Dog grooming

sotisme

Okay, so I've decided to get a dog clipper. I've have brought my dog to the groomers a few times and he hates it! When we go back he always refuses to go into the door of the groomers. All the noise terrifies him. So, I've been giving him home-made haircuts for the past few years

I clip his nails by myself and he doesn't find it very distressing so the clipper shouldn't be too bad. I am looking for more info on home grooming my dog. He is a C.K.C.S. with a fluffy coat. I'm looking for shavers that would leave just a little bit of hair. Also, home grooming is much more affordable than the groomers.

By the home-made haircuts I use a scissors and trim everywhere apart from his back because if I do it always ends up looking ridiculous! The shavers look more even. Whenever he was at the groomer I got him shaved and he always looked lovely So I'm looking for guideance all about this topic.

I have been looking at these products; anybody know which would be most suitable or could anyone suggest asny particular brands ect. ?

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8706519/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EPET.htm

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8702520/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EPET.htm

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8706526/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EPET.htm

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8706674/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EPET.htm

By the way, when I say shaved, I dont literally mean shaved


Any help would be greatly appreciated

zoby

I have the first Wahl clipper and its great The mini trimmer is very handy for trimming around the paws.


I have been using it on my Cav for about two years and tbh its just trial and error as to what length attachment you use. The one thing to remember is that the hair WILL grow again


I do find that its easier to use a scissors on the legs and the mini trimmer on the feet. I have found leaving the ears long is also more attractive (can you tell my girl has had some shocking 'do's :eek: )

sotisme

Thanks
Yup, Charlies hair always grows back within a few weeks of me cutting him!:rolleyes:
Is the Wahl relatively(sp?) easy to use?

zoby

sotisme wrote: »

Thanks

Is the Wahl relatively(sp?) easy to use?

Yeah easy as


I do find it a bit heavy and the vibration can be a bit annoying after a while so i alternate between clipping and scissoring.

teacherspet

Always work the clippers with the flow or grain of the coat for a smooth finish, so you don't get train track marks on coat. When using clippers on underbelly, inside legs, armpits, inside ears or around the anus make sure you only use the blade (NO ATTACHMENTS). It is a safety blade so you will never cut your dogs skin by mistake. Good luck and enjoy.

sotisme

Thanks for all the help. I think I'll go with the first one then Do you cut in the direction the hair is growing in?

teacherspet

yes always

SophieSakura

I don't really find those clippers very good. They're fine and they work and all, but it takes way longer and it's more work. Professional dog clippers are way better but are like €200 . . .

sotisme

Really? Whats the difference between professional dog clippers and those? The wahl ones seem pretty simple so I think they might still be best ....

sotisme

Apoloies for dragging up an old thread, mods please delete if its against the rules. But 2 years later the wahl one isn't working so well and I've decided to go ahead with the professional clippers. But I have no idea
i)where to get them
ii)what brands there are
iii)what models are the best
iv)how they work ect ect.

Any info would gratefully be appreciated!:)
thanks

ABajaninCork

Go for either Andis or Wahl. They're the best ones and it's easy to get blades for them.

I have a Masterclip clipper which is pretty good too. I got mine in the UK and the clippers are Andis compatible, so I've got spare blades for it as well. I've got a 10 (for sanitary clips); 7 (for the face, although 8.5 is good too), 5 for a shortish (6mm) cut and 3 3/4 for a winter coat.

CCP & Christies sell the clippers online, but I find Christies to be cheaper. Don't forget to get blade wash and clipper oil as well to keep the clippers clean & working well. Sharpen the blades after every 4-6 clips, especially if you're using certain blades regularly.

Get a multi-speed clipper if possible. You have a lot more control that way.

I've found Andis clippers on eBay at reasonable prices.

Finally, when clipping your dog, always clip when the coat is clean. Keeps the blades sharper for longer.

HTH!! Let me know if I can help further...

sotisme

Thanks a million! The clipper I actually got last year was wahl and it's definitely slowing down, it's pretty nuch useless at this stage. I've pretty much decided on the "andis professional 2 speed clipper". Thanks for the suggested websites, I'll have a look at them. I think I'll look on ebay, Chrisites, CCP and amazon and just buy the one with the best value. On andis' website it says their blades work with wahl blades. I have the right wahl blades for my dog (they're working fine, its just the actual clipper that isn't) so I guess I won't need to buy blades?
Thanks again

sotisme

Also I just realised as these are made in america,are they an american voltage (110 volts) or an irish voltage (220 volts)?

ABajaninCork

Where did you find them? Irish/UK voltage is 220/230v...

Did you look on Christies/CCP as I suggested?

sotisme

CCP's website is down so I can't access it and on chrisites website including P&P the clippers are €173 and I've found ones a lot cheaper on ebay and the likes(mostly from sellers in America) so thats why I've been heading towards these, but don't know if there's a voltage problem if their American. Thanks

TenantSOS

sotisme wrote: »

Also I just realised as these are made in america,are they an american voltage (110 volts) or an irish voltage (220 volts)?

