
Small dog grooming shears are a must-have for any dog owner who wants to keep their furry friend looking and feeling their best.
There are many types of small dog grooming shears available, including thinning shears, curved shears, and scissor-over-comb shears.
When choosing the right shears for your small dog, consider their coat type, as different shears are designed for different coat types.
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Choosing the Right Shears
Thinning scissors come in many styles, and the finer the teeth, the softer the dog's coat will look.
You'll want to find a pair that feels comfortable in your hand, so you don't experience any discomfort or fatigue during use. This is especially important for small dog grooming, where precision and control are key.
The number of teeth on the scissor also affects how much hair is removed, with more teeth removing more hair but leaving fewer marks. For example, 46 tooth scissors can cut your grooming time.
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Choosing the Right Scissor Type
Thinning scissors are a great option for bulk thinning, and they come in many styles. The finer the teeth on the scissor, the softer the dog's coat will look.
Thinning scissors with 46 tooth blades can save time and produce more uniform results when softening “lines” and “corners”. They are perfect for dog breeds with thick coats.
Blenders, on the other hand, have one straight edge blade and one blade with teeth. They are great for finishing teddy bear faces on Lhasa or Shih Tzu types.
The more teeth on a blender, the more hair is removed, but it does it without leaving cut marks. This makes them ideal for shaping around chest and necks.
When choosing the right scissor type, consider the comfort of the scissor in your hand. You'll be using them for a long time, so you don't want them to cause any discomfort or fatigue during use.
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Selecting Best Tools
When choosing the right shears, consider the size of the blade. You'll want something that's not too small or too large, as this can make it difficult to do your job properly.
Texturizing shears come in both straight and curved varieties, making it essential to choose the right type for your needs. They typically have a single blade that's serrated, allowing you to easily remove hair without making any large cuts.
Grooming shears should fit nicely in your hand and have some weight to them. This will make it easier to maneuver and control the shears during use.
You should look for shears that open and close easily, but not so loose that they wobble. This will help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth grooming experience.
A 6 1/2" to 7 1/2" scissor size is ideal for good control and working in smaller areas with the least amount of stress on your hands. This size is perfect for beginners or for those who are still developing their scissoring style.
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If you're doing lots of mixed breed clip downs with cute faces, a 7.5" to 8.5" scissor may be more suitable for you. This size is classed as a finishing shear and is ideal for achieving a smoother finish.
Ultimately, the right scissor size will depend on your personal preference and the type of work you're doing. Take the time to experiment with different sizes and find what works best for you.
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Measuring
Measuring the right size of shears is crucial to avoid discomfort and ineffective cutting. The ProGroom 4 Piece Scissor Starter Set is a good example of this, as it provides a range of sizes to choose from.
A general rule of thumb is to choose shears that fit comfortably in your hand, with the blades resting naturally in your fingers. The ProGroom set allows you to find the perfect fit.
The length of the shears can also affect how easily you can maneuver them. Some shears, like the ones in the ProGroom set, have longer blades that can make cutting thicker hair easier.
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Grooming Tools and Care
When choosing the right grooming tools for your small dog, consider investing in high-quality scissors that are specifically designed to trim their fur. Always opt for scissors that are safe to use around your pet's face and ears.
Round-tipped scissors, like the LovinPet Pet Grooming Scissors, are a great option because they prevent accidental pokes to your pet's skin. These scissors are perfect for medium-length and long-haired dogs.
Curved scissors are preferred for dog grooming because they help avoid grooming mistakes and hair cutting mishaps, making the process easier and less stressful for both you and your pet.
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Grooming Tools and Care
When choosing the right scissors for dog grooming, consider the size of the scissors and the type of coat you're working with. The 8-inch scissors are best for curly coats, while the 6 or 7-inch scissors are ideal for small dog breeds.
A good pair of scissors can make all the difference in your grooming work. Straight cut scissors are the most common tool in any professional's box.
For precise cutting, look for smaller scissors, such as 4-inch pairs, which are perfect for cutting hair around feet, legs, or eyes. You'll also want to find a straight scissor that feels comfortable in your hands.
Round-tip shears are a must-have for delicate areas, like the face. These scissors have rounded edges, making them safer to use around the eyes, lip lines, ears, and toes.
Investing in high-quality dog grooming scissors is essential for your work. Always choose a pair that's specially designed to trim dogs and pets' fur.
For grooming medium-length and long-haired dogs, curved scissors are the way to go. They help avoid grooming mistakes and hair cutting mishaps, making them a safer choice for both you and your pet.
Blending
Blending is a crucial step in dog grooming, and the right tools can make all the difference. Blending shears come in both straight and curved varieties.
These shears have two serrated blades that allow you to seamlessly blend one cut into another. They're designed to create a more polished and professional look overall.
Blending shears typically have serrated blades, which help you avoid making large cuts or taking off too much hair at once. This makes them a must-have for dog groomers.
You'll find both standard and offset blending options to choose from, giving you the flexibility to find the perfect shears for your needs.
Adjusting Your Settings
Adjusting your dog scissors tensioning is crucial for a smooth grooming experience. You'll want to make sure the tension is just right, not too loose or too tight.
Open the handle that your finger goes in at a 90-degree angle (L-shaped) to check the tension. Let it go, and the blade should close 2/3 of the way down. If it closes completely, the scissors are too loose, which can cause hair to fold.
If the blade fails to shut, the tension is too tight, putting strain on your wrist and carpal tunnel. This can lead to wear and tear on the inside of the scissors' blades.
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How to Care for Yourself
Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your grooming tools. Always clean your hands with soap and water after handling your dog's coat, especially after cleaning up hair clippings.
It's easy to get into bad habits, but taking a few extra minutes to sanitize your scissors after each use can make a big difference. Use a Clipit Ice Care Spray to clean your scissors and prevent corrosion.
Just like your scissors, you need to stay sharp and focused. If you're feeling tired or sluggish, it's time to take a break and rest. Take care of your physical and mental health to stay at your best.
Don't let your grooming tools get rusty and dull, just like how you don't want to feel stuck in a rut. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your scissors in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog grooming scissors do I need?
For curly coats, use 8-inch scissors, while 6 or 7-inch scissors are best for small breeds. Smaller scissors (4-inch) are ideal for precise cuts around sensitive areas.
What scissors are best for cutting dog hair?
For cutting dog hair, straight scissors are the most common and versatile choice, available in various lengths and types, including thinners and chunkers. Consider specialized scissors with a swivel thumb for easier maneuverability and efficient grooming.
Is there a difference between dog scissors and human scissors?
Yes, there is a significant difference between dog scissors and human scissors, primarily due to the unique design of dog scissors to handle coarser dog hair. Dog scissors are engineered to be extremely sharp to efficiently cut through thick dog coats.
Sources
- https://www.petcareins.com/blog/professional-dog-grooming-supplies-guide
- https://www.clipit-grooming.com/dog-scissors
- https://www.scruffythedog.com/blog/the-best-small-dogs-grooming-scissors
- https://www.scissormall.com/blog/2022/3/8/choosing-ideal-dog-grooming-shear-type
- https://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/blog/animal-career-advice/grooming/selecting-and-caring-for-grooming-shears/
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