Grooming of dogs has become quite common today. Many breeds must be cut to participate in the show. In addition, a haircut gives a well-groomed look, makes it easier to care for wool, and reduces its amount in the apartment. And in the summer heat, many shorten the "fur coat" for pets languishing from the heat. This procedure is not cheap, regardless of whether you give the dog to the salon or to a private master. But you can also learn to cut yourself.
It is necessary
- - hairdressing scissors with long blades,
- - thinning scissors,
- - scissors with rounded ends,
- - animal clipper,
- - attachments for a typewriter,
- - tweezers,
- - trimming knife, or furminator,
- - collar cutter,
- - claw cutter,
- - metal comb for dogs,
- - slicker brush,
- - specialized literature,
- - the Internet,
- - grooming courses
Instructions
Step 1
Distinguish between show haircuts and home. For the show, the animal is sheared in accordance with the standard of the given breed. As a rule, most of the hair of a long-haired dog in this case remains with it. The coat is generally shaped to the desired shape. In addition, a correctly performed exhibition haircut can hide flaws and emphasize the advantages of the animal's exterior.
But for the house, you can cut as you wish. At least "under the lion", at least "under zero." The imagination of professional groomers in the field of creative haircuts not intended for exhibitions is limitless. Today it is not such a miracle to see a lapdog trimmed "like a dachshund", or a cocker spaniel trimmed "like a Yorkshire terrier." There are even a lot of options for home haircuts typical for a particular breed, for example, for the same Yorkies.
Step 2
Before learning how to trim, decide if you will only tidy up your pet, or if you want to do grooming and grooming professionally. If you decide to become a hairdresser only for your pet, then read about the haircut of this particular breed - in specialized books describing a specific breed of dog, there is usually such information. You can go to the Internet - there is plenty of such information on the net. Carefully review all sites describing the haircut of this breed, all photos and videos on this issue. You can contact a specialist for the first time, ask for permission to be present at the haircut and see what and how to do. And then, armed with books and other information, try to cut your own hair.
Step 3
If you are going to get serious about grooming and grooming animals, you also have several options. Maybe you are a professional breeder of, say, spaniels. In this case, you are interested in all the subtleties of caring for the coat of this particular breed. Again, follow the guidelines above, and in addition, do not be afraid to consult with experienced breeders, specialists from the kennel club. Check out the websites and forums of professional breed breeders and groomers.
If you want to become a master generalist, then it is best to take a grooming course. Perhaps, after the courses, you will even be employed. Such training can be obtained at animal salons, sometimes at veterinary hospitals. During your studies, you will master the features of the exterior of different breeds of dogs, learn how to contact with animals, learn in theory and practice the technique of haircuts. The only problem is that not every city has such courses. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, of course, the choice is huge, but in the regions you may not find anything at all.
In any case, get the book "Grooming and grooming dogs" by Nina Flerova. This publication competently and in detail describes all procedures for caring for dog hair, provides detailed descriptions of haircuts for 38 dog breeds, in accordance with international standards. The description of the haircut of each breed is provided with understandable images.
Step 4
Purchase tools to trim your dog. The list may vary depending on the breed. If you are only going to maintain your pet's hairstyle, then you can do with a human electric clipper or even a manual mechanical one. From special machines for animals for caring for one pet, the inexpensive Moser-Rex 1400, or Andis Safe T-Light (BTFL) is quite enough. But if you are going to work on a stream, then purchase only an animal clipper, best of all a rotary one. It can be Moser Max 1245, Andis AGC 2, Andis AGC Super 2. The set usually includes attachments, but if they are not, buy separately.
Hairdressers for trimming. But remember that not all breeds need trimming, but only Cocker Spaniels, Setters, Wire-haired Dachshunds, Terriers. The claw cutter is in the form of forceps or "guillotine". Choose which one is convenient for you. But choose a collar cutter that looks like a comb, and not a rake.
Step 5
Set aside an area for grooming your dog. It can be a balcony, a separate room, a courtyard. After all, wool will fly everywhere. The table for this procedure should be non-slip, you can lay a rubber mat or upholster it with a cloth. Do not forget about good lighting - haircut is a painstaking process that requires accuracy and precision. There should be an electrical outlet or extension cord within walking distance from the table.
Be sure to bathe the animal before clipping. Firstly, only pure wool can you give a neat shape. Secondly, dirty wool very much dulls the scissors and clipper knives. But keep in mind that the dog must be absolutely dry, because the machine is electric. You can bathe the dog just before clipping and dry it with a hairdryer. Or do it 1-2 days before the haircut.
Step 6
Grooming an animal requires a lot of endurance, patience and animal-friendliness. After all, dogs react differently to such procedures. One will stand still, the other will try to sneak off the table, and the third will show her teeth at all. Moreover, the mood and behavior of the animal does not depend on whether it was cut before or not. You need to learn how to get along with the dog, to cope in the event of its resistance. If the dog is prone to aggression, it is better to muzzle the animal. In salons and veterinary clinics, they often cut their hair using anesthesia. But if you do not have a veterinary or medical education, it is better not to risk it.
