| Many dog owners now prefer to groom their own pets. This has several advantages because the dog is familiar with its owner and is likely to find the experience less stressful. It's also possible to complete the work in a number of short sessions and get just the results you are looking for. Occasional titivation is allowed. Clipping a large dog can be quite time consuming, taking up to a couple of hours. Dogs with a heavy under coat are more easily dealt with if the coat is raked out beforehand and clipper blades will not become blunt if any dirt or grit is removed by thorough bathing beforehand using a canine shampoo. Certain breads are only clipped for example on the underbelly and legs and much of the coat may be controlled with scissors. Clipping an animal with grit in its coat will blunt clippers in one session. A clipping machine is only part of the equipment needed and may not be necessary at all. Coats can be thinned out using stripping tools and a densely matted undercoat may be removed with a rake. This is highly beneficial to the dog who will feel much cooler and experience less discomfort in hot weather. Rakes, strippers, brushes and strippers can be found here. A professional grooming book should be consulted where there is any doubt as to what is required. A wide range of different clipping machine blade types (see blades section) enables good control of coat thickness and coarse tooth blades help deal with a dense coat. Inexpensive plastic combs may be fitted to certain machines leaving up to 13mm in addition to the blade thickness. The following section shows a wide range of dog clippers and trimmers. Click on a thumbnail to be taken to a larger image and details of the machine. Prices quoted are inclusive of VAT. Carriage will automatically be added to your order. Please note, machines marked * do not include blades - see blades section for blade prices. |