Finally going to do it
 

well I'm finally going to do it. I'm going to try grooming Tila myself. I'm a bit nervous, but it'll grow back if I mess up really bad. It's just hair. I've checked out a few videos and just have a couple questions. The hair on top the head. I keep the hair on Tila's head and face longer, but last time I got her groomed I told them not to cut by her eyes and nose. What she did was she left Tila's topknot in and just cut what was left down shorter. So now when her topknot is down the hair is longer than the rest on her head. So when I cut it do I part it and trim it all one length or should I just leave what's longer as is? Do you home groomers cut it all one length? I hope you can understand what I mean. Also I'm going to cut it shorter on her body, do I use the clippers in the direction of her back end or up towards her head? I cut her brothers hair all the time, but he's so simple to do. I use the clippers all over to shorten it short and then use the small clipper to trim the hair on his ears and head area, and then I use the scissors to trim his beard. Oh, gee I hope I do a good job on Tila. Oh yeah do i bathe her and then cut her or cut her then bathe her? Is there a big difference between cutting fur than hair? Thank you. I'll be cutting her tomorrow.

Go to youtube.com and type in grooming yorkies--there are many to look at that might help you out----hope everything goes well--post a picture of b4 and after ;)

I was nervous too..But now I would never take them to a groomer!!

Bathe first then blow dry .. don't know why but you seem to cut dog hair when it is dry and human hair when it is wet:confused:

Not sure about the topknot length I guess depends on what look you are going for.

Depending on how much hair I plan on cutting off, I will cut first then bathe. No reason to bath all that hair that is going to get off, plus having re comb out the tangles.

The face and topknot is totally how you want it to look. I part the hair at the base of the neck on the back to determine what I should leave long (in my case). In my 2, that hair is a different color than the body so it is easy to see.

I have used the clippers both ways depending if I want to get a shorter cut. I take the combs off and use the #40 blade for the belly area. I have watched a couple of dvds and the all said not to touch the bum with the razor. I guess it freaks them out. I will cut the fly away hairs with the razor then scissor more precisely.

Good luck, I was and still get nervous each time (as I was never formally trained, just "on the job training" lol. You'll do just fine. :) Post pictures, before and after.

i know this is an old thread but i just wanted to shout it from the rooftops (but i can't cuz it's snowing:rolleyes:) that i cut princess' hair all by myself! lol. i've been trimming it the past few months with scissors because i like a little longer in the winter, and reallllly short otherwise. well since i just can't trust a groomer (i was @ her reg. one & believe i heard her hit or otherwise hurt a dog as "discipline"...she turned white as a sheet once she realized i was there, and we haven't been back....i trusted her for almost a year, now how will i ever trust anyone new?)
anyways, i bought some clippers, they were about the price of one full grooming and went to town! princess was perfect at tolerating it all and trust me that is a miracle! now her hair is soooo silky smooth (no, it's not bare skin:p). so for those of you that may doubt yourselves, believe me, if i can do it ANYONE can!
i used the "blended" tip, since that was the shortest and that proved to be the best one. then i trimmed her head, belly, legs, butt with scissors and have to try to do her feet tomorrow because that she wont tolerate! then when they do her surgery monday they said they will clip her nails for me. now if i can just get MY hair dyed tomorrow i'll be all set. ;)

Way to go.....

Awesome. :) Do you have any pics of your baby in her new cut? Since starting this thread I have also done Tila's hair many times. I'm no longer nervous, she doesn't give me any trouble at all. She's awesome. I'm not the greatest groomer, but still working on it. :)

Good for you!!

here are a couple, i've taken her back in the bathroom for a lil snip here and there...but i think i'm getting the just of it. ;)