Question for dog groomers about clippers...?

Question

I'm learning to groom my dog myself. I've been doing fairly well with the Andis clipper I use on my husband. My question is what is the difference between clippers for humans and clippers for animals? They seem to cost twice as much or more. Is it quieter? vibrates less? what?

Also, can you recommend a good grooming book or DVD? I have a terrier mix. I have a hard time getting the shape of her head. She looks like a Glen of Imaal Terrier.

http://www.glen-of-imaal-terrier.com/index.html

Answer 1

Professional clippers usually clip better and quicker. They usually are quieter and they usually vibrate less, and they also can take more use than the human ones that you can purchase (not the salon ones, they are comparable to the professional ones for groomers).

You will probably have to hand cut (with scissors) the head of the dog in order to get the shape. It is really hard to give good shape with clippers unless you are really experienced. I would just get a nice pair of shears (most petstores have them, and the kit may have came with one) and then just free hand it. It takes a little more work, but it looks a lot better.

Answer 2

The pet clippers are made to do heavier work than the ones used on human heads.

If one is in the business they need one that will hold up doing many dogs a day. The hair clippers for us will not stand up in long time heavy use. A groomer would have to keep buying the little clippers and in the long run be paying way too much.

The pet clippers are heavy duty where the home clipper is not. I know cause I tried getting a cheap clipper and within a few days it no longer worked.

The average price for dog grooming clippers will run about $125.00 and will last for years with proper maintenance.

Answer 3

I am a hobbyist groomer. I have groomed for about 12 yrs. I have pd for "Walmart" dog clippers...burned them out a month after I got them on thick dogs like cockers...then after $200 worth of cheap clippers, I finally pd for good ones. I like Oster, but other brands are good also. I took my son the other day to a salon, and the girl had trouble with his hair (I cut his hair, but at 10 yrs, I think it embarrasses him the "Mom" does his hair). I took her clippers from her had finished his hair. I found that her clippers vibrate a lot! My hand tingled when I finished. Dog clippers are more heavy duty than human. I would burn out human clippers like I did the cheapo's that I had in the beginning. I now own 3 pairs of Oster clippers. They are an investment, and if you plan on doing your dog for the rest of her life, get dog clippers...you can find them in Dr. Foster and Smith, and Pet Edge (they usually come with a 10 blade...used to trim hair on the belly and inside of the hind legs...hygene cut). Both have web pages. Be sure and get oil and grease (or find someone certified in your brand to service them once a yr even if you think they don't need it). Get your blades sharpened while you are at it. Also make sure your servicer (is that a word? LOL) uses products made for clippers (or sewing machines) and not products made for cars! Had a pair of clippers messed up that way...luckily I caught it before Major damage was done...only had to replace a plastic piece.

Grooming book/DVD?...You can order one online...I have found that most are old though. I would suggest going to petco or petsmart and watch through the window (some groomers will not share their secrets...they would rather make the money). I don't groom "normal". I broke (hair line fracture) my right wrist when I was 13yrs, and so I can not hold the clippers in the correct fashion, and when I worked at a grooming salon, was always getting chewed out for it, so watch the way the groomers hold the clippers. You may want to search out a breeder of the glen of imaal terrier and see if they offer a DVD on grooming that type of dog. The link you have, the dogs look natural...not grooming, just brushing...I don't know that breed of dog...sorry.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I have found clippers in dog catalogs are LESS expensive for the same models that are in "to the beauty trade" cosmetology outlets and even at the IBS show. IBS is the International Beauty Show held in NY for beauticians and they can't beat the dog catalogs for clipper prices.

What I think you are experiencing is that you have a clipper that is not strong enough for dogs and is just for trimming on people. The best Andies are pretty close in size and strength to the Oster A-5 (which also comes in a two speed). Take a look on line at the Oster A-5 and see if your andies use the same blades and have the same strokes per minute.

Answer 5

There isn't really much of a different at all. They just cost more. It's like how men's jeans are twice the price as woman's jeans. Just marketing tools. If it is working for you, that's fine.

Answer 6

I groom my dog myself and there is no difference in the clippers.

check out www.petsmart.com