Do you trim your dog's hair yourself or take it to a groomer?

Question

What? it's only 8

Just trying to talk to ya.

Duh? what are you 12.

Answer 1

uuummm...would neither make me a bad dog owner?!

P.S. That's true. Yikes, I gotta get the girls in bed.

Answer 2

I am a dog groomer at the vet where I work, so if I had a dog that required hair trimming of any kind, yes. Not everyone has the skills it takes to do a decent job with the clippers (one of the vets I work under should NOT be allowed near any dog with clippers unless she's clipping a wound to clean it!). If you get a puppy that requires grooming, I would suggest going to the groomers at least for the first cut and possibly a few more after the very first one. The clippers can be VERY scary for a puppy and most groomers have done enough puppy cuts that they know ways to get the pup accustomed to being groomed. If you do decide to do any sort of hair trimming on your own, invest in some quality equipment. It may seem obscenely expensive at first, but if you get good equipment to begin with and take good care of it it will last a lifetime. Also, be patient with yourself. It may take a few questionable looking trims before you get the hang of the clippers and are satisfied with your results.

Answer 3

groomers do a better job than you can do at home....i.e. they
bathe and rinse completely, check the skin, eyes, ears and everything else for signs of disease that most pet owners overlook.
As an example, today I had a dog owner bring in a cockerpoo.
First time dog owner, loves the pooch and I have been training her how to brush And Comb to the skin. Dog has watery eyes and rubs it's face on the carpet to dry itself. Face and ears were completely matted. Ears
had 1" thick matted hair on both sides of ear flap and ears were attached to the neck. Owner had been brushing, but not to skin, as all groomer see over and Over. After taking off the hair on the ear leather I found a hematoma in the ear leather from shaking it's head. We find stuff you pet people don't know about....because that is our job.

Answer 4

I have Standard Poodles, so have learned over time to groom them myself. I researched, and then selected the professional grooming equipment I'd need, along with some how-to DVDs. The investment was a lot of money, but has since paid for itself over and over! ($127 every 4 weeks, + tip, for each dog at the groomer's!)

I enjoy the grooming process, and bonding with my dogs. It's a creative outlet as well, and I so enjoy how lovely they look when I'm all done. I'm able to keep them looking great all the time with little touch ups (shave face, feet, tail base every week), which makes it easier on me than a 4-week growth.

There are professional groomer's who are willing to provide lessons, so you can learn how to groom your dog yourself, so he comes out looking polished and professionally done.

Answer 5

I take her to a groomer every 3 or 4 months.

Answer 6

I have seven dogs (3 rescues) - 2 Standard Poodles, 1 Cocker Spaniel, 1 Blind Yorkie, 3 yorkie/maltese mix, so needless to say, I have learned to be as good as a professional groomer! The poodles need major grooming every 4 weeks! I actually have gotten good enough to have regular "customers" in my friends. And I agree with someone else's answer - I have worked for and have seen professional groomers in action - not a pretty sight! You would be shocked at what goes on behind those closed doors! My dogs will never step foot in a grooming salon again!

Answer 7

I have been a professional groomer, so I don't know how to answer that, but I will tell you I have seen some really traumatic results from home grooming jobs. One person clipped off his dog's nipple, and another cut off part of her cocker's ear. Another jabbed a dog in the eye witht eh scissors. Fortunately, the vet saved the eye. Poor dog.

Answer 8

I personally bring mine to he groomer. My boy has ALOT of fur on that body of his. I dont suggest an average pet owner to do this however. Alot of times we end up getting animals in the clinic that are in need of stiches because of a at home hair cut. If you have the money, take it to a groomer.

Answer 9

To me it is just alot easier on me and my dogs to take them to the groomer. My dogs don't mind having their feet touched - but they don't like to hold still and being at the groomer puts them in a neutral place.

Answer 10

Since my dog is a bit on the hyper side, it's easier to take him to a groomer. He's less stressed and so am I.

Answer 11

we do not use a groomer. my mother once worked in a petshop where the owner also did grooming. she says that the woman was not good to the dogs, and ever since then she doesn't trust groomers. we use both the electric clippers and scissors.