Dog Care Module 1 Lesson 3 Summary Notes
Dog Care Module 1 Lesson 3 Summary Notes
and Nutrition
Equip yourself
Module 1 Lesson 3
Summary Notes
2 www.shawacademy.com
Contents
3 Introduction
3 Lesson outcomes
7 Grooming equipment
16 Conclusion
16 Additional resources
17 References
Lesson outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Practical lesson outcome : Identification of the various grooming equipment and what function they deliver as well as
how to use the specific equipment and the maintenance thereof.
Introduction
The popular UK band, The Beatles once sang a song “All you need is love”, but when it comes to a dog then there are some
alternative factors that play an important role in caring for a dog.
In this lesson, you will learn the important facts when it comes to caring for a dog, and one of those factors is dog
grooming. We will discuss how to create a safe working/grooming environment and because you are working with a live
animal it is important to take measures to protect yourself as a groomer. You will be introduced to the variety of
equipment needed to groom as well as the use and maintenance thereof.
There are no bad dogs, only bad owners who did not provide the correct training for their dogs.
We have discussed the factor in caring for a dog, but to care for a dog you will be needing some additional items.
During lesson 2 we discussed the various illnesses and diseases that can occur if a dog’s health is not looked after
correctly. By obtaining the following treatments you will reduce the risk of your canine friend contracting a common
health issue.
Regular treatments:
• Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas.
• Injections to protect against serious diseases: check with your vet.-For example Rabies, Heartworm, Lupus just to
name a few
• Regular teeth checkups by the vet
• Optional: Neutering.
• Optional: Microchip implanting
Safety in a parlour
It’s a huge responsibility to be trusted with someone’s beloved companion, and you need to make sure that you take every
step possible to keep their pets protected and safe during the grooming process. Let us have a look at some safety rules.
• Keep doors closed- Always make sure that when you welcome your canine client that you close the door behind
them. Dogs can wiggle their way out of their owner’s arms or their leash, and run out of the parlour. This could
lead to horrible accidents or a dog getting lost
• Keep dogs separate- You are working with a variety of dog temperaments, so dogs must be kept separate at all
times, even when you move them from the drying section to the grooming section. Dogs can be placed in the
same crate if told by the dog owner
• Check for items in crates- Before you place a dog in a crate, check if there is any object in the crate or items that
can injure the dogs, for example, sharp edges, paint coming off, exposed nails, or wire. Dogs can cut themselves
open with an exposed nail or wire.
• Ensure your crate is durable- Some dogs like to chew, whether it is a chew toy, your favourite shoes, or the crate
at the groomer. You will be amazed at what dogs can chew through
• Remove collar and leash when placing the dog in the crate
• Never leave a dog unattended- Especially when on the grooming table. Dogs can jump off and hurt themselves
• Sanitise frequently- Germs can spread easily and that is why it is important to sanitise the floors frequently, the
crates, equipment, grooming area, and bathing area after each dog
• Maintenance of equipment- Before you start grooming ensure that your scissors are sharpened, no blades are
chipped, no brushes are damage, and electrical clippers and dryers are in a working order
• Muzzle aggressive dogs- When grooming an aggressive dog, it is important to keep the dog safely muzzles to
ensure the safety of the groomer and keep them separate from other dogs to avoid accidents
• Indemnity forms- I would suggest that you have an indemnity for elderly dogs, disabled dogs, and dogs with
health issues that the owners should sign due to their dogs being at high risk when grooming. Accidents can
happen, so it is important to cover yourselves
• Dog and human first aid kit- As I have mentioned before accidents can happen easily, from a groomer being
bitten to a dog getting nicked with clippers. Always have a valid first aid kit available to address these incidents
• Ensure environment safety- Ensure that your whole parlour/ working space is safe for example no open
electrical wires, no wet and slippery floors, no damaged exterior, no damage interior and the temperature inside
the parlour isn’t too hot or too cold
We have discussed safety in a parlour, but what if you groom your fur baby at home? We will now look at some safety tips
when grooming at home.
After grooming your pup, reward them by giving them a healthy treat. I am sure he will remember that treat and be very
well-behaved in the next grooming session.
