It costs a fortune to take your dog to a professional dog groomer. While you may have to take your dog to a professional groomer once in a while, you can still groom your dog on your own.

If you have a puppy, it is important to train him to be handled. Rub his ears, pick up his paws, and lift each of his toes one by one. Try to get your puppy to sit while you do so. Be patient! Puppies will not understand right away what you are doing and they will try to play.

Most older dogs are used to being handled, but if your dog is not, follow the steps already mentioned to train your dog to be handled.

Remember, no matter how hard you try, some dogs may not take to being handled very well. You may need to buy a muzzle for your dog to wear while you groom him. There are many humane muzzles available on the market today that allow your dog to pant normally and drink water (never leave a muzzle on for very long and always make sure your dog is supervised when he is wearing the muzzle).

 
Try to get your dog to sit or stand as still as possible before you begin.

1. Taking Care Of Your Dog's Coat

Brush your dog every day. This helps to remove loose fur and loosen dander. Brush in the same direction as the fur grows.

Bathe your dog with a shampoo that is meant for dogs. To give your dog a bath, place him in the tub and use a cup or hand held shower head to wet him. Make sure the water is warm! Rub in a bit of shampoo (a little goes a long way). Avoid getting shampoo in your dog's eyes. Rinse well.

Towel dry your dog after his bath and brush his fur when it is dry.

2. Trimming Your Dog's Nails

Use nail clippers that are meant for dogs. Do not use scissors as they won't work on your dog's nails anyway.

Hold your dog's paw in one hand, and the clippers in the other. Place the clippers over the nail and

clip only the tip of the nail. Avoid clipping the vein. Sometimes the vein can be difficult to see......if this is the case, just trim a little at a time.

If you do accidentally nick the vein, apply pressure with a clean gauze pad until the bleeding stops.

3. Cleaning Your Dog's Teeth

Use a toothbrush (or a special rubber "toothbrush" that you place over your finger and special toothpaste that is meant for dogs. Regular toothpaste isn't safe for a dog to swallow.

Hold your dog's mouth open by lifting the loose skin at the sides of his mouth. Brush the teeth in the direction they grow. Your dog will probably like the special doggie toothpaste as it comes in many flavors dogs love.

If you find it too difficult to brush your dog's teeth, give him a dog buiscuit that is designed for keeping tartar off your dog's teeth.

Take your dog for regular dental checkups and cleanings as well.

4. Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Use a bit of water on a Q-Tip. Only clean the exterior areas of your dog's ears. Never stick the Q-Tip directly in your dog's ears, as this can damage the eardrum.

If your dog scratches his ears often, take a sample of anything in the ear to the vet and have your vet check it for ear mites.

Never use mineral oil because this can stay inside the ears and cause problems.

If you encounter difficulties in grooming your dog, take him to a professional groomer and watch to see how it is done. The dog groomer can also give you advice and more tips on how to deal specifically with your dog.