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How Much Should You Tip a Dog Groomer? Exploring the Pros and Cons of Tipping $10

February 5, 2023 by scottgroom

Tipping a dog groomer is an important part of showing your appreciation for their services. But how much should you tip? This article will explore the pros and cons of tipping $10 for a dog grooming session. We’ll look at the etiquette of tipping, the impact it can have on the groomer’s business, and the potential benefits to both you and your pup. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of when and how much to tip a dog groomer.

What is the Standard Amount to Tip a Dog Groomer?

When it comes to tipping a dog groomer, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The standard amount to tip a dog groomer varies depending on the services provided and the quality of the job. Generally speaking, it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total cost of the grooming service. However, if you are particularly pleased with the job that was done, you may want to consider tipping more.

When deciding how much to tip your dog groomer, it is important to take into account the level of service they provided. If the groomer went above and beyond to make sure your pup was comfortable and happy throughout the process, then you should consider tipping more than the standard amount. On the other hand, if the groomer was not as attentive or did not do a great job, then you may want to consider tipping less.

It is also important to remember that tips are not mandatory. If you are unable to afford to tip your groomer, then you should not feel obligated to do so. However, if you can afford to tip, it is always appreciated and shows your appreciation for the hard work that goes into grooming your pup.

Overall, the standard amount to tip a dog groomer is 15-20% of the total cost of the grooming service. However, this amount can vary depending on the quality of the job and the level of service provided. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how much to tip your groomer based on your own personal budget and satisfaction with the job.

Exploring the Benefits of Tipping a Dog Groomer $10

Tipping a dog groomer is a great way to show your appreciation for the services they provide. Not only does it help them financially, but it also shows that you value their work and are grateful for the care they give to your pet.

When tipping a dog groomer, it is important to consider the amount of time and effort they put into grooming your pet. A good rule of thumb is to tip at least 10% of the total cost of the service. For example, if the grooming cost $50, then a $5 tip would be appropriate. However, if the groomer went above and beyond in providing exceptional service, then a larger tip may be warranted.

There are many benefits to tipping a dog groomer. First, it helps to ensure that the groomer will continue to provide quality service. When a groomer knows that they will be rewarded for their hard work, they are more likely to go the extra mile to make sure your pet looks its best.

Second, tipping a dog groomer can help build a relationship between you and the groomer. When you show your appreciation for their work, they are more likely to remember you and your pet when you come back for future appointments. This can lead to better customer service and a more personalized experience.

Finally, tipping a dog groomer can help support the local economy. By giving money directly to the groomer, you are helping to keep their business running and contributing to the local economy.

Overall, tipping a dog groomer is a great way to show your appreciation for the services they provide. Not only does it help them financially, but it also shows that you value their work and are grateful for the care they give to your pet. A minimum of 10% of the total cost of the service is recommended, but if the groomer goes above and beyond in providing exceptional service, then a larger tip may be warranted. Tipping a dog groomer can also help build a relationship between you and the groomer, as well as support the local economy.

Examining the Drawbacks of Tipping a Dog Groomer $10

Tipping a dog groomer is a common practice, but it can have some drawbacks. For starters, tipping a dog groomer $10 may not be enough to cover the cost of the service. Depending on the type of grooming service and the size of the dog, the cost of the service could be much higher than $10. Additionally, if the groomer is working for a business, they may not be able to keep the entire tip. The business may require them to share the tip with other employees or put it in a pool that is shared among all employees.

Another drawback of tipping a dog groomer $10 is that it may not be enough to show your appreciation for the service. If you are satisfied with the job the groomer did, you may want to show your appreciation by giving them a larger tip. This will help ensure that the groomer feels appreciated and valued for their work.

Finally, tipping a dog groomer $10 may not be appropriate depending on the type of service they provided. If the groomer provided a more extensive service, such as a full-service grooming package, then a larger tip may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if the groomer only provided a basic service, such as a bath and nail trim, then a smaller tip may be more appropriate.

Overall, tipping a dog groomer $10 can have some drawbacks. It may not be enough to cover the cost of the service, it may not be enough to show your appreciation for the job they did, and it may not be appropriate depending on the type of service they provided. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors before deciding how much to tip a dog groomer.

How to Determine an Appropriate Tip for a Dog Groomer

When it comes to tipping your dog groomer, it can be difficult to know how much is appropriate. After all, you want to show your appreciation for the excellent job they did, but you don’t want to overdo it. Here are some tips to help you determine an appropriate tip for your dog groomer.

First, consider the quality of service you received. Did your dog groomer do a great job? Were they friendly and professional? Did they take extra care with your pup? If so, then you should definitely consider giving them a larger tip.

Second, think about the cost of the grooming. If the grooming was expensive, then you may want to give a larger tip. However, if the grooming was relatively inexpensive, then a smaller tip would still be appreciated.

Third, consider the type of grooming you received. If you got a full-service grooming, such as a bath, haircut, and nail trim, then you should give a larger tip than if you just got a basic bath.

Finally, think about the relationship you have with your dog groomer. If you’ve been going to the same groomer for years, then you may want to give them a larger tip to show your appreciation for their loyalty.