1. Never get too comfortable- Always remember that a bite is possible. Make sure that you are outside of the bite
range whether you are grooming them, bathing them, or simply moving them from one place to another
2. Be aware of any changes in the dog’s behaviour- A dog’s behaviour will indicate when it is safe to touch or
groom him and when to stay clear or use a muzzle. Some signs that a dog is feeling distressed or threatened are
excessive panting, pacing, freezing of movement, ears pinned back, crouching, hair standing on their back,
growling, or showing their teeth, yawning, lip licking, and wild eyes looking all around
3. Never leave the dogs unattended- Dogs can jump off the grooming table and injure themselves or run away
when not attended to
4. Stay focused while grooming- This means that you are not to answer your phone, read nor send any messages
or anything ells that may distract you. You are working with a live animal and accidents can occur when not
focused
5. Be careful around a dog’s eyes- Use tearless shampoo around the face to avoid a burning sensation in the dog’s
eyes
6. Monitor the temperature of the dryer- If the dryer’s temperature is not monitored it could get too hot and burn
the dogs’ skin. Place the dryer on a low speed and temperature to not frighten the dog, increase speed and
temperature progressively
7. Monitor the heat of the clippers- Clipper blades can get warm after being in use for a while which could lead to
clipper burns on the dog
8. Introduce the dog to equipment slowly and cautiously- You don’t want to startle them, so be gentle and move
steadily. Calmly talk to the dog to let it know that you know what you are doing and that you’re still there. Usually,
it’s your calm voice that soothes them
9. Wear proper grooming gear- By wearing the proper gear while grooming will reduce the risk of injury or
accidents. We will discuss the correct grooming gear later in this lesson
Groomers workwear:
A dog’s safety is important but so is yours. We will now look at workwear, safety gear, and some wardrobe tips for when
grooming.
First, let us look at what you will be needing when grooming as well as some safety gear:
• Non-slip shoes- A groomer's shoes should offer comfortable support, water-resistant and non-skid soles. If there
is one item to splurge on, shoes are it
• Waterproof apron- Working in damp clothes, covered in hair is not ideal and could lead to chafing and rashes,
but a waterproof apron keeps things dry and comfortable. Choose an apron with pockets to hold scissors, combs,
and small brushes
• Face mask- Face masks keeps hair from entering your mouth. Wearing a face mask throughout the grooming
process is optional, but I would recommend wearing a face mask when drying
• Grooming jacket- You can easily slip it off when you take a break between clients or you need to leave the shop for
a few moments. A grooming jacket will keep your clothes free from hair
• Waterproof pants- Because you are working with water and hair all day waterproof pants can keep you dry and
clean from dog hairs
• Gloves- Washing dogs all day long can really damage the hands. Protective gloves help protect the skin from
repeated exposure to water, shampoo, and parasite products
• Eye protection- Dog hairs will fly around you all day and sometimes it gets stuck in your eyes which sucks,
wearing goggles will protect your eyes from that happening. I will suggest wearing goggles while drying,
especially when drying double-coated dogs like your Huskies
Wardrobe tips:
I know we all would like to look beautiful at work, but when it comes to dog grooming it is not that easy. Due to my
experience of being in the dog grooming industry, I have learned over the years what to wear and what not to wear. Let us
have a look at what not to wear while grooming.
• Make-up- Dogs intend to shake while in the bath leading to the water going everywhere, including your face
which will cause your mascara to run. Hair will also stick to your mascara and face foundation which is very
irritating and uncomfortable. If you have to wear foundation place a powder over it to make your face less sticky
• Body creams- Dog hairs will stick to you like glue causing you to ich
• Loose hair- Rather tie up your hair if you have long hair or wear a headband when you have bangs. There should
be nothing obstructing your vision or concentration
• Jewellery- Your jewellery can get damaged due to you working with water all day or even injure a dog or yourself
Grooming equipment
Correct grooming equipment when grooming
There is a variety of grooming equipment to choose from to make grooming easier. We will first have a look at some of the
best grooming brands available to choose from.
• Andis
• Oster
• Wahl
• Babyliss
Enter the following address into your Google search bar to view the best dog grooming clipper:
https://petlifetoday.com/best-dog-grooming-clippers/
Firstly, what is the difference between and Fine Tooth Blade vs a Skip Tooth?
