The pet grooming industry is booming. To make it as a dog groomer, you will need to think of ways to stand out against the competition, and that includes selecting high-quality tools for the job. Selecting the right dog grooming shears can influence the quality and efficiency of your work which leads to one thing: more money in your bank account.
Things to Consider When Choosing Shears
Quality of Metal
A good pair of dog grooming shears have to be made from quality metals. If you’re on a budget, scissors made of soft metal are the way to go, but they’re often heavy and require frequent sharpening. This can cost you and your clients major waiting times.
If possible, choose scissors made of hard metal. Although pricier, they’re much easier to use as they don’t produce stress on the hands, allowing you to work faster. Dog grooming shears made from hard metal are also thinner, lighter, and can cut through the thickest of coats like butter.
Size of Your Fingers and Hands
Dog grooming shears shouldn’t feel too heavy on your hands. Groomers with long fingers should buy grooming shears with a long shank, which provides adequate thumb support. Those with short fingers should look for shears with a short shank. Short-shanked scissors don’t force you to open your hand too wide, reducing the strain on your fingers.
Dog Size
Dog groomers typically have more than one pair of dog grooming shears. This is because each pair of scissors has a particular blade length that works for specific dog breeds. For large dogs with thick hair, use grooming shears with a long blade. For small dogs with short hair, use grooming shears with a shorter blade. A shorter blade lets you groom hard-to-reach areas like
behind the ears, inside of hind legs, etc.
Kinds of Dog Grooming Shears You Need
Professional dog groomers need to invest in several types of grooming shears. Having one of each kind lets you properly groom specific breeds with varying fur lengths.
- Beveled Edge Shears work on mostly all breeds and sizes of dogs.
- Straight Edge Scissors can clean up hard-to-reach areas like the face, tail, and ears.
- Rounded/Specialized Shears trim with the most accuracy, and are commonly used during dog shows and competitions.
Don’t Forget!
Aside from selecting the best dog grooming shears, you also need to regularly take care of them. Taking care of your tools extends their lifespan, and establishes you as a true professional in your field. No one likes dirty shears!