Bathe your dog as needed based on their lifestyle. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors running around, hiking, or getting dirty, you'll need to bathe them more frequently. In the video, the presenter bathes her dogs once between professional grooming appointments every eight weeks, on an as-needed basis.
At a glance
Length
10 min
Channel
BAXTER & Bella - The Online Puppy School
Video from
Feb 2025
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Dog owners wanting to learn basic grooming and reduce grooming costs
What this video answers
How often should I bathe my dog at home?
What should I do if my dog is nervous about grooming?
Can I use a regular blow dryer instead of a force-air dryer?
How do I trim my dog's nails safely without cutting the quick?
What type of shampoo is best for my dog?
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Summary of At-Home Dog Grooming Essentials
BAXTER & Bella's guide walks you through ten tools and techniques needed to groom your dog at home successfully. The video covers everything from selecting the right scissors and brushes for your dog's coat type to bathing, drying, nail care, and dental hygiene. Each tool is demonstrated with practical tips—like using a slicker brush and metal comb for line brushing, or applying a lick mat during bath time to keep your dog calm and engaged.
Beyond equipment, the video emphasizes that patience and positive reinforcement are just as important as the physical tools. The presenter explains how to work safely with scissors (good lighting, slow movements, one hand on your dog), how to avoid the quick when trimming nails, and why consistency matters—such as clipping nails weekly on a set day rather than letting them grow too long. The overarching message is that grooming at home saves money, builds trust, and creates bonding time with your dog.
Key Moments
Key Tools and Techniques for Home Grooming
Use multiple types of scissors (straight shears, curved shears, thinning shears, and safety scissors with a blunt nose) to avoid harsh lines and blend cuts smoothly, especially around the face and eyes.
Invest in a slicker brush and metal comb to line-brush your dog's coat section by section, working down to the skin to catch mats and tangles before they become serious problems.
Choose a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner suited to your dog's skin (oatmeal-based or anti-itch formulas are common choices) and always rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Clip nails weekly using clippers or a Dremel, avoiding the quick by using good lighting and trimming just a little bit regularly rather than waiting until nails are overgrown.
A grooming table with adjustable height, a non-slip surface, and a restraint arm saves your back and gives you a stable workspace; never leave your dog unattended on the table.
A force-air dryer prevents matting during the drying process and speeds up drying time compared to a regular blow dryer on low heat.
Why Home Grooming Matters for Your Dog's Health
Regular grooming is not just cosmetic—it directly affects your dog's physical health and comfort. Long nails can cause gait problems, joint issues, and pain; matted coats trap moisture and can lead to skin irritation; and neglected teeth develop tartar buildup, which compromises gum health. By grooming at home, you catch these issues early, keep your dog's skin and coat in good condition, and create routine touchpoints where you can notice anything unusual. Equally important is the emotional benefit: turning grooming into a positive experience through patience, treats, and breaks helps anxious or nervous dogs feel safer during handling, which makes future grooming sessions—whether at home or at a professional groomer—less stressful for everyone.
Common Questions About At-Home Dog Grooming
How often should I bathe my dog at home?
Bathe your dog as needed based on their lifestyle. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors running around, hiking, or getting dirty, you'll need to bathe them more frequently. In the video, the presenter bathes her dogs once between professional grooming appointments every eight weeks, on an as-needed basis.
What should I do if my dog is nervous about grooming?
The video stresses patience and positive association. Use a lick mat filled with peanut butter, yogurt, applesauce, or pumpkin puree to keep your dog distracted and calm during grooming. Start with young puppies to normalize handling early. For dogs with serious anxiety about being touched or having their paws or nails handled, the presenter recommends enrolling in a cooperative care course to help your dog feel they have a voice in the process.
Can I use a regular blow dryer instead of a force-air dryer?
Yes, you can use a regular blow dryer on a low heat setting, but a force-air dryer is superior because it speeds up drying time significantly and prevents mats and tangles from forming in the wet coat. Since dog skin is sensitive, always use low heat and move the nozzle around frequently to avoid holding it in one spot too long.
How do I trim my dog's nails safely without cutting the quick?
