Quick answer: To groom your dog at home, brush to suit the coat type (daily for long or curly coats, weekly for short ones), bathe every 4 to 8 weeks with dog shampoo, check and clean ears weekly, trim nails every 3 to 6 weeks, and brush teeth several times a week. Leave haircuts, tight mats and anything your dog strongly resists to a professional groomer.
Tools You Need for Home Grooming
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Slicker brush | Removing tangles and loose hair in most coats |
| Wide-tooth or metal comb | Checking for tangles down to the skin |
| Bristle brush or rubber mitt | Short, smooth coats |
| Undercoat rake or de-shedding tool | Double-coated breeds |
| Dog shampoo and conditioner | Bathing without drying out the skin |
| Dog nail clippers or grinder, plus styptic powder | Nail trims, and stopping bleeding if you nick the quick |
| Vet-approved ear cleaner | Weekly ear care |
| Pet toothbrush and toothpaste | Dental care |
Step-by-Step Home Grooming Routine
1. Brush first
Always brush before bathing, because water tightens tangles into mats. Work in sections from the skin outward and go gently around ears, armpits and the tail. Never cut out mats with scissors; see how to deal with mats.
2. Bathe
Use lukewarm water and a dog shampoo, keep water out of the ears and eyes, and rinse thoroughly, since leftover shampoo causes itching. Most dogs need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks; see how often to groom by coat type.
3. Dry completely
Towel-dry, then use a pet dryer or a human dryer on the coolest setting, keeping it moving. Damp coats can lead to skin problems.
4. Check and clean ears
Wipe the visible part of the ear with a cotton pad and ear cleaner. Never push anything into the ear canal. Redness, odor or discharge needs a vet.
5. Trim nails
Clip a little at a time and avoid the pink quick inside the nail. If you’re unsure, ask a groomer. See how to trim overgrown nails.
6. Clean eyes and teeth
Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth and brush teeth with pet toothpaste. Follow our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.
Tips to Keep Home Grooming Calm
- Keep sessions short, especially at first, and end on a good note.
- Use treats and praise throughout.
- Groom after exercise, when your dog is calmer.
- Use a non-slip mat in the tub or on the table.
- Start young; see new puppy grooming and how to teach your pet to love grooming.
When to Leave It to a Professional
- Haircuts and breed-specific styles
- Tight or widespread mats
- Nail trims if your dog panics or has dark nails where the quick is hard to see
- Heavy de-shedding of double coats
- Anxious or aggressive dogs; see grooming an anxious dog
Avoid the most common slip-ups with our list of grooming mistakes to avoid.
Home Grooming FAQs
How often should I groom my dog at home?
Brush daily to weekly depending on the coat, bathe every 4 to 8 weeks, check ears weekly and trim nails every 3 to 6 weeks.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No. Human shampoo isn’t balanced for a dog’s skin and can cause dryness and irritation. Use a dog shampoo.
Should I cut my dog’s hair myself?
Small tidy-ups around the eyes and paws are fine with blunt-tipped scissors, but full haircuts are safer with a professional.
What if my dog hates being groomed?
Go slowly with short, rewarded sessions. For stressful jobs, a calm, one-on-one in-home groomer can help.
