The Groomer Gal: April 2008

Before starting to groom your pooch, please do the following before beginning to cut:

Brush, demat, or detangle the coat so there is no matting or debri.

the sanitary area, the inside of the back thighs, under the tail, and the armpits should not be detangled if matted! Shave areas out with a #10 blade
You can use detangler to help loosen knotted areas away from the skin.
If your dog is completely matted do not attempt to bathe or brush out! Shave the dog BEFORE the bath because matting will only get worse when dampened. If you are unable to get a #10 blade through the coat, the dog should see a vet or professional groomer.

Have your pup cleaned this means washed and COMPLETELY DRY! (If the coat is wet and you start grooming you could rust your blades, get patchy spots on coat, and even injury the dog causing the skin to catch the blade)
Trim the dogs nails and clean the ears (See tools and grooming extras)
Have your dog attached to an area where you have control of the dog. If on a table use a non-slip mat and a nuse to keep the dog from jumping or falling off.
Think with common sense saftey pointers include:

do not push extremely hard when clippering
always point scissors AWAY from the dogs body
never attempt to groom the dog if uncontrollable including excessive biting, quick spasms, flailing of the body in fear. Please take the pooch to the spa for a professional clean up with handlers who are experts in safety and handling.

Start by choosing the cut you want to create below based on the AKC breeds listed:

Sporting

American Water Spaniel
Brittany
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Clumber Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Curly-Coated Retriever
English Cocker Spaniel
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Flat-Coated Retriever
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (female)
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (male)
Pointer
Spinone Italiano
Sussex Spaniel
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon