Attempting to be a groomer... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Taryn0405 · 02-19-2012, 10:16 AM

In order to cut back on some bills, I'm going to attempt to groom Gizmo (excepting for doing his nails, I'll let his groomer do that). But anyway, I was just wondering if I could get any tips. I've cut human hair before, so hopefully that experience will transition over to him.
Normally, even when we did take him to the groomer, I would trim around his eyes and bum area, but whenever I take him to the groomers they just don't do the cut quite as I'd like.

Any tool suggestions?

Thanks ladies!

BabyGirl Rosie · 02-19-2012, 10:27 AM

Hopefully you will get some great advice!

I can't give you any. If I try to groom my girls they better run!! But I only take mine to the groomer about once every 2 months. It is just too expensive to do more than that!

dawn27 · 02-19-2012, 10:32 AM

This was on YT a few weeks back, very good and includes a video for each step of the way.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...cerella02.html

If you need more information you can take a look at my site that includes photos of the tools that I use when I groom my pups. For those summer cuts I use my sister sheers. The key to a great smooth cut is a great pair of sheers (clippers) if you can afford a more expensive pair than you should get them.

Grooming - Dawn's Yorkies Ohio

Have fun !

Taryn0405 · 02-19-2012, 05:16 PM

Thanks ladies!

CouversMom · 02-21-2012, 02:50 PM

I've been grooming Couver and Khloe for a while now and have been using the most basic trimmer and scissors. I have found that trial and error is the best way to learn. I usually just shave them down during the summer and do sanitary trims during the winter.

I'm hoping to upgrade to some a nicer trimmer soon... Just need to shop around and figure out what is best.

Good luck, it really isn't that hard to groom them yourself. You just need to practice... AND remember, it's just hair... it WILL grow back

Frogette · 03-17-2012, 11:58 AM

Hello, I have 2 yorkies, both were unwanted so I took them. They are both 5 yrs. old. Daisy is my female and Boo is the male. She is spayed but that's okay. I've had boo for a year now and I just got Daisy about 4 months ago. I love them as if they were my children. I do have a problem though. Boo wants to go after strangers and when I take them to the groomers, Boo chokes for about 3 weeks afterwards. I'm thinking he's going crazy every time the groomers door opens up. So Ive decided to learn how to groom them myself. Does anyone know where I can get a video that isn't expensive but very informative? I would appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks

Tessa327 · 03-17-2012, 12:09 PM

I have an Andis clipper that I've used only twice, haven't gotten much practice in because the girls are in long coats. I do small maintenance here and there but for the most part lots of brushing. Good luck your grooming trials

Sweet Girls · 03-17-2012, 12:40 PM

When I got Charlee she was in a long coat, but trimmed around her eyes, and beard was short. Since I groom my own Mini Schnauzer, I thought I would keep up that habit (esp. since I asked about pricing and was told $65.00

My god, that's like $13.00 per lb!!!) So, I just scissored her long the first year...and if she was moving, you couldn't see how uneven it was

But last year, I decided to be brave, and used my clippers with a number 7 blade ( I use Andis pro clippers), and cut all the "black", leaving her head, tail and legs long. I loved it, and although I've let her grow in for the winter (except for the sanitary), that's what I'm going to do this summer too! Grooming your own dog is much easier than you think! And you do get better with practice.

However; I mean no insult to groomers, who often have to deal with badly behaved and badly matted dogs...they are worth their weight in gold when you get a good one!

gracielove · 03-17-2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frogette

Hello, I have 2 yorkies, both were unwanted so I took them. They are both 5 yrs. old. Daisy is my female and Boo is the male. She is spayed but that's okay. I've had boo for a year now and I just got Daisy about 4 months ago. I love them as if they were my children. I do have a problem though. Boo wants to go after strangers and when I take them to the groomers, Boo chokes for about 3 weeks afterwards. I'm thinking he's going crazy every time the groomers door opens up. So Ive decided to learn how to groom them myself. Does anyone know where I can get a video that isn't expensive but very informative? I would appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks

Some groomers use a noose to hold the dog still while they do the hair cut. I assume that is what they have been doing to your little guy and it is bothering his trachea. Some Yorkies have very weak trachea's and pressure should never be put on them. That is why we use harnesses and not collars when walking them. Don't let them do that to him again. It can do some real damage to him. There are a few videos here in the grooming area of YT in the "sticky" up above. She has some great tips. I have seen some other videos and I don't care for the way the groomers treat the dogs. I love my dog's long coat and it does take some work to maintain it but I will not subject her to some of the things that some "professional" groomers put dogs through.

LuvTaycieGirl · 03-18-2012, 06:18 AM

I am a stylist so I picked it up rather quickly. So if you cut human hair I am sure you will too!!!!

I think the biggest thing is finding a good pair of clippers that work for Gizmo! I did alot of research because there are alot of different kinds of clippers out there and they can get rather pricey.

