Q&A for How to Shave Your Dog

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Can you shave your dog yourself?

Marie Lin
Licensed Pet Groomer
Marie Lin is a Licensed Pet Groomer and the Owner of Marie's Pet Grooming, a grooming salon based in New York City. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. She earned her pet grooming certification from the American Academy of Pet Grooming New York in 2009 and is also a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hawaii Pacific University in 2007.

Marie Lin

Licensed Pet Groomer

Expert Answer

If you don't have professional grooming experience, it's not advisable to shave your own dog—it's much harder than it looks! Dogs need to be groomed in the right environment and with the right set of tools, tables, and equipment.

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Question

Does the razor go with the tines up or down?

Community Answer

Up, or opposite the direction that the hair is lying. You want to shave upward against the fall, not with it. Going down, or "with the grain," won't do much of anything.

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Question

How do I do the paws?

Community Answer

Take very small scissors and trim down the hair around the paws making sure to keep your dog calm. However, you don't need to trim his paws.

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Question

How can I shave a dog who is hyper or anxious?

Community Answer

Take your dog to a professional groomer.

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Question

Did you know #5 and #10 contradict each other in the pictures? You said, "shave with the grain" and then you show the exact opposite in picture 10.

Meagan Jewett

Community Answer

Number 5 is an example of how not to shave the dog. I see why you got confused, though.

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