Grooming??

[loserssaywhat]

Hi I'm asking for grooming tips essentially.
I have a Shih Tzu, he needs a trim, he's always been groomed professionally and obviously that's impossible at the moment.
He is more than happy to let me brush him, he lets me trim his top knot and tidy round his face and eyes. However I'm really terrified of using clippers and cutting his nails. I'm concerned about matting, I don't want to hurt him.
Just wondering if there are any brands of clippers that you'd recommend and any grooming tips or advice?

Do you use clippers on a shih tzu?
Have you looked on you-tube?
There will be a video on there.

I had the same problem, I bought a grooming table (cheap one from Amazon with cord loop to go round dog's belly to keep her standing up and still) and some wahl clippers (super groom) from fetch (they worked really well on my Shih tzu's hair) and watched tonnes of videos on grooming and clipper care. I got claw clippers and luckily my shih tzu has pink nails so I could trim them and stay away from the pink bit. My eldest child normally stands with our dog to hold her attention when I trim her head or facial area.

Sorry i forgot to add that your groomer might be available on the phone for advice more specific to your dog as well.

Thank you! I never even considered a grooming table that's a great idea.
I think I might be able to Facebook message my groomer and see if she has any tips.
I've watched loads of YouTube videos and they make it look so easy, I'm mostly worried about the sensitive bits and the nails as I've never attempted them before.

I am going to have to crack open the nail grinders again now the groomers are closed.

My dog has black nails so no way will I risk clippers because he isn't the most cooperative of dogs at the best of times with letting me examine him. Nail grinders are at least far less likely to result in a blood bath

I've been grooming my mini labradoodle since we got him 2 years ago a few things to help-

Brush brush brush daily. Will prevent mats from forming then you won't need to cut him short.
Have a look on YouTube for videos on grooming your breed.
As long as you are brushing using dog cutting shears at any price range is fine. First ones I brought where £20 that lasted 2 years.
Cut the main body with a slightly longer length than the legs, neck, head and underbelly- looks a bit more professional and easier to dry when dog is wet.
Curved scissors are great but not essential
You can cut with just scissors but will take w bit longer and harder to keep consistent
Brush brush brush. Can say that enough. It will stretch out the need for cuts (apart from face area)

Oh I get you. My dogs nails are black and pink! Would filing them be a better option?

Thank you for the advice, good job he loves a brush and will happily sit and let me brush him all day.

Clippers are quick to use, grinders take longer and only a tiny bit off at a time so you would need to use them more often. I do my dogs at night when he is sleepy as he 'tolerates' it better.

That's for nail clippers versus grinders.