In general, a good rule of thumb is to tip between 10-20% of the total cost of the grooming. This will show your appreciation without breaking the bank. Of course, if you feel that your groomer deserves more, then you can always give them a larger tip.

No matter what amount you decide to tip, make sure to thank your dog groomer for their hard work. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

The Impact of Tipping on the Quality of Service from a Dog Groomer

The impact of tipping on the quality of service from a dog groomer is an important factor to consider when selecting a groomer for your pet. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the services provided and can be a great incentive for groomers to provide excellent service.

When it comes to tipping, there is no set amount or percentage that is expected. However, it is generally accepted that a tip of 10-20% of the total cost of the grooming session is appropriate. This amount may vary depending on the quality of service received. If you are particularly pleased with the service, you may choose to tip more.

Tipping can have a positive effect on the quality of service from a dog groomer. Groomers who receive tips are likely to be more motivated to provide excellent service. They may take extra care in their work and pay attention to detail. Additionally, they may be more willing to go above and beyond to ensure that your pet is comfortable and happy during the grooming session.

Tipping can also help to build a relationship between you and your groomer. When a groomer knows that they will be receiving a tip, they may be more likely to remember your pet’s preferences and provide personalized service. This can make the grooming experience more enjoyable for both you and your pet.

Overall, tipping can have a positive impact on the quality of service from a dog groomer. It is a great way to show appreciation for the services provided and can be a great incentive for groomers to provide excellent service.

Understanding the Etiquette of Tipping a Dog Groomer

Understanding the etiquette of tipping a dog groomer is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Tipping your dog groomer is a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication to keeping your pup looking and feeling their best.

When it comes to tipping, there are no hard and fast rules. However, it is generally accepted that a tip of 10-20% of the total cost of the grooming service is appropriate. This amount can vary depending on the quality of the service you received and how satisfied you were with the results.

It is also important to consider the type of grooming service you received. If you had a full-service grooming package, such as a bath, haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning, then a larger tip may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you only had a basic bath and brush out, then a smaller tip may be more appropriate.

When it comes to tipping, cash is always preferred. This allows the groomer to keep all of the money they receive from tips, rather than having to pay taxes on it. It also ensures that the groomer receives the full amount of the tip without any deductions.

Finally, it is important to remember that tipping is not mandatory. If you are unable to tip or do not feel comfortable doing so, then simply thank the groomer for their services. A kind word and a smile can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

Tipping your dog groomer is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication to keeping your pup looking and feeling their best. By understanding the etiquette of tipping, you can ensure that your groomer is properly compensated for their services.

In conclusion, tipping a dog groomer is a personal decision that should be based on the quality of service and your budget. While $10 is a common tip for dog grooming services, it is not required. Ultimately, you should tip what you feel comfortable with and what you can afford. If you are satisfied with the service, a tip of $10 or more is a great way to show your appreciation.

Filed Under: Blog

What are thinning scissors used for in dog grooming?

February 9, 2020 by linda

Dogs are the most adorable and common pets nowadays; there are numerous people that love to have a pet dog instead of any other animal. The dogs are the most loyal and honest when it comes to their owner and their family as well. The dogs have numerous breeds of them, and all of them are different from each other. Being different from each other requires their specific grooming as different breeds have different meals; similarly, they need specific grooming as well.

The dogs also need to maintain their hygiene to stay healthy, fit, and charming in any weather conditions. Most of you have seen there are countless dog salons that have been serving with their paramount skills for an extended period. Moreover, the grooming means an excellent hair cut that makes your pet even more adorable. The owner of the dogs needs to take care of them, and they should check whether they require haircuts or not at least once a month.

The dogs need to be groomed from time to time, and these things enable the dog to appear more charming and adorable. The specific dog salons contain the thinning shears, the thinning shears are the scissors that are more often used to trim the dog’s hair, and these are the lightweight scissors that are proficient in giving the dog with a fantastic hair cut with ease. The thinning shears have teeth or notches at the single side, which makes the chopping hair easy.

In this piece of writing, we are going to give the readers a better description of the thinning shears and what type of thinning shears is preferable to cut the hair of the dog? We will help you to know what type of thinning shears that you can use to cut the hair off your dog. Moreover, the thinning shears are of three types, and you can consider the better one according to the texture and design of your dog’s hair.

Types of thinning shears: 

The thinning shears are the scissors that are more often used to trim the hair of your dog, and the thinning shears are the lightweight and most accessible scissors which enables the consumers to use it with ease. The thinning shears have teeth on the single side and on the other side, there is a sharp blade that is there to chop off the hair of your dog.

The thinning shears are being manufactured in three types that you can consider them according to your dog’s hair type. At the following points, we have described all three types of thinning shears, have a look at them:

  • Thinners 

Here we are with our type one that is the thinners, the thinners are the true thinning scissors or the shears that have two notched blades, the thinners has been designed to cut off the bulk thinning, and they are proficient in removing the hair which is close to the skin ( the tiny hair).

