good clippers here. Cheap clippers pull hair instead of cutting it, which is uncomfortable for your dog and frustrating for you. Keep those blades sharp and clean.
Nail clippers: Two main styles—guillotine and scissor-type. Try both and see what feels comfortable in your hands. Your dog’s nail size matters too.
The extras: Good grooming scissors, a non-slip mat for the tub, tweezers for tick removal, and a flea comb. You might not need everything right away, but having them on hand prevents mid-grooming shopping trips.
Remember, confidence is half the battle. Your dog picks up on your energy, so approach grooming like you’ve got this—even if you’re still figuring it out.
Basic Grooming Techniques
Brushing Your Dog Properly
This is where most people go wrong—they think brushing is just running a brush over the dog’s fur. But there’s actually a method that makes it easier for everyone.
Start with the outer coat to grab loose hair and debris. Think of it as the “rough draft” pass. Then work your way to the inner layers, paying extra attention to spots that mat easily—behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar area.
Here’s the key: don’t yank. If you hit resistance, work through it slowly. Pulling creates negative associations, and suddenly your sweet pup becomes a grooming escape artist. We’ve seen dogs who’ve been traumatized by rough brushing, and it takes time to rebuild that trust.
Bathing Your Dog
Let’s be honest—some dogs love baths, others act like you’re trying to drown them. Either way, preparation is everything.
Before you start: Get everything ready first. Dog shampoo (never use human products—they can irritate their skin), conditioner if needed, towels, and a non-slip mat. Trust us, you don’t want to realize you forgot the shampoo when you’ve got a wet, soapy dog trying to escape.
The process: Place your dog in the tub or designated area. If they’re nervous, treats and praise work wonders. Some dogs need a few practice runs where they just stand in the empty tub and get treats.
Wet them down with warm water—not hot, not cold. Keep water out of their ears (cotton balls can help block the ear canal if your dog tolerates them).
Lather up with dog-specific shampoo, avoiding eyes and ears. Massage it in—this isn’t just about cleaning, it’s also a mini spa experience. Most dogs actually enjoy this part once they relax.
Rinse, rinse, and rinse again. Leftover soap causes skin irritation, which leads to scratching, which leads to you wondering why your freshly groomed dog is suddenly itchy.
Condition if your dog has a thick coat—this prevents mats and makes brushing easier later.
Dry gently with towels. If you use a blow dryer, keep it on cool and at a distance. Some dogs love the warm air, others are terrified of the noise.
Remember that these basic grooming techniques help maintain your dog’s overall health and well-being. By following these guidelines, you will create a positive grooming experience for you and your canine companion.
Nail Care
Trimming Techniques
Nail trimming shouldn’t be traumatic, but it often becomes that way because people rush it. Here’s how to make it routine instead of dramatic.
Get quality dog nail clippers and have styptic powder on hand (just in case). Position the clippers perpendicular to the nail and look for the quick—that pink area inside light-colored nails. For dark nails, you’ll see a small dark oval in the center.
Cut small amounts at a time. It’s better to trim more frequently than to risk hitting the quick. Most dogs need nail trims every 3-4 weeks, but active dogs who walk on pavement might naturally wear theirs down.
If you do nick the quick (it happens to everyone), stay calm. Apply styptic powder, give your dog some extra love, and try again another day. Getting worked up teaches your dog that nail trimming is something to fear.
(Learn how to groom a Shih Tzu here—their nails grow quickly and need regular attention!)
Working With Dark Nails
Dark nails are trickier because you can’t see the quick as easily. Look for that small dark circle in the center of the nail—that’s your warning sign to stop. When in doubt, trim less and do it more often.
Dental Hygiene
Teeth Brushing Fundamentals
Here’s a stat that might surprise you: 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. That’s why dental care can’t be an afterthought.
Choose a time when your dog is relaxed. Lift their lips gently and focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth—that’s where most plaque builds up. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use small circular motions.
The key is making this a positive experience. Praise throughout the process and consider it a win if you get a few teeth clean the first few times. Building tolerance takes patience.
Choosing the Right Dental Products
Dog toothpaste comes in flavors they actually like—beef, chicken, peanut butter. Never use human toothpaste; it contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
For toothbrushes, you’ve got options: regular bristle brushes, fingertip brushes, or dual-headed brushes. Try a few to see what works for your dog’s size and your comfort level.
Dental chews and toys can supplement brushing, but they’re not replacements. Think of them as the floss to your brushing routine.
