This is Taylar's Shih Tzu, Brody. He is going to be helping us through this module. Brody is three years old. He loves long walks on the beach, barking at squirrels, and duck treats . He hates baths, the word 'come', and wearing dog clothes. Brody gets a DIY Kennel Cut once every six weeks.
Kennel Cut
Teddy Bear Trim
Breed Trim
Show Trim
Kennel Cut – Also known as a Puppy Cut. This is a typical shave down​, with generally a​ ​1/2 inch of hair or less left on their body. ​All hair will generally be the same length. These are a favorite since ​kennel cuts are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and can look very stylish​.
Teddy Bear Trim – This style makes your dog look like an adorable teddy bear cub. Normally the hair is left a 1/2 inch or longer, first using clippers, then ​scissoring the dog for a flawless finish. ​Teddy bears can ​take a lot of upkeep but keep your dog looking like a puppy.
Breed Trims – Each breed has their own specialty trim with their own set of rules​. These are usually ​modified show dog ​trims meant for everyday pet owners.
Show Trims – ​Officially recognized ​​breeds each have a specialty trim ​that follow strict show dog standards. These are the most difficult to maintain generally and are used for show dogs, retired show dogs, or owners who really want their ​breed to be instantly recognizable​.
For our first groom, we will be performing the Kennel Cut because it is the easiest style for beginners to achieve.
First, you will need to make a decision on the length of Kennel Cut that you want; 1 to 2 inches is common. Brody currently has a 1.5 inch cut.
We recommend using clippers with No. 4 inch blade in the winter, and a No. 5 blade in the summer.
A kennel cut gives your dog a clean, easy to maintain haircut. Most dogs take to having a kennel cut pretty well, as your dog will feel lighter, cleaner, and cooler with a short all over cut. Rural and farm dogs are often trimmed this way, so that mud, water, and underbrush do not become a problem for their fur coat. This practical style can be used on various coats and breeds and it looks adorable, making it one of the most commonly asked for haircuts around.
Some dogs are nervous of the clippers and the kennel cut grooming process. To help alleviate a dog's fears, turn the clippers on and allow your dog to become comfortable with the noise before appraoching them with the clippers. Work slowly and patiently, offering pets, affirmations, and treats regularly.
A kennel cut will need to be maintained every 4-8 weeks. It is important that you reglarly check for skin conditions and remove debris. While grooming, If you notice anything irregular (rash, lumps, irritation) call your vet immediately.
Clipper need to be checked frequently when doing a short kennel cut to ensure they are not overheating, which could cause a clipper or razor burn to your dog. Check often and use coolant on the blades or take breaks if necessary to let clippers cool.
Use restraints and non-slip footing while trimming to make sure your dog is not able to move and become injured.
Grab a hair brush, comb, scissors and your de-shedding tool! It is time to get all the knots and mattes out of your dogs coat. Begin by brushing you dog, making note of any matted areas. Usually, behind the ears, around the collar, and the legs need extra attention. Return to the matted areas with your comb and lift the mattes, use scissors to cut out the mattes.
Once you have removed the majority of knots and mattes, you can go in with the de-shedding tool. The tool pictured on the left is called an 'Undercoat Rake'. This step requires extra caution, as the rake is designed with a sharp under blade to slice through mattes. It is important that you hold your pet's skin tight, ensuring that the de-shedding tool does not knick their skin. Please watch the video below before completing this step.
Step 2: Clippers
Once de-shedding is complete, your dog is ready to be clipped! It is important to remove the knots and mattes before clipping because it prevents the clippers from becoming caught in your dog's fur. As mentioned earlier, some dogs may be fearful of the clippers, especially if they are not used to being groomed. It may be a good idea to secure your dog using some form of restraint system. You may choose to purchase a grooming arm and loop, or create your own using a collar and leash.
Once your dog is secure, you will want to turn the clippers on and allow them to sit for a few moments while your dog gets accustomed to the sound. This is a good time to give your furry friend a scratch and offer some treats! Clipping instructions are provided in the video the below, where a professional groomer will teach you how to perform a Kennel Cut on a Shih Tzu using a No. 4 inch blade.
Step 3: Scissors
Straight
Universal tool
Thinning
For softening harsh cut lines
Round Tip
Prevents accidental poking
Curved Blunt Tip
For trimming nose & ears
Scissors are typically used to cut the "Face, Feet, & Fanny"...
You will need...
Clippers, Round Tip, and Curved Blunt Tip Scissors
You will need...
Straight and Thinning Scissors
You will need...
Straight and Thinning Scissors
Grab you Nail Trimming Scissors! Hold your dog's paw firmly, ensuring that they cannot pull it away. Make sure you can clearly see the Kwik before cutting. Cut well below the Kwik to prevent bleeding.
Warning: If bleeding does occur, do not panic. This happens from time to time. Keep your pet calm. Grab baking soda and mix it with a tiny bit of water, creating a paste. Apply the paste to your dog's nail. This will help with clotting. Cover with a few kleenexs and hold firmly until bleeding subsides.
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You have officially completed Module 3! Great work. In Module 4, you will begin preparing your dog for grooming. So, grab your furry friend and lots of treats. Let's dive into our training week.