UK seller I am a dog groomer and cannot highly recommend these clippers enough http://www.ebay.ie/itm/NEW-ANDIS-2-SPEED-PROFESSIONAL-CLIPPER-DOG-GROOMING-SPECIAL-OFFER-/360468846762?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item53ed9e18aa#ht_553wt_1037

I would also advise getting the comb attachments to go on the clippers like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wahl-Metal-Clipper-Combs-Grooming/dp/B007C2PB3U/ref=pd_sim_sbs_petsupplies_6

Good luck and enjoy it that is how I started by home grooming best thing I ever did

ABajaninCork

sotisme wrote: »

CCP's website is down so I can't access it and on chrisites website including P&P the clippers are €173 and I've found ones a lot cheaper on ebay and the likes(mostly from sellers in America) so thats why I've been heading towards these, but don't know if there's a voltage problem if their American. Thanks

That's why!! Of course they'll be American voltage and won't work here. Check out eBay.co.uk or .ie. That way you'll know that the clippers have the correct voltage. I've seen Andis clippers with two blades for £85. Of course it's extra to post, but that's the cheapest I've seen them.

pawrick

I don't know if any of these are good but there are a few types for sale on the german zooplus website for comparison and reviews.

http://www.zooplus.de/shop/hunde/hundepflege/schermaschine

1st time buyers discount of 10% also and free post depending on spend.

*use google chrome and it will translate the page for you + products differ on their site for each country (Irish one generally has less stuff) but that doesn't matter when purchasing.

sotisme

TenantSOS-Thanks a million, I'll definitely get this model then. Would you say I'd be able to get it at a lower price than your link or is that the cheapest?
ABC-Ok thanks, wow where have you seen them? On ebay? The cheapest I've found incl. P&P is a few around the €150 mark.
Pawrick-Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I think I'm going to go ahead with the andis ones as the reviews seem seriously good but thanks anyway

TenantSOS

sotisme wrote: »

TenantSOS-Thanks a million, I'll definitely get this model then. Would you say I'd be able to get it at a lower price than your link or is that the cheapest?
ABC-Ok thanks, wow where have you seen them? On ebay? The cheapest I've found incl. P&P is a few around the €150 mark.
Pawrick-Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I think I'm going to go ahead with the andis ones as the reviews seem seriously good but thanks anyway

You are very welcome

If you find a US version why not just get an adaptor like when you go on holidays I use US products and they work out fine

Here is a nice cheap one but your local hardware/electrical shop might have one too http://www.amazon.co.uk/Travel-Adaptor-Plug-Worldwide-European/dp/B000P0FIUM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1340630991&sr=1-2

sotisme

Oh, I thouht you needed a voltage transformer to convert the voltages, ie.the adapter only allows the plug to fit in to the wall, but you need a transformer to change/convert the voltage of the electricity?
Do you know if the clippers have a wide voltage range (ie. it says on them 110-220v or limited such as 110v)?
From research online, some electronics eg.laptop computers can handle a range of voltages (100-250v) but others need a transformer to convert the voltage.
Hope I make sense and thanks again!

ABajaninCork

No problem. But FWIW I wouldn't get anything with American voltage. It's simply not worth the risk, and you don't know how it'll go with your existing electrics. You also run the risk of burning out the motor unnecessarily. Spend a bit extra, get one with the correct voltage and you should be fine. I also forgot to mention to get a circuit breaker for use with the clippers too for safety's sake.

I'll try to hunt down that seller now...

ABajaninCork

Here you go...

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/ANDIS-HEAVY-DUTY-DOG-CLIPPERS-2-blades-4-guards-/260971673111?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item3cc31fb617#ht_500wt_1054

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/NEW-ANDIS-RACD-DOG-CLIPPERS-3-BLADES-No-10-7F-5F-/251088075711?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item3a7603fbbf#ht_500wt_1287

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/NEW-ANDIS-DOG-CLIPPERS-2-BLADES-6-COMB-GUARDS-/251080895993?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item3a75966df9#ht_500wt_1287

sotisme

Thanks a million, will do:) Thanks for the links to the clippers but it's the andis professional excel 2 speed one I'm after, the 2 speed is meant to be worth the small extra bit of money.

