How to Shave Your Dog

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Clipper
No. 10 blade
No. 40 blade
1/2-inch comb
Scissors
Brush

Step 1:
Set up a grooming spot inside or outside. A table is easier on your back; however, some people prefer grooming on the floor.
Step 2:
Bath your dog and brush him thoroughly. Untangle the matted areas which typically appear behind the ears, the tail and the legs. Cut out matted areas when necessary.
Step 3:
Use the No. 40 blade with a 1/2-inch comb to remove the long hair. Always move with the grain of the hair. Shave along the front and back of the neck and along the back and sides of the dog.
Step 4:
Switch to the No. 10 blade to clip the eyes. Start along the bridge of the nose and move toward the eyes, using caution when you reach the edge of the eye. Then, begin at the corner of the eyes and pull the blade away from the eye.
Step 5:
Trim the ears by shaving down and away from the entry to the ear. You may need to lift the external portion of the ear while shaving if your dog has floppy ears.
Step 6:
Clip the armpit areas with the dog standing. Carefully lift each arm and then shave underneath. Clip around the groin area by lifting the back legs one at a time and shaving away from the groin.
Step 7:
Lift the dog's tail and then shave around the anus, beginning at the opening of the anus and shaving away from the area.

Tips & Warnings

Acclimate your dog to the sound of the clippers by turning them on for 30 seconds before clipping. Allow the dog to sniff the clippers.
Check the blade periodically while clipping to make sure it isn't too hot.
Observe a professional groomer to learn additional dog grooming basics.
Don't work around standing water. The combination of electric clippers and water is dangerous.

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