Adjust for fur between your dog’s toes
You can clip the long hair between the toes of your dog by pulling the fur straight up between the toes. It is much easier to do this than to try to clip between the toes. You are also less likely to accidentally cut your dog’s fur or cause clipper burn.
When your dog is anxious or nervous, pairing the sound of the clippers and a tasty reward can help reassure him.
Long-coated dogs may also have fur that is long around their eyes and muzzle. Your professional groomer can use round safety tip scissors to trim these areas. You can trim the hair with round safety tip scissors if your dog doesn’t seem too head-shy. You may wish to leave this aspect of grooming up to the professionals if your dog is not comfortable with being scissored by his face. You can use a towelette moistened with water and a fine-tooth comb to keep the fur on your dog’s head clean.
Wire Coats
Wire coated breeds include fox terriers , Scottish terriers , and cairn Terriers. Some breeds are actually wire coated. This includes dachshunds and German wirehair pointers.
Brush Out the Fur
Wire-coated dogs should be brushed using both a slicker and a stripping brush.
Trim Hair Debris and Tangles
Wirehair dogs tend to grow a “beard” around their muzzle. It may be necessary to use a pair round safety tip scissors to remove any food particles or tangles in their water bowl. Pull the fur from your dog’s face with a fine-tooth comb (such as a flea-comb) and then snip it off using a pair round safety tip scissor. As with long-haired dogs, be cautious when using scissors around the dog’s face. If your dog doesn’t want his beard cut, you should clean it as much as you can before you take him to the groomer.
Use an electric clipper or comb to cut hair, then shave legs
You can use snap-on guide combs and electric clippers to clip your dog’s coat if it is longer or matted. Begin by working your way down the back of your dog, from the shoulder blades to the tail. Continue slowly around the sides of your dog and up to his chest/belly. Then, using the clippers, move from the shoulder/hip region down to the paws.