A fine tooth blades give a finer, finishing look. Fine tooth blades are distinguished by the letter “F” that is visible on the
blade after the number, for example, 4F, 7F, 3F.
A skip tooth blade helps feed the hair into the cutting blade more effectively plus it is good for a rough cut. A skip tooth
leaves the dog’s coat with a more layered look but it still looks neat and tidy.
Carbon-infused steel claims to stay sharper for longer and a chrome finishing offers more rust resistance. Some blade
brands use silver, because of its antibacterial properties.
Steel Ceramic
Different Edging
Dog clipper blades also come in different “edging” which leads to a different outcome.
• Ultra Edge Blades offers a harder cutting surface and helps to extend the life span of the blade
• Ceramic Edge is supposed to stay sharper for longer and it is also designed to resist heat so the blades will stay
cooler longer
• Show Edge Blades are designed to create the smoothest possible finish, leaving no tracks on the hair
Scissors
During dog grooming you would require these basic scissors which are:
Straight Scissors
Straight scissors are most commonly used. They are available from 4” to 10”. The smaller scissors from 4” are used for
precision work, for example around the feet, at the eyes and to cut the tip of the ears.
Curved Scissors
Curved scissors are also available in various sizes. Curved scissors are used to cut the top of the head, to shape a round
face, round beads, and to cut and style Poodle pom-poms and tail.
Thinning Scissors
These scissors are used to thin out the coat. I love to use thinning scissors to shape beards and faces.
Blenders
Blenders have one serrated edge and one side is smooth like a normal pair of scissors. Blenders are used for styling and
modeling
Sometimes the curly coat has so much hair and it is so thick that it is difficult to get to the skin, here it is useful to work
with the chunkers.
Brushes
For basic grooming you would require the following brushes and combs:
Bristle brush- Bristle types vary from soft to firm and from
long to short. A short, soft bristle is best for dogs with
short, fine hair. Long, firm bristles are best for dogs with
thick, coarse hair.
Wire Pin brush- are best for dogs with medium to long
hair.
Dryers
In this slide, we will have a look at the different drying equipment as well as additional tools need in grooming.
A handheld hair dryer is fine when grooming at home but when you turn grooming into a profession you will need more
drying power at your fingertips to shorten the drying period.
• A handheld hair dryer- I use the handheld hair dryer to dry the dogs face because it doesn’t make a loud noise and
it does not frighten the dogs
This dryer enables you to have the use of both your This is my workhorse, it gets used all day long. It has
hands so that you can brush the coat and dry it variable speed controls to give you complete control
simultaneously. over airflow, it includes a hose and 2 blower tips for
drying in those hard to reach places.
Cage dryer
Clipper Maintenance:
• The lever/blade drive assembly causes the blade to move back and forth to create the cutting action. When the
lever/blade drive assembly is worn, it is time for a replacement
• The motor carbon brushes are located on the lower portion of the clipper housing. If your clipper begins to run
slower than usual, check the brushes for wear. When clipper brushes are worn to half their original length it is
time for a replacement
• If clipper blades seem to be loose or release during cutting, the latch may need replacing
• Remove and Examine- Place your thumb on the blade latch release and push in. Then remove the blade from the
latch. Examine the blade socket and rail guide for wear and inspect the cutter and comb for proper alignment
• Clean- Remove excess dirt and hair with a bristle brush. Submerge only the clipper blade in a bowl of blade wash
solution and run the clipper for five to eight seconds. Remove the blade from the clipper and lay on a towel to dry
• Oil and Disinfect- Once dry, hold the clipper blade side down and spray with a disinfecting spray. Place a few
drops of clipper oil between the upper and lower blades while the motor is running. As it is running, the excess oil
and hair will run off the clipper blade. Turn off the clipper and dab the blade with a paper towel or dry cloth
• Sharpen- For clipper and blade reconditioning and sharpening, consult the manufacturer or professionals
Scissor maintenance
Maintenance of your grooming equipment is important, here are a few steps in maintaining your scissor which will result in
a longer life span.