I found these at petsmart and they have been wonderful!
Oster Performance Complete Clipper Kit - Grooming - Dog - PetSmart

They cut through her coat with ease and I oil them before and after use and so far they have been great!

As far as scissors go, I use an old pair of hair scissors that I had and they work just fine. I also like a good pair of Thinning shears. They help buff out lines and take bulk out. I tend to thin out Taycie's face occasionally every 4 or 5 haircuts because if not her face gets rather large

I also love Marcerella02's grooming videos they do help to give you a starting place

I also watched random Youtube videos to help me get the hang of it. I also don't do Taycie's nails. She is super naughty when it comes to doing nails. So I let my groomer do that

Good Luck! I love cutting her hair! It has saved me SO much money!

hnybun128 · 03-18-2012, 08:45 AM

Hmm, this thread has me thinking that if I learn to groom my pups myself, I could afford to get more Yorkies! LOL, seriously though, I'd like to learn to take care of them myself. I'd love it if there was some grooming class I could take!

Frogette · 03-19-2012, 09:40 AM

Thank you all for your comments. I've decided to invest in the addis clippers and I just bought thinning shears last week from a pet store. However I can't find the video to buy. I want one just for yorkies. I don't plan on doing others. Don't need that extra work. Lol I already have a job. I went to one site but they were selling their business. Anyway, I've been watching tutorials so well I'll just do the best that I can do. I'm grateful for this site. At least I don't feel like I'm in the dark having all of you.

dawn27 · 03-19-2012, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frogette

Thank you all for your comments. I've decided to invest in the addis clippers and I just bought thinning shears last week from a pet store. However I can't find the video to buy. I want one just for yorkies. I don't plan on doing others. Don't need that extra work. Lol I already have a job. I went to one site but they were selling their business. Anyway, I've been watching tutorials so well I'll just do the best that I can do. I'm grateful for this site. At least I don't feel like I'm in the dark having all of you.

Here is one that I posted earlier in an above post. I found it here on YT.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...cerella02.html

I'm sure that if you go to youtube you may be able to find others. just be careful about searching on there, may download viruses. I've watched these ones before and she is really good. Three part video=

Reno Yorkie Groom Part 1:

Reno Yorkie groom part 1 - YouTube

Yorkie Groom Part 2:

Yorkie Groom part 2 - YouTube

Yorkie Groom Part 3:

Yorkie Groom part 3 - YouTube

Taryn0405 · 03-20-2012, 05:32 AM

Thanks dawn, going to use these when I get the courage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawn27

Here is one that I posted earlier in an above post. I found it here on YT.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...cerella02.html

I'm sure that if you go to youtube you may be able to find others. just be careful about searching on there, may download viruses. I've watched these ones before and she is really good. Three part video=

Reno Yorkie Groom Part 1: Reno Yorkie groom part 1 - YouTube

Yorkie Groom Part 2: Yorkie Groom part 2 - YouTube

Yorkie Groom Part 3: Yorkie Groom part 3 - YouTube

dawn27 · 03-20-2012, 08:23 AM

I do all four of mine they have never been to the groomers, and have for 10 yrs. I started out doing just a bit here and there bathing and combing (no cutting) until I worked up the courage to just do it. I watched as many video as I could until I found the cut that I liked the best and went for it. I made a few mistakes along the way but took comfort in knowing that it grows back.

Good LUck.... and be sure to show off your handy work!
I'm off to give two of mine there summer cuts!

02-19-2012, 10:16 AM	#1
Taryn0405 Owned by a Gremlin Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: The Mitten State! Posts: 3,706	Attempting to be a groomer... In order to cut back on some bills, I'm going to attempt to groom Gizmo (excepting for doing his nails, I'll let his groomer do that). But anyway, I was just wondering if I could get any tips. I've cut human hair before, so hopefully that experience will transition over to him. Normally, even when we did take him to the groomer, I would trim around his eyes and bum area, but whenever I take him to the groomers they just don't do the cut quite as I'd like. Any tool suggestions? Thanks ladies! __________________ Taryn Momma to Gizmo AKA Monkeyman My husband, daughter, son, and dog make me who I am "My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am."

02-19-2012, 10:27 AM	#2
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	Hopefully you will get some great advice! I can't give you any. If I try to groom my girls they better run!! But I only take mine to the groomer about once every 2 months. It is just too expensive to do more than that! __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

02-19-2012, 10:32 AM	#3
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	This was on YT a few weeks back, very good and includes a video for each step of the way. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...cerella02.html If you need more information you can take a look at my site that includes photos of the tools that I use when I groom my pups. For those summer cuts I use my sister sheers. The key to a great smooth cut is a great pair of sheers (clippers) if you can afford a more expensive pair than you should get them. Grooming - Dawn's Yorkies Ohio Have fun ! __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs. Last edited by dawn27; 02-19-2012 at 10:36 AM.

02-19-2012, 05:16 PM	#4
Taryn0405 Owned by a Gremlin Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: The Mitten State! Posts: 3,706	Thanks ladies! __________________ Taryn Momma to Gizmo AKA Monkeyman My husband, daughter, son, and dog make me who I am "My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am."

02-21-2012, 02:50 PM	#5
CouversMom and Khloe Mae's too! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 14,732	I've been grooming Couver and Khloe for a while now and have been using the most basic trimmer and scissors. I have found that trial and error is the best way to learn. I usually just shave them down during the summer and do sanitary trims during the winter. I'm hoping to upgrade to some a nicer trimmer soon... Just need to shop around and figure out what is best. Good luck, it really isn't that hard to groom them yourself. You just need to practice... AND remember, it's just hair... it WILL grow back __________________ Michelle- mommy to Couver and Khloe Mae! http://yorkiehavenrescue.com/

03-17-2012, 11:58 AM	#6
Frogette YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Byesville Posts: 6	Grooming Hello, I have 2 yorkies, both were unwanted so I took them. They are both 5 yrs. old. Daisy is my female and Boo is the male. She is spayed but that's okay. I've had boo for a year now and I just got Daisy about 4 months ago. I love them as if they were my children. I do have a problem though. Boo wants to go after strangers and when I take them to the groomers, Boo chokes for about 3 weeks afterwards. I'm thinking he's going crazy every time the groomers door opens up. So Ive decided to learn how to groom them myself. Does anyone know where I can get a video that isn't expensive but very informative? I would appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks

03-17-2012, 12:09 PM	#7
Tessa327 No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 3,692	I have an Andis clipper that I've used only twice, haven't gotten much practice in because the girls are in long coats. I do small maintenance here and there but for the most part lots of brushing. Good luck your grooming trials

03-17-2012, 12:40 PM	#8
Sweet Girls YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 273	When I got Charlee she was in a long coat, but trimmed around her eyes, and beard was short. Since I groom my own Mini Schnauzer, I thought I would keep up that habit (esp. since I asked about pricing and was told $65.00 My god, that's like $13.00 per lb!!!) So, I just scissored her long the first year...and if she was moving, you couldn't see how uneven it was But last year, I decided to be brave, and used my clippers with a number 7 blade ( I use Andis pro clippers), and cut all the "black", leaving her head, tail and legs long. I loved it, and although I've let her grow in for the winter (except for the sanitary), that's what I'm going to do this summer too! Grooming your own dog is much easier than you think! And you do get better with practice. However; I mean no insult to groomers, who often have to deal with badly behaved and badly matted dogs...they are worth their weight in gold when you get a good one!

03-18-2012, 06:18 AM	#10
LuvTaycieGirl Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Salt Lake City UT,USA Posts: 2,726 Blog Entries: 1	I am a stylist so I picked it up rather quickly. So if you cut human hair I am sure you will too!!!! I think the biggest thing is finding a good pair of clippers that work for Gizmo! I did alot of research because there are alot of different kinds of clippers out there and they can get rather pricey. I found these at petsmart and they have been wonderful! Oster Performance Complete Clipper Kit - Grooming - Dog - PetSmart They cut through her coat with ease and I oil them before and after use and so far they have been great! As far as scissors go, I use an old pair of hair scissors that I had and they work just fine. I also like a good pair of Thinning shears. They help buff out lines and take bulk out. I tend to thin out Taycie's face occasionally every 4 or 5 haircuts because if not her face gets rather large I also love Marcerella02's grooming videos they do help to give you a starting place I also watched random Youtube videos to help me get the hang of it. I also don't do Taycie's nails. She is super naughty when it comes to doing nails. So I let my groomer do that Good Luck! I love cutting her hair! It has saved me SO much money! __________________ Emily and Taycie Love you little girl

03-18-2012, 08:45 AM	#11
hnybun128 I ♥ Maci & Mojo Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Morris, IL, USA Posts: 856	Hmm, this thread has me thinking that if I learn to groom my pups myself, I could afford to get more Yorkies! LOL, seriously though, I'd like to learn to take care of them myself. I'd love it if there was some grooming class I could take! __________________ Gina ~Mojo , Maci ~ Sweetie, Katie, Coco Chanel, & Figaro

03-19-2012, 09:40 AM	#12
Frogette YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Byesville Posts: 6	Thank you all for your comments. I've decided to invest in the addis clippers and I just bought thinning shears last week from a pet store. However I can't find the video to buy. I want one just for yorkies. I don't plan on doing others. Don't need that extra work. Lol I already have a job. I went to one site but they were selling their business. Anyway, I've been watching tutorials so well I'll just do the best that I can do. I'm grateful for this site. At least I don't feel like I'm in the dark having all of you.

03-20-2012, 08:23 AM	#15
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	I do all four of mine they have never been to the groomers, and have for 10 yrs. I started out doing just a bit here and there bathing and combing (no cutting) until I worked up the courage to just do it. I watched as many video as I could until I found the cut that I liked the best and went for it. I made a few mistakes along the way but took comfort in knowing that it grows back. Good LUck.... and be sure to show off your handy work! I'm off to give two of mine there summer cuts! __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.