I’ve decided to groom my fat long-haired mini dachshund at home. His hair has always been unruly and he looks great with short body hair and long ears and tail. We’ve always had him professionally groomed, but today I had an uncontrollable urge to shave him myself. Heck, think of the money I’ll save:) Anyway, I bought a dog shaver at the pet store and I watched the DVD that came with it. The thing is charging right now on the kitchen counter. Tomorrow around 2pm, we’ll be ready to go. I’ve brushed and bathed him. We have a utility sink in the laundry room. I plan on lining it with newspaper and shaving him there.
I have a feeling this is a bad idea, but can’t seem to stop myself. Any last minute tips before Alex turns into that weird looking fat mini dachsund?
Yeah, the breed purists always freak out when we bring him in for grooming, but his fur is really awful. Looks like he stuck his paw in a light socket.
I know, I feel really guilty about it. He’s a really good begger – I swear he actually talks. And I used to be a total sap with the treats. By the time we noticed that he was really fat (that fur can conceal a world of sins), we put him on a diet. It’s been about 18 mos. and while he’s lost maybe a pound or two, he’s ten years old and the weight just won’t come off. He doesn’t get on couches and doesn’t jump down from high places, so I’m hoping we won’t have to deal with back issues.
You know that bad hair cut your mom gave you as a kid . . . . well, Alex looks a little silly, but I think with practice I’ll improve. I did learn a few things. First, I should do this outside, not in the laundry room. There is hair everywhere. Second, the shaver needs to be applied with long, consistent strokes. He has a few bald patches, which are a testament to my inexperience. Finally, I learned what a great and patient dog I have. He seemed a little exasperated towards the end, but he never snapped.
Here are the pics, both before and after. Bear with me if the posting shows a red x or if the pics are huge. It’s my first time posting pics and although I’ve read all the threads here before, it may take a few tries to work out the kinks.
I will say that my wife uses the same clippers on my head as she uses on our dog. I would recommend doing that because a lot of the inexpensive clippers out there are under powered as I have personally experienced. Our first clipper was a cheap $20 deal from Target. That sucker yanked on my hair so bad I threw the thing across the yard. We ended up spending about $60 on a really nice Wahl clipper. It was the best $60 ever spent. The thing has so much power it doesn’t pull on my hair at all. (I have thick coarse hair that we shave without any of the plastic clips. I would call it a “0”) So, now we also use it on our little dog and she practically falls asleep when we shave her down ( we use a “5” clip) and yes, our dog is very clean!! lol
Granted the stakes are a bit lower with the pooch but this reminds me of when I officially got “fired” from cutting my son’s hair (which didn’t take long btw). The poor little guy looked like a monk (no offense monk).
Amy, dear, that is such a bad job that your dog couldn’t have done any worse if it had cut his own hair. Next time, the pooch should cut yours, just to be fair.
Amy–that poor animal would be justified in peeing on every carpet in your home, the couch and your bed pillow.
You know, I did find a yellow spot in the dining room today. He’s so passive aggressive; all licky and lovey and then that:)
I’m not giving up, though. Since I’m on sabbatical from the legal profession, I need to find something productive to do with my time and I might as well learn a new skill. I’m giving the hair two weeks to grow out, and I’ll go at him again.
That poor little bugger - better not take him outside to have all his mates laugh at him Reminds me of the first few times I cut my son’s hair, when I was a single dad and desperately needed not to spend money. Took a few tries to get it right. So hang in there - you too, Amy.
I had a similar attempt on our two Bichon’s. Seemed like a good idea at the time. What I learned is that the guy I pay $55 each to groom them every month earns his money. It’s a long job and requires a great deal of skill. I no longer feel bad about paying it given the alternative.
I do have a professional dryer that we use once in a while when they just need a bath, worth it if you have a dog that needs careful drying.
Me and Alex Before
Alex Before
Alex’s New Patches
Alex After
Reminds me of the first few times I cut my son’s hair, when I was a single dad and desperately needed not to spend money. Took a few tries to get it right. So hang in there - you too, Amy.