Really considering being a "self groomer"

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

Alright self groomers, after the second grooming appointment where I go home and touch up the face, I think I'm gonna take the plunge. I already clip her toenails, and face as needed between appointments and last night while sitting on the floor cleaning up her face I realized I'm just as qualified as any groomer to clip my dog! So tell me, how should I go about this? Do I really need to blow dry her? Or as long as she's dry is that enough? I grew up on a ranch and have a history of livestock shows. I've clipped lambs and cattle, so I feel like I have somewhat of an idea of how to get the look I want. I'm actually thinking of going home and getting a lamb grooming stand to use for her, does this sound okay? Any recommendations on a clipper set? I'm looking at the andis 2 speed professional and the stainless steel guard set which is running about $180 on amazon. I'm a little hesitant to go ahead with this purchase because I haven't used any clippers on her (my dad's cattle and lamb ones would be giant on her!) any recommendations are WELCOME!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am a self groomer, my boys have never been to a 'professional'! I think buying really good scissors is the first thing you need as well as a rotating tyne comb and a good brush. I love my Les Poochs one.  A blower is a really brilliant addition too and some quality shampoo and conditioner.  I too have the andis 2 speed and the metal combs but I only use them about three times a year. Buy the best scissors you can afford but do include a curved one and a blunt ended one for around the face.  I found watching videos and looking at pictures was helpful though I didn't follow them exactly. Little and often is a good way to start as you avoid mistakes that way.  Good Luck :)

[Breanna]

I'm going to be honest. I do not invest a lot of money when it comes to grooming my dog. If it doesn't affect her health or happiness, I go the least expensive way I can. That is why I have never taken her to the groomer's. I bought a pair of $40 clippers at Petco on sale for $30. They work just fine, but she has a mild coat. It's not super thick, wiry, or too curly. I use the brushes that were given to me by the breeder when I got her, and a Safari de-matting comb I got on amazon (I haven't had to remove any mats since I started clipping her). The thing about buying a less expensive clipper is that I don't care if she looks like a perfectly manicured show dog. You can see some lines when I first do it but she is still perfect to me. Grooming her myself is a million times easier than I expected.