Do Dog Groomers Wash or Cut First? (Solved & Explained!)

Dog groomers decide to wash or cut first depending on the type of coat, the length of the hair, and whether there is any major matting. In general, washing and blow drying first is useful in keeping the haircutting equipment clean and working properly, but if the coat it too thick, long, or matted, then a pre-clip may be necessary.

The rest of the article will go into detail about how to decide when to wash the dog or cut its hair first, what the standard grooming procedures are, and some of the tricks from those in the trade.

When should you start cutting before washing?

• If the coat is very thick and long and it is getting cut short, then a pre-trim will save you time when blow drying the dog.
• If the dog’s coat is matted, then it needs to be pre-trimmed before washing.
• If a double-coated breed has excessive undercoat or matting, then a pre-trim may be necessary.

When should you wash before cutting?

• If the dog’s coat is relatively short with no tangles, then it can easily be washed and dried before grooming starts.
• If the double-coated breed has no matting and only a minimal undercoat, then it is best to wash them first.

What are the standard grooming procedures?

• Pre-trim – If the coat is thick, long, or matted.
• Brush – To remove as much of the undercoating as possible to make the washing easier and the cutting quicker.
• Sanitary Trim – To clean up the areas near the rear end, paws, and armpits before washing.
• Bath the dog – Wash all the dirt, oils, and loose fur from the animal to prepare the coat for cutting.
• Blow dry coat – The coat needs to be dry for the haircutting equipment to properly cut the dog’s coat.
• Cutting – Finish the clipping and any scissor work around the head, paws, legs.

Do all dog groomers use the same methods?

No, each groomer has their own way of grooming their four-legged clients. Some dog groomers brush out and clip the coat before washing them because the bath and finish cutting will be easier, but it can end up being more time-consuming. On the other hand, unless the coat is matted, some groomers wash the dogs before cutting because they find it is easier to brush out tangles when the coat is clean.

Do groomers cut a dog’s nails before or after grooming?

Some groomers prefer to get the nail trimming over in the very beginning, while other wait until after the bath. As long it is done properly, then it doesn’t make a huge difference if it is done first or last, but there is evidence that suggests nails do soften up after the bath and may be easier to cut.

Do dog groomers cut with the hair or against it?

Groomers go with the hair when clipping a dog’s coat, not against the grain of the hair. If you cut against the grain, it can possibly hurt the dog, causing burns or cuts on their skin.

Do groomers brush the coat before or after washing?

Most groomers will brush the dog’s coat before washing the dog to remove any loose undercoat fur. Some might end up brushing after a bath to remove any tangles, but some experts say that the brush can catch the wet hair and pull the dog’s skin, causing irritation.

What are some tips on grooming from experts?

Groomers suggest that brushing your dogs regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog’s skin healthy and feeling comfortable, and it will also make it easier on the groomer and the dog when they get groomed.

What is the major benefit of taking your dog to the groomer?

Not only do you get to miss out on a difficult task, but groomers are trained and have expensive equipment that allows them to trim the dog’s coat quickly and safely. This cuts down on the amount of time the dog spends getting stressed out from the grooming process.

What are the pros and cons of being a dog groomer?  

The most obvious pro to being a groomer is getting paid to spend time with animals. It’s also a profession that has a low cost of training, can accommodate a flexible schedule, and is high demand. Being a groomer comes with the cons of having to manage difficult animals, possibly getting bitten or scratched, and long demanding days.

Is being a groomer an easy job?

Although very rewarding, being a dog groomer is not often described as easy. You must have the necessary knowledge and skills to give a great haircut, but you must also ensure a safe and stress-free experience. But that can be difficult to achieve with every animal, due to their different personalities and tolerance levels for strange noises and places.

Is being a groomer demanding on the body?

Working with animals can be difficult enough, but the job itself is very taxing on your body. A groomer must stand for hours on end, and they tend to hunch over dogs when bathing them and end up kinking their neck while cutting their hair. Ultimately, a groomer uses a lot of their muscle strength throughout the day, possible leading to a sore body.

What comes with a grooming service?

Grooming services can include bathing, trimming their coat, clipping their nails, brushing their teeth, gland cleansing, coat brushing, and usually come with a bandana or bow. The dog also gets the benefit of socializing with people and other dogs, and with the right groomer, can become a welcomed part of the dog’s life.

What else can dog groomers offer?

Dog groomers can do much more than just wash your dog and cut its hair. They can create a spa experience that leaves their four-legged client feeling happy and refreshed. Some of the unique services that some groomers offer include aromatherapy baths, doggie facials, and paw pedicures.

Kevin "Ken" Davies

My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.