Shihtzu Puppy 1st time full grooming step by step guide, by Shibuchi on YouTube. 1 min 22 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 22 s
- Time to do it
- 60 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Brush the whole coat first with a slicker brush, then a metal comb, working from the legs and belly up to the body. Stop and tease out any knots with your fingers rather than pulling.
Trim nails or clear the hair between the paw pads while your puppy is still calm and before the bath softens everything.
Bathe in lukewarm water with dog shampoo, washing the body first and the head last. Keep shampoo out of the eyes and rinse until the water runs clear.
Squeeze water out with a towel, then dry on the lowest heat setting, keeping the dryer moving. A damp Shih Tzu coat mats quickly, so dry right down to the skin.
Comb the coat again once dry. Use round-tip scissors to tidy the hair covering the eyes, trimming a little at a time with the blades pointing away from the eye.
Trim around the paws and the rear with the clippers or scissors, holding the skin flat with your fingers so you never cut into a fold.
Check ears and wipe the visible outer part with a soft cloth, then finish with a treat and quiet praise so the next groom is easier.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep sessions short and end on a good note if your puppy gets wriggly, then pick up again later.
Never push clippers hard into a fold of skin, and keep styptic powder nearby in case a nail bleeds.
Bathe no more than every three to four weeks, and brush every other day to stop mats forming.
Book a professional groomer for the first full clip if you are unsure, and watch how your dog is handled.
Questions
At what age can I give a Shih Tzu puppy a full groom?
Most puppies cope with a full bath and tidy once they have had their vaccinations, usually around 12 to 16 weeks. Start with short brush-and-touch sessions before that so the handling feels normal.
Can I shave my Shih Tzu at home?
You can, but a full body clip with clippers takes practice and the coat can be left patchy. Many owners learn on the body and leave the face and feet to a groomer at first.
How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?
Brush every other day, bathe every three to four weeks and trim the face, paws and rear as the hair grows. A full clip is usually needed every six to eight weeks.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
