How To Groom A Dog

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Your Dog Will Smell Divine Once We Show You How To Groom A Dog


There are so many great reasons why you should groom your dog. Your dog will look smart, spiffy and smell pretty sweet. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your pooch. But the task can be pretty daunting – that’s why we’re going to show you how to groom a dog.


Here are the basics you’ll need to know on how to groom a dog. Feel free to print it out and keep it on the fridge for quick reference.


The task can be pretty daunting – that’s why we’re going to show you how to groom a dog.


  1. Get Everything You Need Together. There’s nothing as funny as running around, trying to find something you need, while you leave your dog in the bathtub, as he plans his escape. Avoid chasing after a soaking wet dog by getting everything you need all together. This includes brushes, combs, shampoo, conditioners, a big towel and treats for a job well done.
  2. Brush Your Dog. Before your dog hops into the bath, give his coat a good brushing. You need to get all the mats out first, because if you get them wet, these mats turn into felt. Then you’ll have no choice but to cut it out. Short-hair dogs can be brushed with a curry brush or glove. Dogs with a medium- to long-coated may need special tools like a slicker, a pin brush, or an undercoat rake. A solid brushing helps to remove loose hair and distribute oils from the skin throughout the coat. Once you are finished with the brushing, give your dog a treat for being so good.
  3. Tub Time. It’s time for your dog to get into the tub. IF your pup is skittish, you’ll want to use a suction cup-type bath lead. Take off any collars you don’t want to get wet and leave it off until the next day if possible (collar can cause sores around the neck if your dog is not fully dry). Don’t fill the tub with water, as your dog will just have to wade in dirty water. If your dog is scared of running water, try turning it on and off to get him used to the noise.
  4. Smells Like Wet Dog. Once your dog is in the tub, it’s time to get him wet. A hose attachment comes in handy, as it can get through the coat and double coat. Plus, you can get at all those awkward areas you might not be able to get at with a cup of water.
  5. Rinse, Lather, Repeat. Start shampooing at the neck and work your way down. The shampoo should be diluted, as it’s easier to rinse off. Give each area of the dog special attention by working up a lather. If your dog as a double coat, there are tools that help you work the shampoo into the coat. Finally, finish off with the head and be careful around the ears, mouth, nose and eyes.
  6. Rinse Away. Get all of the shampoo off your dog with a thorough rinse. Only when the water runs clear will you know that you’ve got it all. It’s important to get it all off, as it may cause hot spots.
  7. Towel off. If your dog has a short coat, you can let your dog dry off naturally. If you have a double-coated or long-hair dog, you’ll want to towel dry or use a blow dryer. If you’re using a blow dryer, keep it on a low setting to avoid burns. And don’t completely dry the fur – you don’t want to dry out the skin. You can also brush your dog’s fur while drying it. And get those little paws dry too, because wet paws can cause a host of fungus-related problems.
Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

More by Amy Tokic

Next