Grooming privates

[Cynthia and Magic]

...I'm sure this must be covered - but I have searched and can't find the answer I need!

I have a boy....and I am going to attempt to do my own grooming (after a few bad groomer sessions) and got the tools...so I am just about ready - but one thing scares me!!

I read not to use scissors on his privates...so I have clippers. But how do I do it? Do I go right over his 'little bit' and will it not catch or snag on anything important? What is a good size to use? Do I use the same clipper on his whole belly?

..thanks for any help you can give me...and Magic will thank you too!! 

[Melissa]

I guess I am fortunate that Buddy stays still while I use scissors down there.  That works the best for me.  I do actually use clippers on his backside though.  No guard just the blade that came with it.  Again, Buddy stands still for me so I just do a little at a time to get the hair around the opening and about an inch all around.  It does take a steady hand.  Maybe start with a short guard on there until you get used to it.  Good luck! 

[Marcia Stevens]

Hi.....That is a very good question! I groom my own doodles. I have a male and a female...the male is much more easier, than my female. I use my electric clippers, and don't put on a blade guard....I don't put the blade completely on the skin, but up in the air just a bit. I do that "everywhere" on his underside...belly, private bits...etc...I just take it slow and easy.......it is kind of scary...but, if you go at it slow...it should work out! Good luck!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

....I don't put the blade completely on the skin, but up in the air just a bit>>

 

This is VERY important, especially if its your 1st time attempting this. The first time I tried I had a squirmy puppy and ended up getting down onto the skin. Poor baby's anus was nicked badly. I felt terrible and will never use clippers (without a guard, anyway) down there again.

[Cynthia and Magic]

ok....clipper WITH guard for sure! I really don't want to knick anything...thanks...

:)

[Cynthia and Magic]

 

..thanks ladies.....I am going to take your advice and try it tonight. I think hubby is more nervous than I am...

 

...wish us luck....

:P

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Of course hubby is more nervous...it is a man thing!!!  Try it with one of the smaller guards just to be safe since this is your first time.  I have a girl so I haven't done the boy thing but what everyone is saying makes perfect sense.  But the guard would be good just in case you guy gets squirmy!  Good Luck.  Let us know how it turns out.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The boy part really makes no difference since the hair growing on and around the penis is easy to cut with a scissors. It's around the anus that you want the hair short and have to be very careful.

[Cynthia and Magic]

ok..thanks....I'll be careful..

[F, Calla & Luca]

I only use scissors but I am very careful in those areas. Small scissors are easier around the anus and penis. I try to keep my fingers as a "guard of sorts. So far, and Luca will be 3 in March, so ggod.

[Cynthia and Magic]

ya - I think i might have to use scissors on the end of it (oh lordy, scissors) because the hair there has gotten quite long since I have been afraid to go near it! Finger guard...good idea!

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

This is a scary place to groom, indeed!  However, I have learned to use a comb between the skin of the dog and the

scissors or clippers that you choose to use.  I place the comb between the skin and the blade and it protects the pet

from nicks and possible razor burns if the blade has become warm from use. 

I have also learned to cover the pets eyes with my thumb or hand when I groom around the eye area.  This is something

I read about in a grooming book .  It really does protect the dog from getting hurt if they move suddenly.

Good luck and also be careful not to let the comb pull the hair if you decide to use this method.  Just slide it gently into

the fur where you plan to trim.  Happy grooming!

[Cynthia and Magic]

awesome advice, I will do that!

- you are all amazing!!