The thinners are the type of thinning shears that are more often used to blend, and they are capable of finely work for that. Still, they are proficient in taking out the less than the original blenders do. the thinners are perfect if you are willing to use them underneath on the topcoat of hair, Pomeranians, and the golden retrievers can be good candidates.

  • Blenders:

The blenders are the types of thinning shears that consist of the single solid blade and one notched blade. The users are getting numerous benefits from it as the blenders have one solid blade that is proficient in chopping off more hair; the blenders are the type of thinning shears that enables you to finish the job more effectively and faster.

But if you are using blenders, you need to be more careful while you are removing the bulk of hair. These are the scissors that are ideal for blending the tiny hair into the longer ones, on the peak, or underneath the coat. You are allowed to use the blenders over combs to leave a smooth and textured finish on the coat.

  • Chunckers (fishtails or the texturizers):

here we are with the last type of thinning shears, which is the chunckers, the chunckers are the latest and the newest addition to grooming shears. The chunckers are full of bladed shear as they are the ‘T’ shaped teeth that enable the hair to push away from the cutting blade.

The chunckers are capable of giving more softer and natural finish to the dog. More often, the professionals use the chunckers on the legs, underlines, ears, and the head as well. You can easily use the chunckers anywhere you want as they are great for the dog breed e.g., shelties or the rough collies.

Read More: Best Cordless Dog Clippers 2019

What can thinning scissors be used? Identify the right type according to your necessities.

At the points mentioned above, we have described the type of thinning scissors that can be used to cut off the hair of your dog without even hurting them. You can easily identify the best and finest one according to your necessities from the following points as we have given an explanation for each type. So without investing much time, let’s have a look at them to know more about which type of scissors can be used to groom different dogs:

Thinning – the thinning scissors have been designed to cut off the thin or thick hair with a cut that can be made close to the skin. Yet another application can be made near the hair ends to give your dog a natural look.

Blenders – the blenders are mostly used to give the finishing touch when the grooming is done, the blenders blend away straight scissors/blade lines. You can use the blender approximately ¼ or ½ from the dog’s hair tip.

Chunckers – the chunckers are more often used to give a finishing touch or to texturize the cut of your dog’s hair. The chucnkers can be the best selection to be made as they are capable of removing scissors marks.

Here we are with some frequently asked questions:

What do the thinning scissors can do?

The thinning scissors have a gap in them as they are capable of cutting the hair, which is dense, thick, or light in weight.

Are the thinning scissors can damage hair?

The thinning shears or the scissors don’t generate havoc, whereas a razor can do it all. Moreover, the inexperienced stylist can damage the hair as they are unable to use it properly.

The final judgment

We have compiled each possible details regarding the thinning shears or the scissors we have also described the types of thinning shears so you would be at ease while knowing the entire procedure. The thinning shears are more often used to cut the hair of dogs, and these are the specially designed scissors that are proficient in giving your pet with the most elegant possible hair cut.

The professionals prefer using the thinning shears as they found them more accessible. We hope the information mentioned above have helped you to know more regarding the thinning shears and what are the benefits of using them.

Filed Under: Blog

My Dog Won’t Let Me Cut Her Nails

March 29, 2019 by scottgroom

You have problems cutting your dog’s nails? That’s okay because you are not alone. Many dog owners have concerned with cutting their dog nails as their dogs very much dislike nail-cutting sessions. Some dog owners even give up the task instead. However, for humans, long nails do not really harm us, but for dogs it’s a different story. Overgrown nails in a long-term will damage the joints and cause pain for your dog. When nails are overgrown, it is even more different to touch his nails, let alone to cut them. So, there must be a way to help our dogs get used to nail-trimming, right at the beginning, when their nails are still in a desirable length.

Why dogs don’t let you cut their nails?

Before digging into the Hows, we want to briefly talk about the Whys. Knowing the reason behind your dog’s fear of nail cutting is essential. If you know the causes, then you can remove them easily.

 

Touching and cutting nails are weird and uncomfortable. Let’s be honest, even for us, if someone suddenly grabs your hand and intends to cut your nails, you would probably be freaked out too. Dogs are just the same. If you do not mentally prepare your dog before hand, he will get anxious and nervous. When dogs don’t know what is going to happen to them next, they tend to run away from the situation. This could be why your dog keeps avoiding nail-cutting sessions, or becomes aggressive when you try to do it.

 

Nail clippers are not a friendly object at first sight. Dogs do not know what a nail clipper is. And the metal tool sometimes does not appear to be a toy to them. So putting a nail clipper straight to their nails can be threatening to them, which potentially is another reason why they dislike nail cutting.

 

How to fix this?

There are various ways you can do to make a difference.

 

Give your dog a slow start.

Before introducing him or her to the nail clipper, make sure that your dog has already been used to you touching and holding her paws. Some dogs are not used to that yet, so it is crucial to train them. First, you can trying touching the shoulder. At all times, be sure that your dog is relaxed and comfortable. Treats are extremely helpful to boost her mood and release her tension. After the shoulder touch, if your dog is still relaxed, continue to work down the legs and gradually to the paws. For each step, take some time to notice her mood and behavior to assure that she is still in relaxation. Now, you can try holding her paws in your hand. During every nail cutting session, you’ll need to hold her paws for a while so she needs to get familiarized with this. Once holding paws works out fine, try touching her nails. The last step is to press her nails in order to put some pressure on them. The reason for this is to mimic the pressure during trims, so that when you do the actual trimming, your dog is already used to the pressure.

