How to Groom Your Dog at Home Step by Step Grooming Tips

Ever thought about just grooming your dog at home? Sounds a little wild, right? But it’s not as intimidating as it looks. Sure, you’ll probably mess up a haircut or two at first, and maybe the nails will take some practice, but most dogs don’t really care if you go slow and stay calm. And honestly, it’s not just about saving money (though that part is real). You get some one-on-one time, you keep your pup healthier, and—without even realizing it—you end up building a lot of trust.

Professional groomers do a great job, no doubt. But there are some solid reasons to handle at least part of it at home:

It’s cheaper. Dogs with rapidly growing fur — like a Shih Tzu dog, Bichon or Poodle — need regular haircuts. Skip too many appointments and you’re contending with mats that pull at the skin and hurt. Learning to manage the basics at home means fewer emergency trips and less stress on your wallet.

It’s healthier. Dirt, dead hair, and other things you may not even want to think about, like fleas or ticks, are removed by brushing. Bathing removes allergens your dog collects from the big, bad outdoors. Short nails are key to happy feet and no painful limps. Even cleaning ears helps stop infections before they start. And, while you’re at it, you’ll often spot little things (like a lump, rash, or sore) that wouldn’t have been on your radar otherwise.

It builds trust. Some dogs hate being handled at the groomer’s because it’s a stranger. At home, you set the pace. A nervous Chihuahua or a big shaggy Retriever will both learn that your hands mean comfort, not stress. That alone makes it worth the effort.

You don’t need a full salon setup, but a few basics make all the difference:

1. A brush and comb that actually work for your dog’s coat. Slicker brushes for double coats, pin brushes for medium hair, rubber curry brushes for short coats.
2. Dog shampoo. Not yours. Human shampoo dries their skin out, no matter how “gentle” it says it is.
3. Scissors and clippers. Pet-safe ones, not craft scissors or your old beard trimmer.
4. Nail clippers or a grinder, sized for your pup.
5. Towels—more than you think you’ll need.
6. Ear cleaner and cotton pads.

Pro tip: brush your dog before the bath. Wet mats are ten times harder to fix.

Tools You Will Need for Grooming

• A brush and comb matched to your breed’s coat. (Got a double-coated dog? A slicker brush is your new best friend.)
• Dog shampoo—don’t even think about using human stuff.
• Scissors and clippers for trims. Wondering how to cut a dog’s hair? Start slow, and always use pet-safe tools.
• Nail trimmers that are the right size for your pup.
• A stash of towels—more than you think you’ll need.
• An ear cleaning solution and cotton pads.

Setting Up the Right Space for Grooming

Find a place that’s quiet and bright enough for you to see what you’re doing. The kitchen floor is usually fine since it’s wipeable, although we’d put down a towel or something because you probably don’t want your dog slithering all over the place. If they’re still buzzing with energy, a quick walk helps take the edge off before you even try. Allow them to sniff the clippers or brush, perhaps bring the clippers near and turn them on for a second so they don’t find the sound shocking. A treat here and there keeps the whole thing lighter. It’s not so much about “getting it done” as it is about being a source of calm yourself, because if you’re hurried and tense, they will be too.

Brushing

Brushing is the foundation. For thick or long-haired dogs—Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels—it’s non-negotiable. Check behind the ears, under the belly, and around the tail. That’s where mats hide. Huskies and Shepherds will blow their coats seasonally, so brushing then isn’t optional unless you want tumbleweeds of fur around your house.

Bathing

Use lukewarm water. Too hot dries their skin; too cold just makes them miserable. Wet the coat thoroughly, lather with a dog-safe shampoo (oatmeal or aloe are good if they have sensitive skin), and rinse longer than you think. Shampoo residue can cause itching or dryness. Avoid the ears and eyes—soap burns.

Nail Trimming

The step most owners dread. Find a bright spot so you can see the quick inside the nail. On light nails, it’s easy—it’s the pink part. Dark nails? Trim tiny bits at a time, checking the inside of the nail as you go. If it starts to look chalky or lighter, stop there. And if you cut too far and it bleeds, don’t panic—keep styptic powder or even cornstarch nearby to stop bleeding fast.

Ear Cleaning

Floppy-eared breeds like Spaniels or Labs are magnets for infections. Use a vet-approved ear solution—nothing homemade with vinegar or alcohol. Apply it to a cotton pad, not a swab, and wipe only the parts you can see. If your dog shakes its head afterward, that’s good—it helps loosen deeper gunk. Don’t dig down; that’s a vet’s job.

Teeth Brushing

Dental health gets overlooked, but it matters just as much as nails or ears. Use dog toothpaste (chicken, beef, or peanut butter flavors are easier sells). Start with short sessions—just a few teeth at a time. Daily brushing is best, but even twice a week makes a difference. Can’t manage brushing? Dental chews help, but they’re not a replacement.

Hair Trimming

Use clippers that run quietly—loud buzzing scares a lot of dogs. Trim slowly, little by little, and focus on practical areas like the paws, face, and sanitary spots. Shih Tzus, Maltese, and other long-haired breeds will need more regular trims to stay comfortable. If you want a fancy poodle cut? Honestly, let a pro handle that.

Using human shampoo. It strips oils and leaves your dog itchy.

Skipping prep. Cutting nails without calming your dog first is asking for trouble.

Over-cleaning ears. Once a week at most for floppy ears, and even less for pointy ones. Too much cleaning irritates the ear canal.

Bathing before brushing out mats. Wet mats are almost impossible to untangle and painful for your dog.

Reward constantly. A small treat after each nail, a scratch under the chin after ear cleaning—it builds positive associations.

Break it up. Do brushing one day, nails the next. Short, calm sessions beat one long, stressful one.

Stick to a routine. Dogs love predictability. Weekly or monthly grooming on the same schedule helps reduce anxiety.

DIY has limits. Severe matting close to the skin, chronic skin infections, or dogs that get aggressive during grooming should be handled by professionals. Vets and experienced groomers have the tools—and sometimes the extra hands—needed to keep your dog safe.

Grooming your dog at home doesn’t need to look perfect. Nobody’s judging the haircut. What really matters is that your dog feels good—clean, comfortable, cared for. The fancy show-dog stuff is for pros; at home, it’s more about health and love. You’ll get better with practice, and your dog will get used to the routine. Toss in some patience, a couple of clumsy tries, and a pocket full of treats, and it slowly stops feeling like a job and turns into time you actually enjoy together.