Dog Grooming at Home for Beginners

Owning a dog takes commitment and knowing how to properly care for them is very important. For many, grooming can feel like a daunting task where you just don't know where to start, and professional groomers aren't in the budget. Follow my simple, step-by-step guide to dog grooming and see just how easy it can be to get the same results as the professional groomers right from your home!

Slicker brush, comb, rubber curry brush, scissors, shears, nail clippers, dog shampoo and conditioner, leash, two large towels, one washcloth, cotton balls, treats, and the dog that you're needing to groom.

Gather all of your supplies listed above and prepare your space in your bathroom. Make sure to keep everything within reach from your bathtub or shower.

Brush the dog's fur using the slicker brush in even strokes from the neck to the tail until there are no mats or tangles, using the comb as needed for more control on smaller tangles. Dogs with longer fur or those with mats may take longer than a dog with shorter fur. If there are any mats that you're unable to brush out, cut them out so that they will not get worse. It's important to get out all of the knots as possible before wetting the fur, as this can make the tangles worse!

Secure the dog into the tub or shower using the leash so they won't jump out.

Turn on the water and make sure the water isn't too cold or too hot. Dogs are usually comfortable in lukewarm water.

Wet the fur from the neck to the tail, making sure to avoid the face, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. Use slow, gentle movements and if this is their first bath, make sure to talk to the dog to help keep their nerves calmed.

Saturate the fur down to the skin. If they have a thick double coat, you may need to use your hands to thoroughly soak the fur.

Apply shampoo to the back of the neck and work your way down the body to the tail, making sure to get their legs and feet. Use the rubber curry brush to massage the shampoo thoroughly down to the skin. This first application of shampoo helps to take off any dirt and debris.

Rinse out all of the shampoo from the fur, starting from the neck to the tail and ending at the legs and feet. As you rinse the back, the soap will go down their legs so leave it for the end.

Apply a second round of shampoo, once again starting from the back of the neck to the tail, making sure to massage to the skin using the rubber curry brush. This second application of shampoo is what actually cleanses the fur.

Rinse the shampoo out of the fur again, starting from the base of the neck to the tail, saving the legs and feet for last.

Apply the conditioner to the fur starting at the back of the neck to the tail, massaging using the rubber curry brush down to the skin. Let the conditioner sit for as long as stated on the bottle used, usually for 2-5 minutes, to let the conditioner properly soak into the fur. This extra time helps the conditioner hydrate the fur and seal it to help reduce matting in the future.

Rinse the conditioner starting from the back of the neck to the tail, leaving the legs and feet for last. Make sure to remove all of the conditioner, until the fur feels completely clean.

Wet the washcloth and wipe the dogs face. Starting at the eyes, wiping from the inner tear duct to the outer corner of the eye, then doing the same on the other eye. Then wipe the rest of the face around the nose and mouth, avoiding the ears.

Pull back one ear at a time and wipe the inner part of the ears using one cotton ball, swiping in a circular motion around the canal and disposing after each swipe. Do not reuse cotton balls after they've been used. Be careful not to go too far down in the ear, go just as far as you can see and as your dog will tolerate. Any excess wax or irritation should be seen by a veterinarian.

Squeeze any excess water from the fur with your hands to get any excess water that's easily removable.

Place one of the towels on the floor.

Detach the leash from the tub or shower.

Lead the dog with the leash out of the tub/shower and onto the towel on the floor. This will help prevent the floors from getting wet, as well as help dry their feet.

Place the 2nd towel over the dog's back and pat them dry over their back, neck, tail and legs. Do not rub, as this friction can cause tangles. For dogs with longer fur, you can squeeze the fur using the towel as well.

Allow the fur to airdry, or if you wish you can blow dry the fur using a hairdryer if the dog tolerates it. Make sure to leave it on a cool or low-heat setting, so it's not too hot, and brush with a slicker brush to help prevent tangles.

Brush the entire fur once again using a slicker brush and comb to make sure there weren't any tangles or knots created during the bath.

Trim the fur as needed, this step is only if there are areas such as the feet or sanitary area that needs to be trimmed.

Trim the nails using the nail clippers, making sure not to cut them too short. Cut them using fast, precise cuts to where you can see what is called the "quick" take up most of the nail when you're looking down at it, but not through it, or you could risk hurting the dog and causing them to bleed. If you accidentally cut the quick and the nail bleeds, just apply firm pressure for a minute and the bleeding should stop.

Give the dog a well deserved treat for making it to the end of their grooming session. It's important to positively reinforce good behavior and let them know that grooming isn't scary. Providing treats and a praising them throughout the experience is very important to let your dog know that everything's okay and help them to do better next time. Consistency is key!