Introduce the clipper to your dog.

Again, your dog may not be familiar with the clipper just yet. It is necessary to introduce the clipper to her first before you start trimming her nails with the clipper. For the first few time, present the clipper to her, then give her treats. By doing this, you are creating a positive association between your dog and the clipper. After a few time, once you see that your dog is okay with the clipper around, try putting the clipper close to the paws, and eventually touching the nails. If your dog is relaxed and comfortable with the clipper getting close to the nails, you can move on to the next step.

 

Let’s put all together.

So you have tried holding the paws, and also introduced the clipper to your dog. Now let’s put everything together. You can hold your dog’s paw and put the clipper near the nails as if you are doing an actual clipping, but do not clip the nail yet. Watch your dog’s reactions and see if she is anxious. If she is not, you can try clipping her nail a bit at a time. And there you go. Go slowly, and only cut just a little bit at once. You would not want to cut into the quick, as well as not to make your dog uncomfortable. Additionally, do not forget to give your dog compliments and good treats during the session.

 

If your dog is too energetic….

Some dogs just have too much energy that they cannot stay still for a nail cutting session. In that case, one recommendation is to let your dog play to drain out his energy before hand. Swimming is the most suitable activity because the water not only helps your dog to relax and drains his energy, but also softens the nails so it will be easier to trim afterwards. Another option is to combine nail cutting with bathing. After playtime, you can give your dog a bath. Bathing can be soothing for dogs, and the water, again, helps to soften the nails, so trimming nails after bathing is totally reasonable and more doable.

 

In short, it is not uncommon to see dogs dislike nail cutting. There are various reasons for this which have been explained above, so you can check them out to see if any of those is your case. One thing to keep in mind is that patience is all it takes to make things happen. We totally understand that it can be difficult to train your dog to like something that he dislikes, but you cannot omit nail cutting anyways. It would become a painful loop later on: as nails are overgrown, they cause pain and damages to your dog, which makes nail cutting even more unfavorable. So, we are trying our best to prevent this from happening. We hope that you find these tips helpful, and hope that this article has resolved your concern.

Filed Under: Blog

How to Trim Dog Nails That are Overgrown

March 29, 2019 by scottgroom

Trimming nails is one of the things that you need to do regularly for your dog. Overgrown nails are not only uncomfortable but also harmful for your dogs. In this article, we will go over how to trim your dog nails, especially when they are overgrown.

Overgrown nails are painful.

Longer nails mean longer quicks, which also mean discomfort for your little friend.

Inside dog nails, there is a part called the quick, which is the part where blood vessels reside and supply blood to the nails. When nails grow too long, the quick tends to grow longer too. With regular trimming, the quick tends to recede from the end. However, when nails are overgrown, the longer quick can cause extreme discomfort for your dog.

 

Overgrown nails change the weight distribution and in a long-term damage your dog’s legs and tendons.

We all know that dogs are energetic and they tend to run around a lot. Longer nails are difficult for them to touch the ground and run around. Therefore, dogs will exert the force on the nail bed instead. Overtime, this habit will damage the toes and the toe joints. Although nails look unimportant to us (because we don’t really use them for anything), they play certain roles for dogs, especially as a part of weight distribution and natural alignment for movements. As discussed above, overgrown nails cause your dog to shift the weight to the nail bed, which disturbs the natural alignment, and at the end will cause lots of pain to the dog.

 

Dogs will avoid nail-cutting sessions, making even more difficult to trim their nails.

When nails are overgrown, every contact with the nail is painful for your dog. Therefore, when you try to hold his paws for nail-cutting session, be prepared that he is more likely to avoid it. Thus, the problem is even more difficult to quickly resolve. It’ll time for you and your dog to trim down the nails.

 

Here are the steps:

Step 1:

Comfort your dog. Even if it’s a regular nail-trimming session, it is still crucial to familiarize your dog with the surroundings and the tools. Give your dog some nice treats and praise them, so that they feel more positive and comfortable and be more cooperative. Especially when your dog have overgrown nails, he tend to avoid touching or holding his paws. This preparation stage is extremely important in that case, so that your dog can relax and have a positive association with the nail-cutting.

 

Step 2:

Find the quick. Again, dog nails are made of two parts: one is the nail itself and the other is the quick, which includes various blood vessels to provide blood to the nails. The reason that you need to find the quick is that you do not want to cut into it, because it will bleed for sure, and it will be painful for your dog.

 

Step 3:

Cut slowly a bit at a time at a 45-degree angle. Back to our number one concern, we do not want to cut into the quick. If you use a scissor-type clipper, you must be really careful because if you cut it too much, and accidentally cut the quick, there is no way back because it’s already cut. If you use a nail grinder, it could be easier because your dog would probably react when you start to reach the quick. When you feel that the nails are getting spongy, it’s time to stop because you have reached the quick.

