She's beautiful. If you want to groom her yourself, just get some blunt tip scissors for the face and paws and a pair of good clippers. Then, just search some youtube videos and/or "wing it"...as you do more and more, you'll get what you like.
For the nails, I'm with you..I'm too afraid to do black nails. I just swing Mandie by my vet's or petsmart to get hers done on occassion.
The licking - it could be itching or it could be a nervous behavior. I would check that with the vet first (in case it's itching). If it isn't a medical problem, then it is probably a nervous behavior and you can try distracting her. If she starts licking, give her a toy or something to chew on instead, perhaps.
__________________ Terri, proud mom to Mandie  & Shelby-Dale  |