Taking Care of Your Eyes and Ears
Taking care of your dog’s ears and eyes is an important part of grooming. Cleaning your ears and eyes on a regular basis can help keep infections and pain at bay. We’ll talk about how to safely clean your dog’s ears and keep their eyes clear in this part.
Cleaning Ears Safely
Ear infections are common, especially in dogs with floppy ears or those that swim a lot. Prevention is way easier than treatment.
Use cotton balls or gauze with mineral oil or a vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Clean the outer ear only—never stick anything into the ear canal. If you see redness, smell something funky, or notice excessive scratching, call your vet before proceeding.
Keeping Your Eyes Clear
Cleaning your eyes on a regular basis stops tear stains and catches problems early. Use cotton balls that have been soaked in warm water or sterile saline solution. Wipe from the inside corner out, and never touch the surface of the eye.
Some breeds are prone to tear stains, and while they’re mostly cosmetic, keeping the area clean prevents bacteria buildup.
Handling and Behavior
Grooming and Anxiety
Grooming anxiety is real, and it’s more common than you might think. Some dogs have had bad experiences, others are just naturally more sensitive to handling.
Introduce tools gradually. Let them smell the clippers while they are off. Give them treats when they act calm around the grooming tools.
Keep sessions short initially. Better to do a little bit successfully than to stress everyone out trying to complete everything at once.
Training for Grooming
If you can, start training your dog when they are young, but older dogs can learn too. For nail trimming, say “paw,” and for brushing, say “stay.” Give rewards for cooperation right away and every time.
The goal is to make grooming a regular and expected part of life. Dogs thrive on routine, and once they know what to expect, most settle into it just fine.
Grooming and Maintenance for Professionals
Some types of coats and situations need the help of a professional. Someone who has been trained and has experience is better at dealing with complicated matting, breed-specific cuts, or health problems.
There’s no shame in getting professional help. Think of it as part of your dog’s healthcare team—you handle the routine maintenance, professionals handle the complex stuff.
Dealing with Special Coat Types
Short-haired breeds: Slicker brushes and de-shedding tools for regular maintenance.
Long-haired breeds: Pin brushes and rakes, with frequent brushing to prevent matting.
Double coat breeds: De-shedding tools, rakes, and slicker brushes, with weekly attention to that undercoat.
| Breed Type | Tools | Routine |
| Short-haired breeds | Slicker brushes, de-shedding tool | Regular grooming |
| Long-haired breeds | Pin brushes, rakes | Frequent brushing |
| Double coat breeds | De-shedding tool, rakes, slicker brushes | Weekly grooming |
When to Get Professional Help
It’s usually less expensive to groom your dog at home, but there are times when you should hire a professional. Here are some times when you should think about hiring a professional:
- If your dog’s coat is in bad shape, it may need more advanced grooming tools or methods.
- If you don’t know how to properly groom or handle your dog, it’s best to let the professionals do it. If you don’t do it right, you could hurt or upset your dog.
- Taking your dog to a professional every once in a while can help you keep up with your grooming schedule because grooming your dog can take a lot of time.
In other words, hiring a professional groomer can help keep your dog healthy and happy and make it easier for you to groom your dog at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essential tools are needed to start grooming a dog at home?
A brush suited to your dog’s coat, grooming scissors, nail clippers, and dog shampoo cover the basics. A non-slip grooming mat makes everything easier and safer.
How often should you brush your dog at home?
You can go 4 to 6 weeks without fully grooming a dog with short hair. On the other hand, breeds with long hair may need to be groomed every two to four weeks. No matter what kind of coat they have, everyone should brush their hair once a week.
What are the most important things to know about grooming a dog for the first time at home?
Brushing is the first step in getting rid of tangles and loose hair. Wash your dog with shampoo made just for dogs, then rinse it well and let it dry completely. After the dog is dry, brush it again, trim its nails carefully, and clean its ears gently.
How can you safely trim a dog’s nails without hurting them?
Use the right dog nail clippers, cut small pieces at a 45-degree angle, and stop before you get to the pink quick. If your dog’s nails are dark, look for the small circle that appears on the cut surface as you get closer to the quick.
What should you do if your dog is scared when you groom it?
Be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep the first few sessions short. Give them time to get used to the tools, and don’t make them do it if they’re really stressed.
Do you know of any good online lessons that can teach you how to groom dogs at home?
Grooming by Rudy and other YouTube channels have lessons in video form. You can talk to experienced groomers on grooming forums, and online grooming schools offer structured lessons.