Use good lighting—a flashlight can help shine light on the nail to see where the quick (the sensitive, bleeding part) is located. For dark nails where you cannot see through, the safest approach is to clip a tiny bit weekly on a set day rather than waiting until nails are long. This way you stay ahead of overgrowth and trim gradually, making it easier to avoid the quick. A Dremel can then file down rough edges after clipping.
What type of shampoo is best for my dog?
Always use a dog-specific formula, never human shampoo. Look for formulas that are gentle on sensitive skin, and consider oatmeal-based or anti-itch options if your dog scratches frequently due to environmental factors like grass and pollen. Choose a shampoo suited to your individual dog's needs, and follow up with a conditioner to help moisturize the coat and make brushing easier.
A technique where you comb small sections of hair down to the skin with a metal comb, then brush each section thoroughly with a slicker brush to remove mats and tangles throughout the entire coat.
The quick
The blood vessel and nerve inside a dog's nail that will bleed if cut; avoiding it during nail trimming requires good lighting and careful technique.
Dematting tool
A special comb designed to carefully break up and remove mats and tangles from a dog's coat without pulling the hair painfully.
Force-air dryer
A high-powered grooming dryer that uses forced air to dry a dog's coat quickly while preventing mats and tangles from forming during the drying process.
This video is genuinely helpful for anyone looking to save money on grooming and build confidence in handling their dog at home. The presenter doesn't overwhelm you with fancy techniques but instead focuses on the practical essentials: the right tools for your dog's coat type, safe scissor handling, and the importance of creating positive associations with grooming so your dog stays calm. What I appreciated most was the emphasis on patience and breaking grooming into smaller sessions with play breaks, plus the reminder that consistency (like weekly nail trims) prevents problems far better than trying to catch up later. If you're serious about learning to groom at home, this is a solid starting point.
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🐾 10 Must-Have Tools for Grooming Your Dog at Home! 🐾
Are you ready to take your dog’s grooming into your own hands? In this video, we break down the 10 essential tools and tips you’ll need to keep your pup looking and feeling their best—from trimming fur to tackling tough mats and even nail care! Grooming your dog at home can save money, build trust, and create special bonding moments with your dog.
✨ Here’s what we’ll cover:
1️⃣ Grooming scissors for precise trims
2️⃣ Brushes and combs to detangle and smooth
3️⃣ Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner for a clean, healthy coat
4️⃣ A lick mat to create positive grooming experiences
5️⃣ Nail clippers and a Dremel for safe nail care
6️⃣ Clippers and small paw pad trimmers for the perfect cut
7️⃣ A grooming table to keep your dog secure and comfortable
8️⃣ A force air dryer to prevent mats and speed up drying
9️⃣ Dog toothpaste and a finger brush for healthy teeth and fresh breath
🔟 Confidence and patience—because every dog is unique!
🎥 Why Groom Your Dog at Home?
DIY grooming isn’t just about saving money; it’s a chance to ensure your pup is always comfortable and cared for. With a little practice and the right tools, you can transform grooming into a stress-free (and even fun!) routine.
📌 Helpful Links:
✅ Shop the tools mentioned:
https://www.baxterandbella.com/puppy-products
✅ Grooming tips for nervous dogs: BAXTER & Bella’s 4-Week Cooperative Care Course
https://www.baxterandbella.com/4-cooperative-care-course
✅ Learn more about dog grooming: BAXTER & Bella’s At-Home Grooming Class
https://www.baxterandbella.com/at-home-grooming-class
💬 Have questions or tips of your own?
Share them in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new video.
🔔 Subscribe for more tips, tricks, and DIY pet care guides!
