shaving instructions
am i at a high risk of cutting/hurting the dog? i was originally going to try to use a 1 inch attachment, but now think that maybe using a 4 or a 7 blade would be the best. i know the oster comes with a 10...which i think might be too short. i'm hoping that shaving isn't as big a deal as i am making it...but it would make me feel better to hear it from someone who has done it before...if the worst case is that he looks funny and i have to take him to the groomer anyway, no big deal...but i don't need a trip to the vet. thanks! andy in pittsburgh |
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| Andy,
I just did Kiera on Saturday after washing her on Friday. Here are a couple of pointers that I learned. Make sure they are clean, dirt will dull your clippers. Take frequent breaks, the clippers can get quite hot for your hand and their skin. If you don't finish in one sitting, don't worry, you can finish later. Don't over stress your dog while doing it, you don't want them to associate bad feelings with being clipped. don't raise your voice or force them to do anything. If your dog has been clipped at the groomers, the dog will cooperate if you act like you know what you are doing. I think that they get kind of mesmerized while on the table and forget it's you and when you ask for a leg or a paw, they hand it to you just like you were the groomer.... funny but true. I use the guard to give me an even length of coat and then there is less chance of cutting or getting too close to the skin. You will find it much easier and your fears will be unfounded. I happen to like to do my dogs grooming. I feel you have a much better idea of the health of your animal if you are the one who bathes them and clips them. Don't get me wrong, I do send them out once per year to be done at the groomers so they will check the anal gland and make sure the ears are plucked correctly and that the nails are short enough... But generally, I like to do it my self and it's so much cheaper.... Good luck and don't stress about it. It's not hard and I would use the guard for an even coat length, it will look much better. |
| I don't use any blade cover and just shave right to the skin. It actually leaves about 1/4 " that way, but I think it looks nicer.... JMO |
| Hi Andy!
The higher the number on the blade, the shorter the hair. So a #10 would be way too short. A #7F will leave it just flat against the body. A #4F will give you some length, but it will be very short...pick up a #3 3/4F or a #5/8'sF and you may like that length. Start at the back of the head and go all the way to the back end. Then start another line at the top. Try to overlap each new line...like mowing the lawn. When you get to the shoulder area, start to angle the clippers and go with the grain...almost a 45 degree angle (almost) then you won't line up the coat. Watch out for the flank area. Try not pick up the hair in your hands while clipping. Leave your clippers against the body, nice and smooth action, flowing, no picking. If you take the ears off, be sure to hold them FLAT in your hands. Never shave over the bum. Use a #10F in the groin area and arm pits. You can use a #15F for the pads and when you get really good you can try a #40 but watch out those ones are dangerous. Did that help at all? Have fun! And it would be best if you had 2 of every blade. They get hot, so check them all the time...if it is warm, best to change it. |
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