How To Groom A Schnauzer

By: Louis Varca

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Learning how to groom a Schnauzer is the first step in having a healthy and clean dog. Many individuals learn how to groom a Schnauzer in an effort to constantly keep a beautiful, well-maintained dog. As the proud owner of a Schnauzer, learning how to groom a Schnauzer is a simple matter of devoting some time and love to your dog. This guide will teach you all of the basics for cleaning and maintaining the grooming of your Schnauzer. Properly grooming your Schnauzer will keep both you and your beloved pet happy.

Things you'll need:

  • Clippers (#10 blade)
  • Clippers (adjustable blade)
  • Grooming brush
  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog skin conditioner
  • Nail clippers
  • Nail filer
  • Scissors
  1. Brush your Schnauzer. Brush your Schnauzer's coat at least twice a week to prevent tangles and knots. Use a grooming brush to work your way through your Schnauzer's coat.
  2. Clip the facial hair. Using the number ten blade, carefully clip the facial hair. Start at the eyebrows and clip back towards the ears. Always clip with the direction of the hair and never against the grain. Clipping against the grain of the hair could cause razor burn.
  3. Trim the ears. When trimming the ears of a Schnauzer it is very important to exercise extra caution. Start from the center of the ear and work outwards with the clippers. Exercise caution as to not nick the flaps of skin under the ears. Use the scissors to trim the hair from the edges of your Schnauzer's ears.
  4. Trim the hair on the body. Using the number ten blade, start at the back of the neck of your Schnauzer. Trim from the back of the next down to the tail. Trim the legs by starting at the top and working your way down using the clippers. Finally, trim the stomach to complete the trimming of the body.
  5. Clip the tail. Hold the tail away from the body of your Schnauzer. Clip the tail using the clippers, working from the base of the tail outwards. Be very careful not to harm the tail when trimming it with the clippers.
  6. Clip the nails. Using the nail clippers, carefully clip the nails of your Schnauzer. Clip off little portions at a time, being careful not to trim too much and harm the dog. File the nails down with the file once finished to eliminate any sharp or coarse edges.
  7. Bathe your Schnauzer. Bathing a Schnauzer will remove necessary oils from the skin and should only be done when necessary. Bathe your Schnauzer with water and soap. Completely rinse all of the soap when finished bathing. Apply the dog skin conditioner and enjoy a Schnauzer that is well-groomed and very happy.

Tips:

  • Always exercise caution when trimming a Schnauzer; any cuts could lead to skin infection.
  • Only trim the nails slightly on a Schnauzer to prevent causing pain or bleeding.
Posted on: Aug. 19, 2010