Thanks for watching, and happy grooming! 🐾✨
Video transcript for “10 Essential Tools You Need to Groom Your Own Dog at Home” Accessibility
A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.
today I'm going to show you the 10 things you need to groom your own dog from home first on the list are grooming scissors you're going to want several different kinds so I like these ones from pwell they're stainless still this is a straight Shear you're going to want something like this that's curved and
then I also have these thinning shears that are nice for blending you don't want any of those blunt Cuts left on your dog's face you want it to be nice and Blended and then lastly we have this little mini pair of scissors I like these because it has a blunt nose and it's really nice to just trim my dog's
eye hair right here where it gets kind of long and they can't see anymore also it works great for in between their toes when trimming your dog with scissors always work in a well-lit space you want to make sure that you can see really well we don't want to have any accidents when it comes to scissors always keep
one hand on your dog for stability when trimming their eyes or their ears or any of their delicate areas use slow controlled movements go slowly there's no rush you're not in a race we want to make sure that you're dog is comfortable with what you're doing and that the haircut looks nice if your dog does
happen to need a little break give them a break let them relax play a little game have a little recess and then come back to grooming number two is having a good brush and a good comb so you want to make sure that whatever breed of dog you have that you get the right brush for their coat at my house I have
Doodles so my tools that I use are a Slicker brush and a metal comb this way I can LINE Brush my dog what that means is I'm going to start at the bottom of my dog's leg I'm going to create a line with this metal comb and then I'm going to brush that hair with this Slicker brush that
way I'm getting down to the skin I'm just brushing one little section of hair at a time and I'm going to work my way up that leg and then I can do the same thing for all four legs and then the body as well I'll start at the back near the tail and I'll LINE Brush all the way forward to the front of my dog that way
I'm making sure that I'm getting down to the skin and I'm using both of these tools to make sure there aren't any mats or Tangles of any kind along with my brush and comb I'm using a dematting tool if I happen to come across any little Tangles so this tool you want to be super careful with but you can comb
carefully through that mat that will break it up and you'll be able to comb that out while we're talking about Combs and brushes do not forget the fine tooth comb this one you guys I use this every morning so your dogs might be like mine and get little IG goobers or crusties in the corners of their eyes this little
tool takes them right out in a very simple fashion and you don't have to have any of your fingers involved you can just get a paper towel or a tissue and clean that brush off but this works great and I use it every day pwell is one of my favorite grooming companies for dogs they have wonderful equipment
you can find a link on our website to purchase their products number three shampoo and conditioner so make sure you get a specific formula for your dog skin their skin tends to be a little more sensitive than ours so I often look for a formula that has oatmeal in it or it says anti-itch on it my dogs scratch a
lot because they're out in the environment grasses pollins those kinds of things so finding an anti- IT shampoo can be helpful as well you'll want to find one that works for your dogs needs not every dog needs an anti-ed shampoo but you'll do want one that's gentle on their skin I like to look for oatmeal in
the formula that seems to be a more gentle formula I recommend bathing your dog as needed if your dog's outside running around a lot or getting dirty on Hikes and Grand adventures with you then you'll need to bathe them more often at my house my dogs go into a professional groomer every eight weeks so I'm usually
bathing them once in between that time on an as needed basis when bathing your dog make sure you use lukewarm water nothing too hot and nothing too cold and make sure that you rinse thoroughly a conditioner goes a long way in moisturizing your dog's coat and making it easier to brush lather gently but
thoroughly make sure you remember your dog's Paws tail areas and under their belly and then avoid their eyes and ears rinse rinse rinse any leftover product in your dog's coat can irritate their skin and we don't want that number four is something you might not have thought about but it's called The Lick mat and
this is a really useful tool when bathing your dog so I love this one from pwell because it has nice deep grooves and it has these little suction cups on the back that work really well so you slap this on your your tub wall or your shower wall or the floor you can fill it beforehand with a little bit of natural
peanut butter some Greek yogurt some applesauce or a pumpkin puree you could even freeze it ahead of time and then when when you put this in the shower your dog is busy working on something yummy while you're bathing them it's a win-win for both of you licking helps calm dogs down and relaxes them if your
dog is stressed about grooming you need to use a lickm a lickmat will create a positive association with grooming for your dog making future grooming sessions much easier a lickmat will also help your dog hold still bonus tip you can use this while your dog is on the grooming table as well so if you need
help getting your dog to hold still have a second person hold this lickm for them or just have them be there feeding intermittent food rewards so that your dog is more likely to be engaged and hold still versus wiggling and trying to get off that table number five are nail clippers and AD Dremel so it's really