• Clean and disinfect your scissors after each use- By cleaning your scissors I mean to remove the excess hair
between the blades and clean your blades with a formula specifically created for dog grooming tools. Make sure
your scissors are dry before you store it
• Lubricate your scissors- apply a drop of oil to the joint of the scissors. Open and close the blade a few times to
work in the oil, then wipe the blades clean
• Use your scissors for purpose use only
• Store your scissors-Scissors needs to be stored in a cool, free from humidity, dry, and dust-free area
• Have your scissor sharpened by a professional
Conclusion
Until now you’ve have increased your understanding of what it takes to be a dog groomer. We had a look at the basics of a
dog’s anatomy and learned how to identify common skin problems, common illnesses, and diseases. We had a look at the
importance of a dog’s health and nutrition and what a dog needs to be healthy and happy.
You have now gained knowledge of the important factors when it comes to caring for a dog and I have introduced you to the
various equipment you will require when grooming, whether it is grooming your fur babies at home or in a grooming parlour.
Equipment can be very expensive that is why we spoke about the importance of equipment maintenance. We have come to
the end of lesson 3 of “Equip yourselves”. In lesson 4 we will learn how to read a dog’s body language and how to handle a
dog while grooming. I hope to see you in lesson 4 called” Doggy body language”
Additional resources
Top clippers available: https://petlifetoday.com/best-dog-grooming-clippers/
References
• Lifehack. 2020. 7 Factors To Consider Before Becoming A Pet Owner. [online] Available at:
<https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/7-factors-to-consider-before-becoming-a-pet-owner.html>.
• Streetdirectory.com. 2020. How To Take Care Of A Dog: 21 Key Factors You Should Know. [online]
Available at:
<https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/30047/pets/how_to_take_care_of_a_dog_21_key_fact
ors_you_should_know.html>.
• Johnson, D., 2020. Ten Tips For Taking Care Of Your Dog – Iditarod. [online] Iditarod.com. Available at:
<https://iditarod.com/ten-tips-for-taking-care-of-your-dog/>.
• 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.petbusiness.com/archives/safety-tips-for-grooming-
salons/article_a5e6ca12-1785-5437-bdd1-a07b74d5077d.html>.
• NATALIES DOG GROOMING PLYMOUTH. 2020. Dog Safety Procedures In Our Salon - Natalies Dog
Grooming Centre. [online] Available at: <https://www.nataliesdoggrooming.co.uk/safety/>.
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<https://www.advantagepetcare.com.au/au/health/seven-tips-grooming-your-dog-home/>.
• PETA. 2020. The Do's And Don'ts Of Grooming Your Dog At Home | PETA. [online] Available at:
<https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/dogs-home-grooming/>.
• Advantage Insurance Solutions. 2020. 13 Very Important Safety Tips For Dog Groomers | Advantage
Insurance Solutions In Denver, Colorado. [online] Available at: <https://www.teamais.net/blog/13-very-
important-safety-tips-for-dog-groomers/>.
• Dogs.lovetoknow.com. 2020. [online] Available at: <https://dogs.lovetoknow.com/dog-grooming-
apparel>.
• DIY Dog Grooming. 2020. Dog Clipper Blades | DIY Dog Grooming. [online] Available at:
<https://diydoggrooming.com/clipper-blades/>.
• Transgroom - Pet Care Professionals. 2020. The Different Types Of Dog Grooming Scissors. [online]
Available at: <https://transgroom.com/en/blogs/the-different-types-of-dog-grooming-scissors-straight-
scissors-curved-scissors-thinning-scissors-blenders-and-chunkers>.
• The Spruce Pets. 2020. 5 Must-Have Dog Grooming Supplies For All Dog Owners. [online] Available at:
<https://www.thesprucepets.com/supplies-for-basic-dog-grooming-1118619>.
• Groomers-online.com. 2020. Scissor Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners | Groomers | Blog. [online]
Available at: <https://www.groomers-online.com/blog/2013/04/scissor-maintenance-tips-for-pet-
owners/>.
• Revival Animal Health. 2020. Pet Clipper And Blade Maintenance. [online] Available at:
<https://www.revivalanimal.com/pet-health/clipper-and-blade-maintenance/learning-center>.