How often should I groom my dog at home?

Brushing frequency depends on the coat: several times a week for long, curly and double coats, weekly for short coats. Baths are needed far less often — when the dog is dirty or smelly, or as your veterinarian advises for skin conditions. Check nails every few weeks.

Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?

Before. Water tightens mats and tangles, making them almost impossible to remove. Brush and comb the coat down to the skin first, then bathe, then brush again once the dog is completely dry.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

It is better not to. Use a shampoo made for dogs, and a medicated one only if your veterinarian recommends it. Rinse thoroughly, because leftover shampoo can irritate the skin.

Is it safe to shave a double-coated dog?

Shaving double coats such as those of huskies or shepherds is generally discouraged unless a veterinarian advises it for a medical reason. The undercoat helps regulate temperature and protects the skin; regular brushing and deshedding tools are the usual approach.

What do I do about matted fur?

Small tangles can be worked out with a detangling spray and a comb, holding the hair near the skin. Large, tight mats close to the skin should be clipped by a professional, because it is very easy to cut skin with scissors.

How do I keep my dog calm during grooming?

Start with short sessions, reward with treats, and get your dog used to handling of paws, ears and mouth before you add tools. A non-slip mat and a helper make a big difference. Stop before the dog becomes stressed.

How to groom a dog at home: a complete beginner guide

Grooming your dog at home saves money between professional visits, lets you spot health problems early and can become a calm routine your dog enjoys. You do not need a salon setup — you need the right tools for your dog’s coat, the right order of steps and patience. This beginner guide walks through each stage.

Dog grooming tools by coat type

Coat type	Example breeds	Brush and comb	Home-grooming focus
Smooth / short	Beagle, Boxer, Labrador (short)	Rubber curry brush, bristle brush	Weekly brushing, nails
Double	Husky, German Shepherd, Golden	Undercoat rake, slicker, wide-tooth comb	Deshedding, no shaving
Long / silky	Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier	Pin brush, slicker, fine comb	Daily brushing, face and feet tidy
Curly / wool	Poodle, doodles, Bichon	Slicker, long-tooth comb	Line brushing, regular clipping
Wire	Schnauzer, many terriers	Slicker, stripping tools	Brushing; hand-stripping is advanced

Other essentials: dog shampoo, absorbent towels, a dryer with a cool setting, nail clippers or a grinder, styptic powder, ear cleaner, a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and plenty of treats.

Step 1: get your dog used to handling

Before the first full session, spend a few days touching paws, ears, mouth and tail for a second, then treating. Show each tool, let the dog sniff it, then reward. The AVSAB position on humane training supports exactly this kind of reward-based conditioning — and it makes every future vet and groomer visit easier.

Step 2: brush before the bath

The ASPCA’s dog grooming tips make regular brushing the center of home grooming. Work in sections, lifting the hair and brushing from the skin out (“line brushing”), then run a comb through. If the comb catches, you have a tangle. Never bathe a matted dog: water shrinks mats tighter.

Step 3: bathe

Put a non-slip mat in the tub and use lukewarm water.
Wet the coat thoroughly — double coats take a while.
Lather with dog shampoo, avoiding eyes and the inside of the ears.
Rinse until the water runs clear. Leftover shampoo irritates skin.
Use conditioner for long or curly coats if you like.

Our full guide on how to bathe a dog covers water temperature, small dogs and dogs that hate water.

Step 4: dry completely

Towel dry by pressing, not rubbing, then use a dryer on a cool or low setting, keeping it moving and brushing as you go. Damp undercoat can lead to skin problems, and curly coats must be dry and straightened before clipping.

Step 5: clip and scissor (if your dog’s coat needs it)

Clip only a clean, dry, brushed coat — dirt dulls blades and tangles cause pulls.
Use a guard comb for an even length and work with the direction of hair growth.
Check blade temperature often with the back of your hand; hot blades burn skin.
Use blunt-tipped scissors around the face, feet and sanitary area.
Start simple: a short, even “puppy cut” is the most forgiving style.

Choosing a clipper? See our best dog clippers for home use guide.

Step 6: nails, ears, eyes and teeth

Nails: trim small amounts, avoiding the quick. See how to trim dog nails and nail clippers vs. grinders.
Ears: wipe the visible part with a dog ear cleaner and cotton; never push swabs into the canal.
Eyes: wipe away discharge with a damp cloth.
Teeth: brush with dog toothpaste; human toothpaste is not for dogs.

Step 7: health check

Grooming is the best time to look for lumps, ticks, fleas, hot spots, redness, odor from ears or mouth, and limping. Note anything new and show your veterinarian.

When to call a professional

Mats close to the skin or a fully matted coat.
A dog that growls, snaps or panics during handling.
Breed-standard cuts, hand-stripping or show grooming.
Very anxious, elderly or medically fragile dogs.

Curious about prices? See how much dog grooming costs.

Home grooming schedule by coat type

Coat	Brushing	Baths	Haircut	Nails	Teeth
Smooth / short	Weekly	When dirty	Not needed	Every few weeks	Daily or several times a week
Double	Several times a week; more in shedding season	When dirty	Not needed (tidy feet)	Every few weeks	Daily or several times a week
Long / silky	Daily	As needed	Every several weeks	Every few weeks	Daily or several times a week
Curly / wool	Several times a week, line brushing	Before each haircut	Every several weeks	Every few weeks	Daily or several times a week
Wire	Weekly	When dirty	Clip or hand-strip periodically	Every few weeks	Daily or several times a week

Adjust to your dog’s lifestyle: a dog that swims or hikes may need more frequent baths and checks.

Setting up a home grooming station

Non-slip surface: a rubber mat on a table or in the tub.
Secure height: a grooming table saves your back; never leave a dog alone on a table.
Good light: you need to see skin, nails and mats clearly.
Everything within reach before you start: brushes, towels, shampoo, treats.
Warm, draft-free room for drying.
A helper for wriggly dogs, at least at first.

Grooming puppies and senior dogs

Puppies: keep sessions to a few minutes, focus on handling and positive associations, and use gentle tools. The goal is a dog that enjoys grooming for life.

Seniors: older dogs may have arthritis, thinner skin and lumps. Support them while standing, keep sessions short, use lower-heat drying and check every lump you find with your veterinarian.

Common home grooming mistakes

Mistake	Consequence	Fix
Bathing before brushing	Mats tighten	Brush to the skin first
Leaving shampoo in the coat	Itchy, flaky skin	Rinse until water runs clear
Not drying fully	Damp undercoat, skin problems	Dry to the skin
Cutting mats with scissors	Skin cuts are common	Use clippers or see a groomer
Clipping a dirty coat	Dull blades, pulled hair	Clip only clean, dry coats
Pushing cotton swabs into ears	Ear canal injury	Wipe only the visible ear
Long, forced sessions	Grooming fear	Short, rewarding sessions

Your grooming session checklist

Make it a routine

A printable schedule keeps things on track. Dog Grooming at Home: The Step-by-Step Guide includes a coat-type brushing table, grooming checklists, a 12-month grooming calendar and a body-map health log. If you enjoy grooming enough to consider it as a job, read how to start as a dog groomer; the BLS notes most groomers learn on the job. More in the dog grooming guide.