important that we keep our dogs nails at an appropriate length if we let our dog's nails get too long it can actually be adverse to their health it can be painful to them it can cause uh gate issues walking issues and Joint issues and we don't want any of those things so make sure that on a weekly basis you are
clipping your dog's nails and then I like to follow that up with a Dremel just a tap tap tap with each or for each nail and that files them down so there's no rough edges a couple tips for you when trimming Nails you want to make sure that you avoid the quick meaning the part of your dog's nail that's going
to bleed so use really good lighting you can pull out a flashlight if needed to shine it on that nail to see where that quick is we want to make sure that we don't cut that for dark Nails I just advise picking one day a week that you want to clip your dog's nails and do do that weekly and just trim off a little
tiny bit that way they're not ever getting too long you're staying up on it and you're not as nervous to cut their quick because you can't see through that black nail number six on the list Clippers if you're going to be cutting your own dog's hair you're going to want to invest in a good pair of quality
Clippers I've used this pair of Andes for a long time they have nice metal interchangeable blades that I use for different lengths of haircuts and then I also recommend just a small simple pair of Clippers that you can use in between your dog's paw pads I like to keep the hair on my dog's feet trimmed super
short so that when we're out and about they're not getting Burrs or grasses or things stuck in that hair um and I'm making sure when we get home to check those Paws to make sure there's nothing stuck in there but trimming that hair short will prevent a lot of unwanted things from collecting in your dog's
feet making it uncomfortable for them to walk and then again these clippers for the hair you want something that will go super slick and nice through that hair um it's very gentle and not super noisy either cuz dogs don't really love the sound so invest in a good pair of Clippers if you're going to do your
dog's own haircuts if you're serious about grooming at home a nice grooming table is a GameChanger this is going to save your back from hurting as you bend over to groom your dog it keeps them at a nice height you can adjust this arm towards the height of your dog because this is going to secure them onto the
table I have different connectors here that will help keep my dog in place but it gives me a nice place to work and maneuver I can work on all sides of my dog and again it's keeping me upright I'm not having to bend over as much which I promise you it saves your back a few tips for you if you are looking at
investing in a grooming table you want one that has an adjustable arm for different heights of dogs also some attachments here to help keep your puppy in place never leave your puppy unattended on this table always be right there with them and then I like a nice nonslip surface for them to stand on
another musthave item on my list is a force air dryer this thing's amazing I use this all the time when I'm bathing my dogs it speeds up the drying time significantly and it prevents the dog's coat from getting Matts or tingles in it as we dry them you don't need a force air dryer you can use a regular blow
dryer but make sure that you're using on on a low heat setting again your puppy skin is sensitive and then make sure you're moving that nozzle around we don't want to hold it in one spot for too long that'll get too hot for your puppy number nine is a dog toothpaste and toothbrush so oral hygiene for dogs
is just as important as it is for humans we want to make sure that we are cleaning their teeth regularly to prevent any tartar buildup we want to keep their gums healthy and we want to make sure that their mouths are fresh so dog toothpaste do not use human toothpaste on your dogs no don't do that
you want to make sure you have a specific formula for dogs the flavors you guys are funny but the dogs love it so this one happens to be poultry flavor there's liver flavor toothpaste paste peanut butter flavor toothpaste there's probably even bacon so find one that your dog enjoys uh you're going to start
with a little finger brush I find that this is the easiest way to begin put a little toothpaste on the finger brush and then you can just take this finger and insert it into your dog's mouth and really work around those teeth I love doing this with young puppies start them young with brushing their teeth and they
won't mind it when they're adults finally the most important thing you'll need when grooming your dog is patience you'll find that some some dogs love grooming they love the time and attention and the affection being touched and handled other dogs are like no way that's not for me if you have a
dog who's nervous about being touched or fearful of having their paws handled or their nails clipped we want to help you we have a four-week Cooperative care course that will help your dogs see that they have a say in what's happening to them they have a voice and as we listen to their Whispers they're more likely to
enjoy the grooming process so if you haven't checked that out already check it out today go go sign up for our 4-we Cooperative care course always end grooming sessions on a positive note so follow it up with that play session or make sure there's a good food reward at the end so that they learn to associate
grooming with really good things and that's it 10 things you'll need to groom your own dog from home don't forget to like hit subscribe and then share with us down below in the comments how groom's going for you
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