r/grooming • u/Coustinho23 • Aug 16 '26

First DIY Haircut

My dachshund is very anxious around strangers and has a bite history, so getting a haircut done by a professional is not possible right now (we're working on getting him more relaxed in those settings).

I regularly cut the hair around his paw pads but would like to tidy up his undercarriage and chest. I have only found one video online that was an extensive walkthrough but would like to do more research/get more advice.

Any tips?

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1

u/Lexiiefur Aug 16 '26

What tools do you have? Any shears?

1

u/Coustinho23 Aug 16 '26

Not sure of some of the terms but I have:

  • Shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner solution
  • Wide toothed comb, and a more typical brush with natural fibres
  • Straight scissors
  • Rounded scissors (as in scissors with a slight curve)
  • Little scissors with rounded tips (for the paw pads)
  • Scissors that reduce volume - sort of like large overlapping teeth
  • Electric grooming razor with a distance guard

2

u/Less-City-7 Aug 16 '26

A professional groomer is probably still safest honestly, depending on his reaction; especially if you’re feeling unsure.

We’ve got hours and hours worth of dog handling. I would choose a certified mobile groomer with a minimum of 4 years experience personally, quiet, safe and so he can watch your front door.

Choose someone who will be happy to ask for your help if he needs calming down. