Layla got a haircut!

[linz06]

This was my first attempt with my new Andis clippers! I didn't touch her legs much, because I quit after giving her a little nick on the chest while trying to cut out some mats with scissors I know I was more upset about it than she was, but I'll just have to be more careful next time.

So here's the finished result! Her ears still need some trimming, and her eye goobers need some cleaning, but it was a start!

[MyPann]

It's a good start, I've nicked Pann before I felt so bad, but he forgave me and I think I felt worse than he did and we have learned the best techniques when it comes to his grooming. We have to be in a room with the door shut, preferably the bathroom and then he doesn't squirm and he seems more comfortable that way! I can only use scissors and I cant get his legs or his tush he wont let me lol good luck with your pretty princess!

[yorkieusa]

Great job! She's beautiful.

[kalina82]

a few tips: don't use scissors to get mats out unless you absolutely know what you are doing and where you are cutting. I always recommend novices to use the clippers to shave mats out and not scissors. This way you cut hair and not skin. Much less dangerous. When i was working as a tech i saw way too many injuries to pets from owners trying to scissor out mats. Also, its easier to clipper and scissor clean, dry hair right after a bath. The dog will come out more even and look better. When clippering legs be careful of the joint areas (like the hock and carpus) with all the little bumps and grooves. They are easy to nick places.

[111lily222]

Good job! Layla is a doll

[gidget529]

I think she looks very cute! You get better at it over time. I started grooming mine over ten years ago.

PS - I love her little pink heart dishes!!

[linz06]

Thanks everyone!!

Originally Posted by kalina82

a few tips: don't use scissors to get mats out unless you absolutely know what you are doing and where you are cutting. I always recommend novices to use the clippers to shave mats out and not scissors. This way you cut hair and not skin. Much less dangerous. When i was working as a tech i saw way too many injuries to pets from owners trying to scissor out mats. Also, its easier to clipper and scissor clean, dry hair right after a bath. The dog will come out more even and look better. When clippering legs be careful of the joint areas (like the hock and carpus) with all the little bumps and grooves. They are easy to nick places.

I could not get the clippers through the mats is there something I'm doing wrong?

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by linz06

Thanks everyone!!



I could not get the clippers through the mats is there something I'm doing wrong?

what length blade were you using to get through the mats?

[linz06]

Originally Posted by kalina82

what length blade were you using to get through the mats?

I'm not sure about the blade... I kept the No. 4 guard on though that I used for the rest of her body. Should I have removed the guard?

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by linz06

I'm not sure about the blade... I kept the No. 4 guard on though that I used for the rest of her body. Should I have removed the guard?

If the mat is tight against the skin you need to use a 10 blade (or setting depending on if you have a detachable blade) with no guard comb. In order to remove the mat safely you need to use a blade that will get in that little space between the skin and the mat and slowly shave just the mat off. This way you minimize the shaved spot on the dog. You may be able to use a longer blade then a 10 depending on how much space is between the skin and the mat.

when mats are tight to the skin its very hard to safely scissor or thin them out. You need to be able to slide one blade of the scissors between the skin and mat and cut the mat outward, away from the body, and not across the body. Sliding a comb between the mat and skin can help sometimes so that you have a barrier between the scissors and the skin but sometimes if the mat is so tight you may still be able to cut the skin this way.

safest way is to shave them out with clippers. sure you will have a slightly bald spot but I think that's better then a cut or nick, or worse.

[linz06]

Originally Posted by kalina82

If the mat is tight against the skin you need to use a 10 blade (or setting depending on if you have a detachable blade) with no guard comb. In order to remove the mat safely you need to use a blade that will get in that little space between the skin and the mat and slowly shave just the mat off. This way you minimize the shaved spot on the dog. You may be able to use a longer blade then a 10 depending on how much space is between the skin and the mat.

when mats are tight to the skin its very hard to safely scissor or thin them out. You need to be able to slide one blade of the scissors between the skin and mat and cut the mat outward, away from the body, and not across the body. Sliding a comb between the mat and skin can help sometimes so that you have a barrier between the scissors and the skin but sometimes if the mat is so tight you may still be able to cut the skin this way.

safest way is to shave them out with clippers. sure you will have a slightly bald spot but I think that's better then a cut or nick, or worse.

Hmm... there was just one blade with the clippers so I'm not sure what size it is The mats weren't right against the skin... they started maybe a quarter inch up, or a little less. The hair was about 1-1.5 inches long so I was just trying to cut off all the excess because I did want to go short on her chest. I guess I just pulled the skin up too much when I was pulling up the hair to cut it. It was a pretty small nick and we pressed on it for about 20-30 seconds and it stopped bleeding, but of course I still felt bad

[linz06]

This is what I have:

http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPop...r Pet&ID=70235

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by linz06

Hmm... there was just one blade with the clippers so I'm not sure what size it is The mats weren't right against the skin... they started maybe a quarter inch up, or a little less. The hair was about 1-1.5 inches long so I was just trying to cut off all the excess because I did want to go short on her chest. I guess I just pulled the skin up too much when I was pulling up the hair to cut it. It was a pretty small nick and we pressed on it for about 20-30 seconds and it stopped bleeding, but of course I still felt bad

Is your blade adjustable with a little lever on the side? Most times those "pet" clipper sets come with an adjustable non-removable blade and some plastic combs. The blade usually adjusts from size 40-9 give or take.

Next time if you have that much room between the skin and the mat just use a smaller comb attachment in that specific area to get under the mat. If you can't get the smallest comb attachment under it then adjust the blade to the longest setting and slowly shave the mat out.

[linz06]

Thanks for the help!

[spr377]

You did a great job. It's true, you do get better over time. I usually cut mats with scissors, first....prevents pulling on their hair.