We all enjoy getting a nice haircut every now and then. It just feels so refreshing and pleasant, especially if we didn't go to the hairdresser for a long time. Now imagine how dogs must feel when they finally get rid of that long, thick coat after trimming. I bet they absolutely love the sensation.

Unfortunately, sometimes we can't take them to the groomer when they need it, usually due to a lack of free time or the distance between us and the shop or some unexpected problems that occurred. But that's not really fair, dogs need to be groomed regularly, they deserve it.

So why not do it by yourself? Clipping the coat of your own dog shouldn't be that complicated, right?

Yes, all you need is a brush, clippers, a comb, and some old cloths or towels to put under the dog and you're good to go. If you don't think your current set of clippers is up to par for the job, you can learn more about the ins and outs of what to look for in your next pair of trimmers at www.petfashionweek.com/dog-grooming-clippers.

Having said that, let's see how can you groom your matted or long-haired dog with a pair of clippers for thick dog hair.

Preparation

If you decide to groom your dog by yourself, then start doing it when the dog is still a puppy. This way it will get accustomed to the sound of clippers and their scent, as well as their appearance more easily. If you wait until it gets older then you may hit a brick wall if the dog decides that it doesn't like the concept of hair clipping and refuses to cooperate.

Try to gather as much information as possible, regarding your dog breed and the grooming standards for it. Seek tips and tricks in books, on the internet, or even from professional groomers if you have the chance for it.

Start clipping

Before you start clipping your dog's hair, first make sure that there are no mats or entangled bits of hair on the coat. If you find some, try to brush them gently in order to untangle them. Whatever you do, do not try to cut them by yourself because you'll most likely hurt the dog. That's a job for a professional, experienced groomer.

After you've checked for mats and saw that there were none present, check the clippers blades. They must be sharp or they'll pull the hair instead of cutting it. While clipping, pay attention to the temperature of the clippers since they can get very hot and burn your dog. After you've finished cutting the hair, brush your dog thoroughly so that all loose strands fall out.

Enjoy the grooming and good luck!