 

Step 4:

File your dog’s nails until the surface is smooth. This is to fix any rough edges after cutting, and is also to give a nice finish touch to the nails. Do not forget to go slow and little at a time because if you overdo, the quick will be exposed.

It takes a few nail-cutting sessions to reach the desired length if the nails are overgrown. You can only cut a bit every session due to the growth of the quick. For the quick to recede from the end, it would take more than just one nail-trimming session. So keep this in mind, and be patient!

 

Step 5:

Encourage and praise your dog! Compliment him or her for finishing the session! Not all dogs enjoy nail-cutting, so receive compliments (and treats) at the end is a great encouragement for him to do it again next time. Overgrown nails are painful, of course, so this experience may not be so pleasant for your dog, so dog owners should pay close attention to this in order to help the dog get accustomed to regular nail-trimming (because they will need more often nail-cutting to completely settle the overgrown nails).

 

How often should I trim my dog nails?

So now you understand why you should not let the nails grow too long. Even when your dog very much dislikes nail-cutting, you must do it nevertheless for the greater good. If your dog nails are at a normal length, each nail-cutting session can be a week apart. If your dog nails are overgrown, sessions can be closer to each other at every 2-3 days.

 

In short, overgrown nails are no good to your dog in anyway. It is important to trim your dog nails regularly, and it is always better to prevent than to cure. Remember the top rule is not to cut into the quick. However, if you accidentally do it, don’t be panic. You can use a cauterizer to stop the bleeding or a damp washcloth to clean up. Don’t forget to give dogs some treats to cheer him up during nail-cutting, and even during other sessions while grooming. We hope that this article is helpful for you, and that you know how to work on your dog nails for the best for your dog.

 

Filed Under: Blog

How to Groom a Small Dog

March 29, 2019 by scottgroom

Why do dogs need grooming?

Grooming is essential to dogs in order not only to keep their coat healthy, but also to maintain their clean appearance. Grooming may sound like a simple task, but in fact, it includes many activities: from bathing to hair trimming, even to pedicure, and more.

Grooming is not just about cleaning. It’s also about giving your dog a full-body general check, including the eyes, nose, ears, and so on, to see if he has any abnormalities or illnesses.

However, grooming at professionals can cost you quite an amount of money. Hence, many dog owners prefer performing all possible tasks at home such as bathing, hair trimming, and nail clipping, while leaving some other more difficult tasks for professionals such as pulling ear hair or cleaning the anal glands. So what are things you need to know for DIY grooming?

First thing first, not all dogs are the same in terms of sizes, types of coats, and characteristics.

As you’ve known, there are various dog breeds that totally differ in sizes. For example, some dogs such as chihuahua, yorkies are pretty small, and they do not grow much in size.

Whereas other dogs, such as huskies, are comparably bigger. The types of coats are different too for different breeds. Some dogs naturally come from an arid climate, which results in thicker coats. On the other hand, dogs living in tropical areas tend to have thinner coats.

Last but not least, characteristics of each dog are varied too. Even two same-breed dogs can behave differently.

In this article, we will mainly discuss about how to groom small dogs most effectively. We will cover the tips that dog owners can follow, based on the common characteristics of small dogs.

However, do keep in mind that since dogs are different in various ways (even when they are similarly small, it does not mean that their coats or their characteristics are exactly the same), grooming routine should be adjusted according, and we will also cover some tips for you as well.

Bathing small dogs

Bathing is as important as trimming nails or hair. Usually you can use the bathtubs for dog bathing, but if your dog is small, you may want to consider using sinks or washtubs instead. The reason is that for small-sized dogs, bathtubs may be too big and it would be more difficult to keep things in order.

Next… Hair trimming. Although they are similar in size, hair trimming can be different due to the different types of hair. 

If talking about just hair, we can spend the entire day just discussing about it. However, to keep things simple and easy to understand, we generally categorize dogs into short-haired breeds and long-haired breeds. Obviously, the hair length has a great impact on the grooming. So how does it make an impact?

For short-haired: As you may have guessed, short hair is easier to deal with. There’s not much that you need to do, really.

All you need to do is to give him a nice bath, then dry the hair well. Brushing would be great too, and it would be pretty easy for these breeds.

For long-haired: Although long hair can be a bit more complicated to deal with, it is not very difficult. For these breeds, brushing and combing is essential because the hair may get tangled and trap in dirt or unwanted debris. Having a dog clipper with good review will do the work.

Before bathing, you can give your dog a nice combing session to remove any tangles or dirt, so that bathing can be easier for both of you. Drying hair is also important as long hair tends to take more time to dry than short hair.

Hair mats can be another issue that you will encounter. Since the hair is long, it easily gets tangled all the time and forms hair mats.

Mats are uncomfortable for dogs, especially when they are at the paws. Removing mats does take a lot of time as well, so the best way to deal with this problem is prevention at first place.

This is why brushing and combing are so important because this can totally help to prevent mats from forming. You can use a metal comb to brush your dog thoroughly over the body to make sure even the inner hair is brushed.

