CLIPPER RECOMMENDATION

[Jessica]

Hi everyone! I need recommendations for a pair of clippers. I've never groomed before but I would like to start doing it myself. I've looked on Amazon and I've found a couple with good reviews, I've just not pulled the trigger yet. Would love to get some input on brands and where I should start. Also, if there are any "add ons" that need to be purchased as well.

Thanks!

Jessica & Dublin :)

[Nancy & Echo]

This is my first dog too, but  (per the recommendations I gleaned from this site), I decided on and got an  Andis ProClip Super 2 speed detachable blade clipper, professional Animal Grooming, AGC2 with Andis Blade Brush, and am quite happy with it.  I also got the Andis metal combs for it, which are sometimes a pain to attach, but are totally necessary for me. (I'm sure I would cut Echo's skin if I didn't have combs.)  I also got a Conair pro dog (straight) round tip shears, all from Amazon. I got a rotating teeth metal comb from Doodle Country.  (I think they're on Amazon too?)  I did get a Les Pooches brush from Doodle Country, but found it too harsh with Echo; I do just as well with the gentler comb.  I got a dog grooming table with arm from Amazon.

My skill set is probably one tiny step above mediocre, but you do get better with experience.  You will notice your mistakes much more than other people will, and no matter how badly you do, the hair grows out.  Echo is much more controllable when I tether her VERY CLOSE to the grooming table arm (horizontally);  that was what they did when I got her professionally groomed once.  Along with LOTS of treats.

I did not want to spend an additional  >$60 every 6-8 weeks on an ongoing basis.  I haven't been able to  clip her nails yet, and the vet plucked her air hair after she had an ear infection.  So far, I've had her nails trimmed at Petco. 

Echo is about 15 months old now, and I'm probably beyond the point where I'm saving more than I spent on equipment and supplies.

I also got a Sharf  gold touch pet shears, 6.5" 42-tooth thinning shear for Dogs, which I try to use between her eyes, but I'm no where as good with that.  (I don't think its a problem with the shears; its just Echo won't sit still and I'm not skillful enough with them yet.)

I have a mini-ALD (about 17 pounds) with a fleece coat.