A Comprehensive Guide to Using Dog Grooming Scissors: From Preparation to Practice

When using grooming scissors for dogs, it is necessary to operate in accordance with the dog's hair type, body shape, and safety regulations to avoid scratching the pet or improper trimming. Here are the detailed correct usage methods:
I. Preparation before Use
Tool Selection
Choose appropriate scissors based on the length of the dog's hair and the body part to be trimmed: straight scissors (for trimming large areas of hair), curved scissors (for trimming contours, such as legs and head), and thinning scissors (for thinning hair to avoid stiff lines).
Ensure the scissors are sharp (dull scissors tend to pull the hair, causing discomfort to the dog) and disinfect them in advance (wipe the blades with a pet-specific disinfectant).
Combing the Hair
Thoroughly comb the hair with a pet pin brush or row brush to remove tangles, knots, and debris (if the hair is knotted, cutting directly may hurt the dog or even scratch the skin).
For severely knotted hair, it is advisable to first cut open the knots and then comb gradually.
Calming the Dog's Mood
Keep the dog in a familiar and quiet environment (such as a quiet room). You can first stroke and softly comfort it to help it relax.
If the dog is nervous, trim in batches (10-15 minutes each time) to avoid resistance caused by coercion.
II. Correct Holding and Operating Postures
Holding the Scissors
Insert the thumb into the lower ring of the scissors and the ring finger into the upper ring (the index finger and middle finger lightly rest on the scissor handle for auxiliary stability). The palm faces yourself, and the blades are parallel to the hair surface.
Avoid gripping tightly. Keep the wrist flexible to prevent hand fatigue or loss of control.
Dog's Posture
Small dogs can be placed on a table, and large dogs can stand or lie on their sides (adjust according to the part to be trimmed). Use one hand to fix the dog's body (such as gently pressing the back or chin) and the other hand to operate the scissors.
III. Trimming Skills by Body Part
Trimming Large Areas of the Body
Use straight scissors to trim from the back to the abdomen. The blades should be close to but not in contact with the skin (leave a length of 1-2 cm to avoid cutting the skin), and trim along the direction of hair growth (trimming against the hair may cause messy hair layers).
Move the scissors in small increments when trimming (1-2 cm each time) to avoid unevenness caused by cutting too much at once.
Trimming the Head and Face
Use curved scissors to trim around the eyes, mouth, and nose: first push aside the hair around the dog's eyes, and gently cut off the overlong parts along the edge of the eye socket (avoid getting the scissors close to the eyeball; you can operate when the dog lowers its head or closes its eyes).
Hair on the mouth and nose: gently turn the dog's lips outward with your fingers, and cut off the excess hair at the corners of the mouth (to prevent food from sticking when eating). Be careful to avoid the nose and lip skin.
Trimming the Limbs and Paw Pads
Legs: Use curved scissors to trim along the curve of the legs, making the hair fit the leg contour (such as the "flared leg" style of poodles), and avoid uneven trimming.
Paw pads: Lift the dog's paw, use small straight scissors or round-tip scissors (safer) to cut off the 杂毛 and overlong hair between the paw pads (to prevent slipping or dirt accumulation), and be careful not to cut the paw pad flesh.
Trimming Around the Anus
Lift the dog's tail, and carefully cut off the long hair around the anus with round-tip scissors (to avoid feces sticking during defecation). Keep the scissors at a 45° angle to the skin and avoid cutting vertically.
IV. Precautions
Safety First
Avoid the dog's skin folds and protruding parts (such as elbows and armpits). When trimming, gently stretch the skin (with fingers) to prevent the scissors from pinching the skin.

If the dog suddenly moves around, stop cutting immediately to avoid the blade scratching the skin (if accidentally scratched, use pet-specific hemostatic powder for treatment).
Avoid Over-Trimming
Do not cut too short at one time (especially in summer, as hair has the function of heat insulation and skin protection). It is recommended to leave about 1 cm for short-haired dogs, and adjust the length for long-haired dogs according to breed needs.
For sensitive parts (such as the abdomen and around the genitals), it is recommended to use round-tip scissors or leave it to professional groomers.
Tool Maintenance
After each use, wipe off the hair and oil on the blades with a clean cloth, drop 1-2 drops of scissors-specific lubricating oil (to prevent rust), and store in a dry place.
V. Tips for Beginners
Start practicing with simple parts (such as the back) and handle complex parts (such as the head and limbs) after becoming proficient.
If the dog is extremely resistant, do not force it. You can seek help from a professional pet groomer to avoid making the dog fear trimming.

Using grooming scissors correctly can not only keep the dog clean and beautiful but also reduce pet stress, making the trimming process safer and smoother.