Nail clipping: Dos and don’ts

The next task on the list is nail clipping. Nail clipping is totally doable at home. For the first few times, you can ask a professional to give a demonstration and some instructions for nail clipping.

With proper tools such as a nail clipper, you can easily clip your dog’s nails. The only difficulty in this process is how to keep your dog stay still while you are clipping his nails because generally, dogs don’t like anyone playing around with their paws.

So what you can do is to get both of you familiarize with the task, and try to do it as quick as possible. Being quick also requires precision as well. Watch out for all the blood vessels and nerves, cause you don’t want to accidentally trim them.

One tip for nail clipping is that it would be easier if done after bathing, as water makes the nails softer and easily trimmed. Thus, clipping nail can be faster.

Nail clipping does not depend much on the breeds or the sizes of dogs. Even for small dogs, the process is the same. You still need a clipper and follow instructions so that you don’t cut and damage the nerves and vessels residing in the nails.

A few more tips …

Small dogs are usually energetic ones. Although not all of them are playful and energetic, it is still recommended that you spend some time playing with your dog before grooming.

This is a time for your dog to use up his energy so that when it comes to grooming, it does not run around much, which makes it easier for you to give him a bath or a haircut.

Another tip is to choose your grooming tools wisely. Small dogs need a set of grooming tools that are appropriate in size as well.

For example, using large brushes on dogs is just like using gardening tools on your hair! Doesn’t sound so comfortable at all, does it? Thus, if you have small dogs, it is good to get proper tools that are suitable for your dog’s size.

In short, these are the few things that you can keep in mind when grooming a small dog. In general, the grooming process goes pretty similarly for all dogs, but small dogs require few extra cautions and tool considerations due to its size.

Other than that, you can do the grooming as you normally do (if you have done it before), or you can follow professional’s instructions for the first few times and do it your own next time.

Overall it should be a fun bonding time for both of you, so we hope that you can enjoy it as much as your dog does.

Filed Under: Blog

Dog haircut styles for yorkies

March 29, 2019 by scottgroom

Yorkshire Terrier is a single-coated breed, which makes their coating more like hair than fur. Although not all Yorkies possess the same type of coat, there are many haircut styles that you can do for your dog. So let’s a look at ways to groom your little Yorkie.

We categorize their coats into 3 major types: Puppy, Silky, and Cotton.

Puppy Coat: Yorkie puppies usually have thicker and softer coat, compared to adults. This soft and thick coat helps to protect them and to keep them warm. In addition, the color markings are bold and more visible as well. As they grow older, these colors will become lighter.

 

Silky Coat: As the name says it all, Yorkies with silky coat have very smooth hair. The hair is straight and glossy, which makes it look like a sheen.

 

Cotton Coat: Cotton coats sometimes are referred to as Wavy as well, since they are thicker, and more wavy, compared to silky coats. Cotton coats usually are unable to brush out long and smooth like silky coats, as these coats tend to grow pretty short (usually no longer than few inches).

Things to consider when grooming silky coats:

No matter which coat your dog has, it is important to keep it free from mats. Here are the steps to brush your Yorkie’s silk hair:

 

Step 1: Make sure your dog is comfortable and well-rested before you brush his hair, then have your dog lie down on one side.

 

Step 2: Use a comb to separate the hair and make a horizontal line in the middle to make it easier to brush.

 

Step 3: Start with the hair below the line. Pick up a small strip at a time and comb through until the strip is smooth and and your comb can easily glide through. After that, repeat the process with another strip. This technique is used to make sure that all the layers are brushed through, and there are no mats hidden underneath the layers.

 

Step 4: Once you’re done with the part below the line, repeat the process on the other side. After combing, their hair should be free of mats and look a bit fluffy.

 

Grooming cotton coats:

The wavy texture of cotton coats requires a different procedure. Since cotton coats are more prone to mats, it is crucial to detect and remove these mats while brushing.

 

Step 1: Check out the areas that are more prone to mats such as the armpits and the neck area. Use a slicker brush and brush towards the growth of the coat. Do not brush one area too many times as the pins from the brush can damage your dog’s skin. The pins from the slicker brush will break apart the mats as you brush through them, so make sure that you work through the entire coat.

 

Step 2: Next, use a grey hound comb to work through the coat again to detect any mats or tangles left on the coat. The grey hound comb has longer pins that can run deep into the coat and detect hidden mats.

 

Step 3: If the mats are too thick, and there is no way you can break them apart, the last move is to shave them down. You can ask a professional groomer to shave the matted area for you.

Few common hairstyles for Yorkies

 

The Show Groom:

For silk-coated Yorkies, this is a really common hairstyle. The hair is left uncut, and finely brushed everyday. The hair will be long and slightly drag on the floor. This hairstyle works only on silk coats because cotton coats are wavy and usually do not grow long enough for this style.

 

The Outline Groom:

This is another hairstyle exclusively for silk coats. Similar to the Show Groom, the hair is uncut and finely brushed. The only difference is that with the Outline Groom, the hair on the head and mustache is trimmed shorter.

 

Teddy Bear:

Just like the name, the idea for this hairstyle is to give him or her a cute haircut that looks like a puppy, or a teddy bear. Hair on the entire body is cut shorter than the previous two styles, leaving about an inch of hair. Areas such as feet, mustache, and ears are also well-trimmed to the same length as in other parts.

 

Shave Down:

This is a great style for summer. For this hairstyle, all the hair is cut short, especially in the body, while hair on the legs, tail, and head are left a bit longer. Some dog owners leave long hair on the head so that they can also tie up. The ears and mustache are well-trimmed too, leaving about half an inch in length.

 

Contrast:

Again the name says it all. The hair in different parts of the body is cut to different length to create contrast. For example, the body can be clean shaved while facial hair can be left uncut. You can trim the mustache if you like. This hairstyle works great with many hair accessories too.

 

Bell-bottomed:

Remember those bell-bottomed pants back in the days? Yes, this style is inspired by those. The body is shaved except the paws. Hair on paws is slightly trimmed. You can trim the mustache, ears, and head too, but don’t do too short. After you’re done, you’ll see a contrast between the shaved body and the furry paws, which will totally remind you of those bell-bottomed pants in the 70s!

 

To conclude…

Yorkies are a wonderful breed since they possess a nice type of coat that can be transformed into various different styles. Grooming a Yorkie requires some knowledge about the hair type, but overall it is fun when you can be creative with the hairstyle for your dog. The styles above are just a few common hairstyles, so feel free to think outside the box or be creative with these! If you run out of ideas or not sure how to do a hairstyle, remember that you can always contact a professional groomer for assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog

How to Cut Dog Nails at Home

March 29, 2019 by scottgroom

We have known how important dog grooming is for dogs, and many owners for long have favored dog grooming at home so as to save money. In fact, dog grooming at home is actually fun, and is a great bonding time with our little friends. There are many things to do under grooming, and the concern is usually how to do it most comfortably for both us and our dog. In this article, we will explore how to cut dog nails at home.

 

What you’ll need

Before cutting your dog’s nails, of course you’ll need a nail clipper. Usually a scissor type works best since it’s easy to use compared to other types. The size of a nail clipper does matter. If you have a small dog, it is better to get a small clipper for better control. If you have bigger dogs, you can bigger ones. Nail clippers are available in various sizes, so you don’t have to worry about that.

 

Knowing your dog nails

There are two main parts in a dog’s nail: the nail and the quick. The quick is where the blood vessels reside to supply blood to the nail. So although trimming nails sounds easy, one must be really careful to avoid cutting the quick. This can be difficult sometimes since it is not usually easy to spot the quick right off the bat.

Follow the steps

  1. Introduce the clipper first: This is an important preparation step in order to get your dog familiar with the tools. Cutting his nails right away can cause anxiety for dogs, and some dogs may try to escape the cutting, which can potentially cause harm to you as well. When introducing the clipper to your dog, make sure that you give him praise and good treats. Treats help to create a positive association with the tool.
  2. Hold their paws: When holding your dog’s paws, it’s good to hold it firmly, but still gently. If possible, try to spread the paws so that it’s easier for you to cut the nails. The rule of thumb here is to go slowly and cut a bit at a time. At a 45-degree angle, trim off a bit of nail. We want to avoid cutting into the quick, so it is not recommended to cut a big chunk of nail at first.There are a few signs for you to know when it comes closer to the quick. One sign is the softness of the nail. If it starts to get spongy, stop right there because if you keep going, it is more likely that you are going to cut into the quick. Another sign is a white part inside the nails will start to appear as you come closer to the quick. If you have not yet seen the white, cut a bit more.
  3. What if you accidentally cut into the quick?: Although we never want that to happen, but if it does, stay calm. It is okay, as long as you know how to deal with the bleeding (because it will bleed). So how should you deal with it? First, your dog would be not so happy, for sure. You need to calm down your dog first by giving him treats or some tasty cookies for him to retrieve his good mood back. Then, now it’s time to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. You can use a nail cauterizer or apply some styptic powder on the wound (using a cotton swab is recommended). If you have a towel nearby, it would also be helpful to clean up blood as well as the powder if you use the styptic powder.

Good tips to know

Make sure that your nail clipper is sharp, because you want every cut to be precise. In addition, it would be uncomfortable for your dog when you try to hold his paws for too long, and with every cut the nail is not as trimmed as you want.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is the hair around your dog’s paws. These hair dulls the clipper quickly, so you can deal with them before trimming nails. You can use a scissors that is safe for children to trim the excess toe hair.

 

When holding your dog’s paw, remember that you should be gentle. Do not squeeze their toes if you cannot cut the nails. Dogs do memorize these experiences and they could feel not so excited for the next trimming session if you have any bad experience with it.

 

Last but not least…

So now you may get a better idea of how to cut your dog nails at home. First you’ll need a proper tool. It can be either a scissor-type nail clipper, or some other types of nail clippers. Be considerate when getting a clipper because you want to get one that suits your dog as well, especially in sizes. One most essential thing to remember about cutting dog’s nails is not to cut the quick, and if it happens, make sure you know how to work on it.

