Groomer shares at-home grooming secrets

Professional grooming is just one part of a dog's overall care routine. The maintenance owners provide at home is equally vital for a dog's comfort, health, and coat condition, according to a professional groomer.

Rachel Colant, a professional dog groomer with over 14 years of experience, states that consistent at-home care prevents small issues from becoming big problems. Simple habits like brushing, checking ears and eyes, and monitoring the skin and coat are essential. She emphasizes that grooming is also about building a bond with your dog.

Build Positive Grooming Associations

Helping a dog feel comfortable with the grooming process is crucial. Colant recommends introducing tools like clippers during calm, positive moments such as mealtime. Let the dog become familiar with the sound first. Once comfortable, allow them to sniff and explore the clippers before using them on sensitive areas like the paws or face.

Taking time to build these associations can reduce anxiety. Colant says her own dog is so excited for their grooming routine that she can barely keep her off the table.

Invest in the Right Tools

Quality grooming tools make the process easier and safer for both the owner and the dog. When choosing clippers, Colant prioritizes reliability, comfort, and cordless performance with good battery life. She values tools that are lightweight and well-balanced for comfortable handling.

One of her favorite tools is the Wahl Professional Bravura2. She describes it as lightweight, quiet, and versatile. It is suitable for detail work around the face and paws as well as full-body trims using guide combs. While professional groomers rely on such tools daily, Colant notes these qualities can also benefit pet owners performing basic maintenance at home.

Avoid Common At-Home Mistakes

Grooming at home strengthens the bond with your dog, but owners should avoid several common errors.

Don’t Groom a Dirty Dog. Colant identifies this as a major mistake. Professional groomers work on clean, dry coats because clean hair is easier to cut, produces a better finish, and is healthier for the coat and equipment. Always start with a clean, dry coat before brushing out tangles or attempting any trimming.

Use the Right Tools. Using brushes or combs not designed for a dog's specific coat type makes grooming more difficult and less effective. Colant advises owners to ask their professional groomer for tool recommendations if unsure.

Don’t Avoid the Tricky Bits. The areas owners often avoid need the most attention. Pay extra care to parts of the body exposed to dirt or friction. Regularly brush underneath collars and harnesses, and focus on the armpits and inner thighs where mats tend to form. Keep the face, eyes, mouth, and genital areas clean. Check between the toes and paw pads after walks, especially in areas with foxtails or debris. Monitor nail length, as overgrown or broken nails can cause discomfort.

Maintain a Consistent Schedule

Every dog benefits from a regular grooming schedule. The ideal frequency depends on the dog's breed, coat type, lifestyle, and the amount of at-home maintenance done. Sticking to a schedule helps prevent matting, overgrown nails, and other coat issues. A professional groomer can help establish a timetable based on a dog's individual needs.

Colant provides a quick checklist for owners to follow between professional appointments:

The most important thing, Colant concludes, is that grooming is more than keeping a dog looking cute. It is an opportunity to monitor overall health and strengthen your bond. Consistency at home and regular visits to a trusted professional groomer will help keep a dog healthy, comfortable, and looking its best.