Professional grooming is important but what you do at home keeps your dog comfortable, mat-free, and looking fresh between appointments.

Here’s a streamlined, groomer-style routine you can follow safely at home.

Coat Prep

Pre-Brush First

Always brush thoroughly before bathing. This:

Lifts and separates the coat
Removes loose or dead hair
Prevents mats from tightening in water

If your dog has heavy matting or you plan to remove a lot of length, do a light trim before the bath.

Bathe the Right Way

Use a gentle facial cleanser for the face.
Let shampoo sit for about 3 minutes.
Let conditioner sit for at least 5 minutes to hydrate skin and coat.
Rinse extremely well.

Most dull or dry coats come from rushing this step.

Towel Dry Thoroughly

Use an absorbent towel to remove as much water as possible before blow-drying. Less water equals to faster drying and smoother results.

Clean Ears & Trim Nails

After the bath:

Clean ears to remove moisture and debris.
Trim nails while they’re slightly softer from the bath.

This keeps hygiene under control and prevents discomfort.

Fully Dry & Comb Through

The coat must be 100% dry, brushed straight and free of tangles.

Run a comb through the entire coat. If it snags, keep brushing. A smooth comb-through means you’re ready for trimming.

Clipper Work

If you’re trimming at home, follow this order:

Body
Legs
Head and ears
Sanitary areas
Paw pads (last)

Safety tips:

Frequently check blade temperature.
Remove built-up hair from blades.
Use extra care in sensitive areas.

Working in order keeps your trim even and balanced.

Scissor Work

Only scissor after clipper work is done.

Scissoring:

Perfects shape
Refines symmetry
Smooths transitions

Use straight shears for clean lines and curved shears for rounded areas like the head or paws. Take small amounts at a time. Precision matters more than speed.

Final Touches

Blow off loose hairs on a low dryer setting.
Do one last brush and comb-through.
Check transitions and symmetry.

Small adjustments here make a big difference in that polished look.