 

At last, do not forget that it is also a chance to bond and have fun with each other. If you find it difficult or your dog does not stay still, do spend some time to play with him or her. Playing makes them feel comfortable and more open for grooming.

 

We hope that you find this article helpful, and stay tuned for more topics coming up!

Filed Under: Blog

Best Way to Cut Dog’s Nails

March 29, 2019 by scottgroom

Cutting your dog’s nails is crucial to your dog. If you are wondering why, here is the thing: overgrown nails are harmful for dogs as they alter the weight distribution, which gradually damages the legs and the joints. Thus, dogs need regular nail-cutting sessions. So what are the best ways to cut their nails? Here are some tips for you:

Walk on hard surfaces:

Walking on hard surfaces such as stones or streets will trim your dog nails in a natural way. When you walk your dog on a regular basis on these surfaces, it does help with the trimming. However, if your dog mostly just runs around and plays on the grass, you will need to do nail trimming more often. Soft surfaces such as the grass or indoor places do not help much with the nails.

 

Don’t forget to learn about your dog nails

Dog nails are made of two parts: the nail (the part that you can cut without injuring your dog), and the quick (the part where blood vessels reside to supply blood to the nails). If you just randomly trim the nails without knowing this anatomy, high chance is that you’ll cut into the quick, causing bleeding immediately. With this anatomy, one tip is to cut at a 45-degree angle, so that you will not cut into the quick. For nail trimming, it is suggested that you cut a little at a time, and once you reach a spongy soft part, stop right there as you have reached the quick.

 

Use the right tools

For nail cutting, you can use a dog nail clipper for home use to cut your dog nails at home. There are many kinds of clippers in the market, so if you are unsure, it is always wise to consult your vet before making any purchase. Choosing a clipper not only depends on you but also on your dog: his size and his preference. For instance, bigger dogs will need bigger types of clippers, while smaller dogs will need smaller ones. In addition, you can also use a grinder to grind the nails instead of cutting.

Cutting, if not careful, can be difficult for the first few times. If you feel that you are quite clumsy and probably will mess things up with a clipper, try using the grinder instead! With the grinder, you can grind slowly inwards, and whenever you are reaching the quick, your dog will definitely react and let you know. This is more beneficial for dogs because if you suddenly cut into your dog’s quick and injure his leg, there is no way back. It’s been cut anyways. However, the grinder is completely different.

 

Visit a professional groomer:

Although we wholeheartedly understand that dog grooming at home is just as effective and is more economical, it is still recommended that you take your dog to a professional groomer once in a while. A professional groomer can work on things we cannot perform at home (or not knowing how to do them at home), including nail-trimming. If your dog does not enjoy nail trimming at home, you can try bringing him to a professional groomer. Usually they have better tools and know how to calm your dog down. You can watch and learn, or even ask for tips for the next time.

 

Do nail trimming after a bath:

This can be beneficial because the water will soften the nails, which makes them easier to cut. Additionally, bathing can be very relaxing to some dogs, so nail trimming after a bath is more tolerable for dogs.

 

Make sure that your dog is well-prepared:

Before cutting his nails for the first time, make sure that you take some time to introduce the tools, as well as the sounds and the movements, to your dog first. Do not perform nail-trimming out of a sudden because dogs are anxious when it comes to uncertainty. Not knowing what is going to happen to them infuriates them. Go slow, and watch for your dog’s reaction along the way. Sometimes it takes time for dogs to get used to new tools such as the nail clipper.

 

Do not forget the treats!

Treats work as a bridge between your dog and the object that you want him to get used to. Dogs like treats, and thus they tend to positively associate the object with the treat if they appear together. This is what we want to do. By giving them treats while introducing the tools or nail-trimming, dogs start to have a positive association. Overtime, the clipper no longer appears to be a threat to them anymore. So does the sound of the clipper. Eventually, he’ll get used to the way to hold his paws and trim his nails, and things go on smoothly in a cycle.

 

Know how to deal with the injury if you accidentally cut the quick:

No one wants to cut the quick, but sometimes it is an unavoidable accident, especially if you are new to this. However, it does make a difference if you know how to deal with it. First, do not panic. Your dog will be fine. When you cut the quick, it will bleed, but you can definitely stop it by covering it up and with a clean piece of cloth or tissue. You can also use styptic pens to stop the bleeding. At all times, do not let your dog lick his own wound because that can cause serious infections later on.

 

So those are the tips that you can use to make nail-trimming easier. Sincerely saying, it is difficult to define the best way to cut your dog nails because it depends on your dog. Every dog is different, which is why we only provide you helpful tips that you can apply on your own case. Remember, if your dog is new to this (and to you), it would take some time to get things in order. If necessary, bring your dog to a professional groomer for the first few times. Most importantly, be patient, and you can nail this.

Filed Under: Blog

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Kosmo’s Doghouse is Scottsdale, Arizona’s premier dog grooming salon, holistic pet store,  and self wash. We take pride in caring for all of our four-legged friends and believe our passion for animals shows in the products we carry and the quality of our grooms.
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