Essential equipment

• Suitable brush (carding brush, soft brush, detangling comb depending on the hair).
• Gentle shampoo for dogs (pH suitable), detangling conditioner (long/curly hair).
• Microfiber towel , non-slip mat, warm air hair dryer (or blower if available).
• Nail clippers /file, ear lotion , compresses, saline solution for eyes.
• Finger brush/dental brush + enzymatic gel.

👉 Grooming & Care · Brushes & Combs · Microfiber Towels

Prepare the session

• Light fatigue beforehand (10–15 min walk/sniffing) to promote calmness.
• Non-slip, warm, well-lit area . Gather all the equipment before starting.
• Gradual progression : short sessions, frequent rewards, end signal (“It’s over!”).
• Safety : never use hot/burning air, be careful of ears/eyes, slow movements.

Brushing: methods by hair type

Short hair

• Soft brush / rubber glove 1–2 times/week to remove dead hair and stimulate the skin.
• Movements in the direction of the hair, then very light against the grain if tolerated.

Long hair

• Comb + slicker brush. Work in sections from the tip towards the root.
• Use a light detangling spray to limit breakage, and be patient around the armpits/ears/tail.

Double coat (undercoat)

• Undercoat rake / long-toothed comb, without “pulling”.
• Short and regular sessions; avoid excessively thinning the coat.

Curly/wavy hair

• Detangle before bathing to avoid tight knots.
• Soft brush + conditioner; section and work your way through the hair gently.

Perfect bath & rinse

1. Brush first (remove knots/large debris).
2. Warm water; wet up to the skin, avoid ears/eyes.
3. Dilute canine shampoo (1:5 to 1:10); massage without rubbing hard.
4. Rinse thoroughly until clear water runs (residue = itching).
5. Conditioner for long/curly hair; leave on for 2–3 min; rinse.

Tip: non-slip mat in the bathtub + low-pressure shower head.

Drying & detangling

• Microfiber towel: squeeze (do not rub).
• Use a hairdryer with warm air at a good distance, while keeping it constantly moving.
• Long/curly hair: alternate drying and brushing in sections.

Claws, ears, eyes, teeth

Claws

• Cut little by little , at an angle, avoiding the pulp (pinkish part). File to round it off.
• If the claw is black: apply very small segments + lateral light. In case of bleeding: apply a compress + hemostatic powder.

Ears

• Ear lotion + massage of the base; let the dog shake; wipe off the excess.
• Never use cotton swabs for deep penetration.

Eyes

• Physiological saline solution + compress, from the inside out.

Teeth

• Finger cot + gel 3 times/week minimum; textured chew toys as a supplement.

👉 Ear/eye/claw care · Dental hygiene

FAQ

Can we use "human" shampoo?

No. The pH is not suitable and can irritate the dog's skin. Use a mild dog shampoo.

My dog ​​doesn't like being dried with a hairdryer…

Work with very short exposures, warm air, greater distance, and frequent rewards. Otherwise, use a towel and air dry.

How long does a session last?

From 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size and type of hair. Several short sessions are better than one very long one.

When should you consult a professional groomer?

If the coat is very matted, if your dog is stressed, or for technical cuts (breeds with specific maintenance).