DBB

I bought the Andis 2-speed, I think maybe 5 years ago? Super clippers, still going strong, and that's using it often for really horribly matted, grubby, unwashable hair on neglected rescue dogs, perhaps 30+ times per year. I had a Wahl clippers before, but it's not up to hard work. Fine for an owner to clip their own dog a few times a year, but that's all it's up to. The Andis also has a lot more power and the good blades give a nice finish. Like yourself, I originally bought the clippers as one of my dogs is terrified of groomers after a horrible experience as a youngster :-(
One thing I will say, don't scrimp on blades. I wasn't aware that Wahl blades fit the Andis clipper, certainly my old Wahl clipper blades wouldn't fit my Andis, but maybe it depends on the Wahl model? I think, if your old blades are a bit dated, go for extra oomph of nice, new blades: I get Oster blades, I think they're a little cheaper than Andis blades.
If you think about it, to send a small dog for a clip costs, maybe €40? You'll have paid for the clippers and new blades within maybe 4 visits to the groomer's, depending on the size of you dog(s)! So if you're going for it, go the whole hog

sotisme

DBB wrote: »

I bought the Andis 2-speed, I think maybe 5 years ago? Super clippers, still going strong, and that's using it often for really horribly matted, grubby, unwashable hair on neglected rescue dogs, perhaps 30+ times per year. I had a Wahl clippers before, but it's not up to hard work. Fine for an owner to clip their own dog a few times a year, but that's all it's up to. The Andis also has a lot more power and the good blades give a nice finish. Like yourself, I originally bought the clippers as one of my dogs is terrified of groomers after a horrible experience as a youngster :-(
One thing I will say, don't scrimp on blades. I wasn't aware that Wahl blades fit the Andis clipper, certainly my old Wahl clipper blades wouldn't fit my Andis, but maybe it depends on the Wahl model? I think, if your old blades are a bit dated, go for extra oomph of nice, new blades: I get Oster blades, I think they're a little cheaper than Andis blades.
If you think about it, to send a small dog for a clip costs, maybe €40? You'll have paid for the clippers and new blades within maybe 4 visits to the groomer's, depending on the size of you dog(s)! So if you're going for it, go the whole hog

Thanks, yep I agree with the Wahl, mines half as good as it was when I first got it, I definitely need a better one! Where did you get the andis? Thanks a mill for the advice on the blades, they've only been used about 4 times so their still perfect so if they work fine I think I'll just stick with them. I actually paid €65 for one grooming!! So the whole thing for less than 3 grooms!

DBB

sotisme wrote: »

Thanks, yep I agree with the Wahl, mines half as good as it was when I first got it, I definitely need a better one! Where did you get the andis? Thanks a mill for the advice on the blades, they've only been used about 4 times so their still perfect so if they work fine I think I'll just stick with them. I actually paid €65 for one grooming!! So the whole thing for less than 3 grooms!

Happy days with the savings you'll make! If your Wahl blades are still so new, definitely get the use out of them. You can get blades re-sharpened but I'm not entirely sure this is worth the cost. If I might hijack your thread for a sec OP, has anyone gone down this route, and is it worthwhile?:)

I got my clippers from Christies Direct, and at the time I think I paid about €180 for the clippers with 2 extra blades. If I remember correctly, it also came with a 10 blade already on it.

sotisme

DBB wrote: »

Happy days with the savings you'll make! If your Wahl blades are still so new, definitely get the use out of them. You can get blades re-sharpened but I'm not entirely sure this is worth the cost. If I might hijack your thread for a sec OP, has anyone gone down this route, and is it worthwhile?:)

I got my clippers from Christies Direct, and at the time I think I paid about €180 for the clippers with 2 extra blades. If I remember correctly, it also came with a 10 blade already on it.

Ok great thanks, though I think I'll go the ebay route, I am a bit of a bargain hunter to be honest:D

DBB

sotisme wrote: »

Ok great thanks, though I think I'll go the ebay route, I am a bit of a bargain hunter to be honest:D

Sure, why not go for a cheaper option?
I knew no better at the time, hence Christie's!

sotisme

Ahh it's driving me mad the way the ones from the US mightn't work here, their literally 2/3 of the price of the ones from the UK and Irl. But there are a few good value ones on ebay from the UK, have emailed the sellers asking if they will post to Ireland and am awaiting a reply. Poor Charlie is in a desperate need of a shave!:o

ABajaninCork

I got mine here:

http://www.masterclip.co.uk/landing_page/dog_clippers/dog_products_item.aspx?nItem=Ultimate%20Dog%20Grooming%20Set&nProducts=Dog_Clippers

Two speed, comes with 3 blades and will post to Ireland (via courier). Costs £15 if I remember rightly. Clippers are Andis compatible so easy to get blades.

sotisme

Thanks for that, I went on to their website and watched the video. The clippers semmed to be making a lot of noise though, and my dog gets really stressed with noisy clippers so thats one of the reasons I really want to get the andis ones (their meant to be the quietest out of the lot)

ABajaninCork

You get the ones you want!

I have these and use them on a Shih Tzu that can't sit still on the table! I find the noise level to be less compared to say, Oster. Once I get going on the clippers, he's generally quiet.