Advice on clippers - keep nicking my dog!

[Catsinahat]

I currently have some Wahl Rex clippers -
mains powered. They get through my dogs fur well but have cut her twice and I’m not sure why. I have been very careful with the angle I hold them. This is without a plastic guard but with the guard raised with the handle at the side (I like a short clip)

Is it the clippers or my technique? Anyone else have this problem? When I see groomers clip they seem to be able to use them all ways and they don’t cut - I am so careful with them and seem to nick her. I’m wondering if it’s the clippers as they don’t have the plastic guard for the shortest setting.

any advice welcome. Thanks.

Groomers have training. I wouldn’t use clippers without that.

Not a groomer but I would use less pressure and always use an attachment comb. Less likely to catch the skin. (I guess depends on dogs fur)

Until you get a bit more proficient have a slightly longer cut.

Hopefully a groomer will be along to give us the tricks of the trade

always use a guard, you can get ones that only leave a few mm

I have the red wahl dog clippers and only use them with the plastic clip on guards. I use the shortest one which cuts my dogs hair really short without the worry. That said, I still have got the saggy skin on her back leg and on her chest near the top of her leg once. She's a show cocker spaniel. The most annoying thing about the clippers is that they are mains as I didn't read the description properly when I bought them and thought they were the same as a previous pair I bought.

Hello! Dog groomer here!
It could be a number of factors.
How long have you had the clippers? If you have had them a while the blade may be blunt which causes nicks. Un-oiled blades also can cause this as they drag.
Not sure where you are catching but some areas are also very very easy to catch even if you think the angle of the clippers isn't going to catch (hygiene areas etc).
With those types of clippers I would say it is safer to use the guards provided. They are not the greatest to use in the long run. I know you say you like a short cut, but only thing I can recommend is investing in some good clippers and blades.

Hope it helped a little!

Thanks to everyone for your advice and especially @Mummyto2DS I’ve only used the clippers around 10 times, always cleaned and oiled the blade. I think perhaps the design of them isn’t great, as if I add a guard they don’t seem to cut that short at all. Could you recommend some decent clippers? I have watched so many tutorials on dog clipping and all the clippers seem to be so easy to use (can be used in both directions etc) where as mine seem difficult in comparison.

My dog hates going to the groomers so I’ve been working hard on desensitising her and doing a little at a time with lots of treats and fuss. She now even lets me do her nails! I still have to do her legs with scissors as she won’t tolerate clippers on her legs at all at the moment. It’s a work in progress but I want to get it right so it makes life easier for us both!

I should add - I think from my research I need clippers that have snap on blade attachments and then I can use guards with them - they seem to be the preferred choice?

It killed me but we paid £180 for our clippers never looked back so much better. Had them over 10 years and only just had to replace the blade.
Saved a fortune grooming two dogs ourselves.
We tried cheer ones but they couldn't cut the dogs cost as its very woolly under neath the top coat
christiesdirect.com/andis-ultraedge-agc-super-2-speed-brushless-clipper-burgundy-wahl-comb-guides.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_P6dBhD1ARIsAAGI7HCsSpwW5Zxp9VY5OPmy3eMWvKlrwnnXwI26zExYTTrILuyqDkC1xu4aAjLuEALw_wcB

Thank you @Funf , they look like what I’m looking for but there’s so much choice (and price range!) so it’s great to get a recommendation.

I was cheeky, I asked a couple of local groomers they all recommended the same. I also rang that company linked and asked for advice which they gave, the clip on combs are great, just ask what blade length they recommend I think ours is 1.5mm? they will tell you when you order. We have also used them for hair cuts!

I have the andis two speed clippers too and they are great for clipping my dogs. I use them without a guard and have several blades, you can see the length in mm when you order them.

Thank you so much, that’s so helpful. I will invest in some decent clippers.

@Catsinahat I would buy the clippers that @Funf has recommended. I have a set in my salon and they are decent.
If you like a short cut (not sure what breed you have) I would recommend a 5fc or 7fc amazon do fairly cheap and good ones (there are blades that just have numbers, you need to find one with fc as these are safer than the skip tooth blades) these blades snap on to the clippers. I use 7fc on dogs that have a very short close cut, you still have to be careful of sensitive areas but it's worth it. HTH

@Mummyto2DS thank you so much. I have just been reading about skip tooth blades and not to go shorter than a 7f. I’m glad you have confirmed this, thank you so very much.

I use the Wahl version of those Andi's on my Standard Poodle and I am totally self taught. I would second what others have said, avoid Skip Tooth until you have more experience.
I don't use a guard and I started with a size 4 and size 7 FC.
I like a short cut, and use the 4 for back 7 for face and undercarriage.
Be vary wary where there are skin folds - under the front legs, chin, ear area, etc.
Follow the nap of the fur and use your other hand to stretch out the skin in front of where you are shaving.
Use your own hands to protect the dog, especially on curves.
I only shaved easy areas and still booked professional grooms, until I got more confidence and the dog became more confident with me.
He is now very compliant and calm with me and I think he prefers this because he really hated and resisted going to groomers (and we tried several). I have only knicked him once. I am ready to try shorter blades (I want to use a 10 for his sanitary).

I watched and ton and then some of grooming YouTubes and this helped, but I would advice get the best clippers you can - mine were refurbished Wahl - and maintain them and and the blades. For some coats you need the power.
My Poodle has very soft and very thick fluffy fur, power and sharp blades are paramount. I have also found clip on guards just catch in his is soft fur so they don't work for me. I use comb and fingers to measure fur length for the tail and top knot.

What a beauty! Thanks so much for the tips. I have been watching tons of you tube videos too.