How to Clip Your Dog at Home: Beginner's Step-by-Step

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Clipping your dog yourself saves money and gives you control over the style, but it is a skill. With the right tools, patience and realistic expectations, many owners get good results with simple cuts.

Is your dog suitable?

Home clipping works well for curly, silky and some wire coats, such as Poodles, Bichons, Maltese and Schnauzers. It is not suitable for most double coats, since shaving damages them. See should you shave a double-coated dog and how to identify your dog's coat type.

Equipment

• Quality clippers. See best dog clippers for home grooming
• Blades and guard combs. See dog clipper guard sizes explained
• Blunt-tipped scissors. See how to use grooming scissors on a dog
• Slicker brush and comb
• Coolant, blade oil and cleaning brush
• Non-slip mat or grooming table
• Treats

Preparation

1. Brush thoroughly and remove all mats. Clipping through mats is painful. See how to remove mats from dog hair.
2. Bathe and dry the coat, since dirt dulls blades. See how to bathe a dog at home.
3. Exercise your dog beforehand.
4. Check the clippers, oil the blades and attach the guard.
5. Introduce the sound gradually, with treats.

Step by step

1. Start on the back, moving the clipper with the direction of hair growth in smooth, steady strokes.
2. Overlap strokes slightly to avoid lines.
3. Move to the sides, chest and tail, keeping the blade flat to the skin.
4. Take care with loose skin, such as the armpits, flanks and neck, by stretching it gently flat.
5. Clip the legs carefully, with scissors or a longer guard if you prefer a fluffy look.
6. Check the blade temperature often against your wrist.
7. Finish with scissors and the face if you are comfortable. See how to trim hair around a dog's eyes.
8. Reward your dog throughout.

Safety

• Keep the blade flat, never poking into the skin
• Avoid pressing hard
• Never use clippers on wet or matted fur
• Watch for hot blades
• Stop if your dog is distressed

Common mistakes

• Starting with too short a guard
• Rushing, causing uneven cuts
• Clipping against the grain on sensitive areas
• Ignoring skin folds
• Not cleaning blades

Aftercare

Check the skin for redness and clipper burn. Brush the coat, wipe the face and reward your dog. Clean and oil your tools.

When to go to a groomer

If your dog is anxious, the coat is badly matted or you want a specific style, a professional is the best choice. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

Introducing clippers to a nervous dog

Let your dog sniff the clippers while they are off, then switch them on at a distance and reward calm behavior. Touch the body of the clipper to the shoulder while it is running, then to the back. Build up over several days before clipping any hair. Noise-sensitive dogs may tolerate quieter models better. See how to groom an anxious dog.

Planning the session

Allow more time than you think you need. A small dog may take thirty to forty-five minutes, and a larger one an hour or more. Break the job into two sessions if your dog tires, finishing the body one day and the face and feet the next. Rushing leads to mistakes and stress for both of you.

Clipper burn and irritation

Overheated blades, pressing hard and clipping too close can cause red, sore skin. If you see redness, stop, let the skin rest and consult your vet if it persists. Use a cooling spray designed for blades and take breaks.

The takeaway

Choose a suitable coat, prepare well and work slowly. Start with a longer cut and build skills over time.