7 Beginner-Friendly Dog Grooming Tips (+ Free Printable Guide)

Are you planning to start grooming your dog at home? Looking for ways to save when it comes to expensive grooming bills? This guide on 7 dog grooming tips can help you start, from when to groom to what exactly you’ll need in terms of materials!

At-home grooming can seem very daunting and time-consuming, but it can be a great experience for both you and your dog, with a little time, patience, and effort. It is not always easy, but is extremely worth it. Proper grooming plays a huge portion in their overall health, whether it be something stuck in their paw hairs or severe knots causing pain. Either way, grooming is a must! All products listed are from Amazon and have been our go-to for years!

As always, our goal is to bring you up-to-date, science-based information on dog diet, nutrition, and health to give you and your pup to long life you deserve together <3

This post is all about 7 beginner-friendly tips for grooming your dog at home. 

#1: Brushing

When: at least once or twice a week for short-haired dogs, at least 4-5 times a week if not daily for long-haired dogs

• Everything starts with knowing your dog’s specific coat type. What you do with a poodle is not what you do with a lab. Long-haired breeds or breeds with hair will need more grooming and maintenance. 

What to use:

• Fine Tooth Comb: for general brushing

• Slicker Brush: to help with knots

• Poodle Dematting Brush: to help with deep knots 

• Detangling Spray: to help detangle knots and works as a leave-in conditioner

How & Additional Tips:

• Brush with the fine tooth comb, and take out the knots with the slicker brush using small, constant strokes
• Use de-matting spray if there are big knots. Spray it directly on the knot, rub it in, and use the slicker brush to get rid of the knot. 

• Make sure to brush before and after bathing
  • Only brush them after being fully dry, or else they may cause more knots
• Check for any bumps, lumps, or skin lesions while brushing!

#2: Bathing

When: 3-4 months (more if they like water, less if their coat seems stripped of oils)

What to use:

• Shampoo & Conditioner: something that is dog friendly, mild, with no harmful ingredients
• Scrubber: for exfoliation of the whole body

How &  Additional Tips:

• Do not get the water in their ears! Water does not evaporate and will create bacteria
• A frozen lick mat with peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or whatever you have is your friend. Pop one in the fridge to freezer before you start brushing your dog or in the morning, so it will be ready by their bath time. 
• For the sake of your bathroom or grooming space, they WILL shake. Be prepared by putting away your clothes, towels, and other stuff lying around you prefer not to get wet. Try to shield them with a towel if possible!
• There is no right or wrong when it comes to air drying vs blow drying. My dog and I are both usually tired, so I will give them a quick towel dry and let them air dry afterward. 

#3: Trimming

When: at least once a month for long-haired dogs

What to use: 

• Grooming scissors: for precise trimming around their face

How & Additional Tips:

• Go to the groomers for full-body grooming. They know how to not knick your dog with a razor and can groom them with specific styles! As a beginner, do not start grooming your dog yourself until you learn how to use the materials like a razor and scissors properly!
• However, you can trim their face and around the eyes whenever needed!

Click here to download your FREE printable on the process through a full wash day with your pup!

#4: Feet

When: at least once a month

What to use: 

• Grooming Scissors: for trimming around their paws

• Grooming Trimmers: for a more precise, shorter cut around their paws
• Paw Balm: to help with the dryness of paw pads

How & Additional Tips:

• To get a close shave, you must use the right length attachment
• Trim the hair level to the paws first, and then work in between the paws
• Do not go in between the toes, as there could be webbing. Only try to get the V part between the big paw pad and the toes. 
• If you do not feel comfortable with using the trimmers, it also works okay to use grooming scissors

#5: Nails

When: Every 2 weeks, sooner depending on your dog’s nail length

What to use: 

• Nail Clipper with Safe Guard & Nail Grinder: To cut the actual nail or grind down if the vein is close

• Styptic Powder: To have ready if you do knick your dogs vein

How & Additional Tips:

• Inevitably, you will cut too close at least once, and thats okay! Hold a little bit of the styptic powder on the nail until it stops bleeding
• Put your phone flashlight or a light under your dog’s nails to see where to stop
• Use the grinder if the nail cutter is too thick or the vein is too close
• Use the grinder to smoothen out the edges, if necessary
• You can only cut up to the vein, even if the nail is naturally longer and you prefer them to be shorter!

Click here to download your FREE printable on the process through a full wash day with your pup!

#6: Ears

When: at least every 2 weeks

What to use: 

• Ear Cleaning Solution: To clean the dirt out of the ear

• Cotton Swabs
• Cotton Balls
• Ear Powder (for breeds that have a lot of hair in their ears like poodles!!)

How & Additional Tips

• Ear powder first to help with grip for plucking out the hairs, then ear cleaner. This only applies for the dogs who have a lot of hair in their ears. If this does not apply to you, go straight to the ear cleaner.
• Always massage the ear cleaner thoroughly using a cotton ball, while following the instructions for the specific cleaner. Sometimes this means massaging their ear or cleaning the excess out!
• Use a cotton swab to clean the sides, but do not use them in the inner ear, to prevent from pushing dirt inward
• DO NOT put water in their ears. Water does not evaporate like the cleaning solution and will promote bacteria growth

#7: Teeth

When: once daily

What to use: 

• Toothpaste (VOHC approved): Toothpaste proven to reduce plaque and tartar by the Veterinary Oral Health Council

• Normal toothbrush

How & Additional Tips:

• Can take a lot of time in the beginning, based on your dog’s comfort level for having hands near their mouth
• Use lots of treats, and don’t expect your first few days to be a complete brushing
• A normal toothbrush has worked best for us to get in between all teeth! You do NOT need any of the fancy toothbrushes everyone will try to sell you!
• Many cheaper toothpaste brands are not VOHC-approved. Although that means none of them are proven to remove plaque and tartar, does not mean they are bad products. Do your research and know that getting a good brushing itself is the most important part.

Click here to download your FREE printable on the process through a full wash day with your pup!

Conclusion

There you go! Some beginner-friendly dog grooming tips to get you started at home. Grooming can be very fun, once you get into the hang of things. You’ll spend lots of time with your dog and create a long-lasting bond they will never forget. They are only there for a portion of your life, but you are there for their entire life. Treat them well, give them lots of love, and happy grooming! <3

This post went over all things dog grooming tips, specifically for dog owners who are trying to start a grooming routine at home!