My dogs need a haircut!
I do have electric clippers that have the different level attachments to determine hair length, but I am not sure how to use them. When I take the dogs in to get groomed, I request that they be shaved during the summer so I would like to shave them myself. My real problem is that I am afraid to use them because I don’t want to accidentally cut their skin.
First of all, is it possible to accidentally nick them with these clippers, regardless of the length attachment? If there is a possibility, is there a proper way to use the clippers to avoid such?
The dogs in question are a Rat Terrier/ Pekingese mix and have a fairly dense undercoat.
Thanks
I think I would trim your dog with scisors to about the desired lenght, and then smooth him out with the clippers. If the fur is too long it can get caught and pull and make puppy un-happy.
Of course, every dog is different, but I used to trim my little dog all the time.
Good luck! 
alice_in_wonderland
I have traveled the scissor route before, they hate it, and it takes me forever. I have turned the clippers on near them and they aren’t really frightened by the noise, so I figured it would be a quicker way to clip more hair at a time.
Their hair is only a couple inches long, and I keep imagining movies where men are getting buzz cuts…and really this is what I would like to do.
You mentioned that you used clippers, did you put the edge of the clippers near your pup’s skin? How did you do it?
Well, you put one of the combs on the clippers and then the clipper blades never actually come anywhere near the poochie.
Depending on the length, I would still start with longer comb and work your way down to the appropriate level of furryness.
I wouldn’t use just the bare blades though. On a human head they’re ok, but you assume that the human is sitting still. In my experience, doggies have a tendancy to squirm and they could get a nic. :eek:
In case you’re wondering, the comb is the nifty plastic gizmo that you can snap on the end of the clippers.
alice_in_wonderland
Thanks for the help! Now I have a bit more self-assurance that I won’t have to go through a roll of toilet tissue to stop the bleeding from my butchering my poor pups!
Bentley and Barkley thank you.
Just a note to point out…dogs skin is more sensitive than our own when it comes to sunburn. Hence the reason they stay with their fur year round!
I have a chow/shep/lab mix. A lot of long hair with a lot of under fur (don’t recall the technical term) but even when I lived in Grand Junction, Colorado where it can get up to 105º or so in the summer, I never shaved him. Their fur, if you brush regularly and offer adequate shade and water is enough to keep your pooch cool in the summer.
Shaving is not recommended in the veteranary circles I have come across here in CO, they do not have any natural sun protection and I can’t see you continuously shaving your dog and applying sunscreen (when they lick them selves) 2-3 times a day.
Daily brushing, adequate shade, enough water and possibly even enough time indoors should be enough to help you through this, but in my thinking, shaving an animal is not needed unless it’s due to surgery.
mkmiller99, the first thing you need to do is give your dog a good brushing. Start with a good slicker brush. You can get these at PetSmart and other pet stores. (EverGentle is a really good brand.) This will brush tangles and mini-mats out. It should be enough right there for your Rat Terrier.
Then you want to go over your pup again with an “undercoat rake”. The ones that look like a “T” are easier on your wrist. (You can also get these at PetSmart etc.) This could take a while on a Peke mix. Don’t rush and make sure you brush all the way down to the skin. (With the slicker too.)
Now that the pesky undercoat is out, do you still want to shave?
First they need a bath. Always cut clean, dry hair. It’s easier to cut through and easier on the clipper. A good pet shampoo (not people shampoo) and warm water. You can get rubber shower attachments that goes over your tub spout all over the place. The heath and beauty section at Wal-Mart should have them.
While you dry your dog, (a blow drier that blows cool air works pretty good, but the Rat Terrier should just air dry in no time) keep brushing with the slicker brush so the hair doesn’t tangle again.
Use the longest snap-on comb you have (I’m guessing you have one of the trimmers that has the one blade and the variety of combs. This has a relatively wimpy motor and you might burn it out fairly quickly.) and cut nose to tail (along the “grain” of hair growth).
Or just take a pair of scissors and “shape” the dog.
You can get books from the library that show you how to groom your dog. The Standard Book of Dog Grooming by Diane Fenger and Arlene F. Steinle is fairly complete and easy to understand, but look around and see what you can find.
Or you could just drop them off at a groomer. They’ll trim their nails too while they’re at it. Just a thought.
techchick68, your dog “A lot of long hair with a lot of under fur” is a long haired, double coated dog. Technically.
-Rue.
FWIW, being in the military, I get my hair cut all the time by clippers. I’ve never once (in ten years) had one pinch or cut me. And at some point during the haircut, they take the attachment off and shave my neck with the bare head. Also, most of the ones I’ve seen have a lever near or on the head of the clipper which moves the vibrating portion forward/back a milimeter or two, allowing a little breathing room if you want. Although I’m not sure why you’re worried, since you shouldn’t be cutting so close as to warrant cutting without an attachment.
I appreciate everyone’s responses.
techchick68
I understand your concern, I live in Texas and know what the sun can do. When I let my dogs outside I am usually with them, and if I don’t go out back with them I have big covered deck that they enjoy hanging out on after their fun in the yard. I am one of those overconcerned doggie parents that won’t leave my dogs outside for any length of time, they are inside pups. I like to have their fur short for my asthma/allergy purposes and they seem to enjoy it also.
Rue DeDay
They go get bathed often (which they hate), and don’t get me started on the brushing…I do it often, and yet there is a never ending supply of fur (I have come to the conclusion that my dogs have been genetically altered to regenerate new, full coats of fur every 5 minutes). In the past I have taken them to the groomers, but currently being out of work has forced me to seek other means of care, AKA mkmiller99’s home doggie groomin’. Trust me, when the funds are once again flowing my pups will get the full spa treatment again. Thanks for the tips and I will be marching my self to Amazon.com to order the book you suggested.
flyboy88
I have always wondered about the clipper question, and now I know. I’ve never seen any of you handsome military men with nicks on your heads! 
I appreciate everyone’s responses.
techchick68
I understand your concern, I live in Texas and know what the sun can do. When I let my dogs outside I am usually with them, and if I don’t go out back with them I have big covered deck that they enjoy hanging out on after their fun in the yard. I am one of those overconcerned doggie parents that won’t leave my dogs outside for any length of time, they are inside pups. I like to have their fur short for my asthma/allergy purposes and they seem to enjoy it also.
Rue DeDay
They go get bathed often (which they hate), and don’t get me started on the brushing…I do it often, and yet there is a never ending supply of fur (I have come to the conclusion that my dogs have been genetically altered to regenerate new, full coats of fur every 5 minutes). In the past I have taken them to the groomers, but currently being out of work has forced me to seek other means of care, AKA mkmiller99’s home doggie groomin’. Trust me, when the funds are once again flowing my pups will get the full spa treatment again. Thanks for the tips and I will be marching my self to Amazon.com to order the book you suggested.
flyboy88
I have always wondered about the clipper question, and now I know. I’ve never seen any of you handsome military men with nicks on your heads!