How To Groom a Small Dog At Home - Full Step by Step Tutorial, by Dog Grooming With Elizabeth Jenn on YouTube. 55 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 55 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- About 90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Brush your dog all over with a slicker brush, then run a metal comb through the coat to find tangles and mats. Never clip over a mat.
Set up a non-slip surface at a comfortable height with good light. Lay out every tool within reach and put treats nearby.
Bathe your dog with dog shampoo, rinse until the water runs clear, then towel dry and finish with a dryer on a warm, low setting.
Squeeze ear cleaner onto a cotton pad and wipe the inside of each ear flap. Do not push anything down into the ear canal.
Trim the nails a little at a time, checking the nail tip after each cut so you stay well away from the quick.
Clip the body coat with the blade flat against the skin and moving in the direction the hair grows. Keep the blade cool and stop if it gets hot.
Use a smaller blade or scissors to tidy the belly, sanitary area and paw pads, stretching the skin flat with your free hand.
Trim the feet, face and around the eyes with rounded scissors. Rest your hand under the chin to keep the head still.
Step back and check both sides for even length, then go over any missed tufts and give your dog a treat.
Tips and common mistakes
Stop and give your dog a break if it gets restless, then finish the groom later.
Spray clipper coolant or switch blades often, because a hot blade can burn skin.
Hold the clipper with a light hand and let the blade do the work instead of pushing.
Book a vet visit for badly matted coats rather than cutting them out with scissors.
Questions
How often should I groom my small dog?
Most small dogs need a bath and brush every three to four weeks, with a full clip every six to eight weeks. Nails usually need trimming every three to four weeks.
Can I do this without professional clippers?
Yes. Basic clippers, a comb and a pair of rounded scissors cover most of the job. Work slowly and take smaller amounts off if your tools are simple.
What if my dog hates being groomed?
Split the groom into short sessions over a few days and reward calm behaviour with treats. If your dog panics or snaps, stop and ask a professional groomer or vet for help.
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.
