10 Dog Grooming Tips You Can Totally Nail at Home
So, you’ve decided to groom your dog at home. First of all, kudos to you for being brave—seriously, not everyone’s cut out for the doggy salon experience!
But don’t worry, with a few tips, a bit of patience, and maybe some treats (for both you and the pup), you’ll have your furry friend looking like a show dog in no time.
Here are 10 tips that you need to know!
1. Brush (And Do It Right)
Brushing is the first step to greatness. Whether your dog’s coat is long, short, curly, or somewhere in between, regular brushing keeps it shiny and free of tangles.
Plus, it cuts down on shedding, which means less fur tumbleweed in your house. You’re welcome.
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Start Training Today! 🐾Remember, always use the right brush for your dog’s coat. Short hair? Bristle brush. Long or double-coated? Slicker brush or undercoat rake.
A few months ago I bought this set below and I can 100% recommend it.
Trust me, your dog will thank you (or at least look less scruffy).
2. Baths Without the Meltdown
Bathing your dog can feel like trying to shampoo a wet noodle that really doesn’t want to be there.
Use lukewarm water (Goldilocks warm, not too hot, not too cold) and a dog-specific shampoo. Regular human shampoo? Big no-no. Their skin has a different pH, and honestly, they’ll just end up itchy. And cranky. 😉
Pro move? Stick a rubber mat in the tub to keep your pup from slipping. No one wants a panicked, slippery dog launching themselves at your face.
You can also watch the video below.
3. Clipping Nails (Without Losing a Finger)
Long nails are bad news—for your dog and your floors. Keep those nails trimmed using proper dog nail clippers or a grinder. The grinder’s quieter, less stressful, and let’s face it, makes you feel like you’re crafting a masterpiece.
Here’s the trick: trim a tiny bit at a time and avoid the pink quick. Hit that, and you’ll both be crying. If your dog treats nail trimming like a WWE cage match, try it after a long walk when they’re too tired to fight back. Smart, huh?
Here’s how to do it safely.
4. Scrub Those Ears
Ears are gross. There, I said it. But ignoring them? Even grosser. Clean your dog’s ears weekly with dog-friendly ear cleaner and a cotton ball. Swab gently. Gently, okay? You’re not mining for gold.
If their ears smell like a middle school gym locker or have weird gunk, it’s time to call the vet. Funky ear smells = not normal.
Have a look on this great video below!
5. The Dreaded Rear-End Trim
No one wants to talk about this, but we’re going there. Long-haired dogs can end up with, let’s say, debris back there. Trim around the area with blunt-tipped scissors to keep things clean. And hygienic. And less horrifying.
Distract them with peanut butter on a spoon, or their favorite treat. You’ll both survive, promise.
6. Freshen Up That Dog Breath
Dog breath can knock you out faster than a Mike Tyson punch. That’s where teeth brushing comes in. Use dog-safe toothpaste (no fluoride, because they’ll swallow it) and a toothbrush designed for their little mouths.
My dogs use the toothpaste below:
Start slow. Let them lick the toothpaste first—make it a treat. And don’t worry if you’re not brushing daily. Even once a week is better than never. Oh, and toss them some dental chews in between for extra credit.
7. Check Those Paws
Your dog’s paws take a beating—pavement, dirt, snow, you name it. Check for cuts, cracks, or anything stuck between their pads. If their paw pads look dry, a little paw balm can work wonders (yes, that’s a thing).
Trim the fur between their pads to prevent mats. They’ll walk happier, and you’ll avoid that awkward “paw-licking marathon” situation.
8. Handle the Shedding Situation
If you’ve ever vacuumed fur off your couch for the third time in a day, this one’s for you. Invest in a deshedding tool (the Furminator is legit amazing) or grooming gloves for heavy shedders.
Brushing regularly won’t stop shedding completely—spoiler alert, nothing will—but it’ll keep your house from looking like a giant furball.
9. Learn to Trim Like a Pro
A good trim keeps your dog’s coat looking polished and helps prevent mats. Use clippers with a longer guard to start (because mistakes happen, and you don’t want your dog looking like a toddler cut their own bangs).
Clip in the direction of hair growth to avoid that choppy “oops” look. And if it’s your first time, maybe start small. Confidence comes with practice, right?
10. Positive Vibes Only
Grooming should be a happy experience for both of you. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or belly rubs throughout the process. If they think grooming means treats, you’ll have a much easier time next round. 🙂
And hey, if it all goes south, just pour yourself a coffee or wine and call it a day. Not every session will go perfectly, but your dog will still love you (probably because they’re now covered in peanut butter).
Bonus Wisdom
Start grooming your dog while they’re young if possible. Puppies are way easier to train into good grooming habits. Older dogs? More stubborn. But still doable—patience, snacks, and persistence are your secret weapons.
And remember, if the mats are out of control, their nails are claws, or you just can’t deal, book a professional. Sometimes it’s worth it to let the experts take over.
Final Thoughts
Grooming your dog at home is an adventure. Sometimes fun, sometimes messy, but always worth it. You’ll save money, build trust with your pup, and get better at it with each session. Go grab that brush, roll up your sleeves, and show your dog who’s boss (spoiler: it’s still them, but we can pretend). Good luck! 😉
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
