There’s many factors to take in consideration before you decide which are the best grooming tools to buy for dogs. Do you just want to groom your own dog every six or seven weeks, or do you want to work commercially, grooming a variety of dogs every day?

If you intend grooming large numbers of dogs you will need to invest in a more comprehensive range of good quality tools and equipment to withstand heavy use.

How do I know which are the best grooming tools to buy for dogs?

Grooming is very physical work and you may find some techniques difficult if you have limited mobility in your wrists, elbows or shoulders. With this in mind, we have covered the various options of tool design available to help you work more comfortably, safely and efficiently.

Consider the following points:

• It has to suit your personally and feel comfortable for you to use and operate. If you have small hands, bulky clippers and large heavy scissors will make life very difficult for you. Similarly, if you have restricted wrist, elbow or shoulder movement, you should choose equipment that makes allowances for your lack of mobility.
• The most expensive or the most popular item is not necessarily the best buy for you personally.
• Each tool or piece of equipment will have umpteen different designs and varations that all do the same job. Buy the design most suited to you. You certainly do not need all of them!
• Do not buy tools or equipment just because someone has told you they are the best. Try each one out for yourself and make up your own mind. If you intend buying online, try before you buy: either go to a dog show where the equipment will be on display, or ask for “sale on approval” so that you can handle the tools before you commit yourself.

How much will I have to spend?

Whether you are grooming your own dog or starting a business, you need to work to a realistic budget. Decide on the budget you have to play with and what your spending priorities are. Try to ensure that your money is well spent and that your purchases dovetail with your immediate requirements.

Any tools and equipment that you buy will need to pay for themselves sooner rather than later, and if you plan to work commercially this has to be accounted for in your outgoings.

To begin with, your grooming business may be slow to take off because it takes time to build up your confidence, develop your skills and establish a client base.

The cost of tools can vary considerably between suppliers and manufacturers; in many cases you can make savings by changing your supplier or selecting a different design.

The importance of buying tools that are well suited to you cannot be overstated. Beware of items that look good or have an attractive price tag: it does not matter what it costs – if you don’t get on with it, it is money wasted!

Do I have to buy it all at once? Or just buy the essentials?

This depends on why you are buying the equipment. If it is for the purpose of grooming your own dogs, you may find that you can put the purchase of certain tools on hold.

For instance, if you plan to regularly clip your dog and you are buying your tools in the summer, you can get away with buying just the clipper blades that you require for a summer trim, leaving the acquisition of winter-length blades until you need them.

If you are beginning a commercial grooming venture, you need to equip yourself for the variety of work that you will be dealing with on a daily basis; the essentials are therefore a must, and anything extra is a matter of matching up your needs and your budget.

You may, for example, wish to purchase equipment that you do not anticipate using straight away, especially if you are offered a very good deal on a large order.

Buy wisely and treat your tools and equipment as an investment.

When you have drawn up your’ shopping list’, shop around and find yourself a supplier who is both helpful and reliable and provides excellent after-sales support. If you plan to work commercially, you cannot afford to be without your equipment for too long should it need to be replaced, repaired or sharpened.

Tips for Left and Right Handed Groomers

When you first start learning to use your tools, they may feel awkward and you will need to practise your technique in order to develop fluency of movement and proficiency in their use.

Because it is all new to you, this may be a good time to try using tools in your opposite hand. Regular practice will allow you to develop a reasonable standard of dexterity so that whilst grooming very large dogs, or should you hurt your operating hand, you can spread the strain and workload between your two hands.

Brushing and combing is the most physical part of the job but these skills and the equipment are easily adapted to both hands.

Scissoring may be a bit more difficult, and scissors are designed specifically for the hand you are using. You can give it a try by turning the scissors over in your hand as you swap hands so that you are exerting pressure on the opposite blade.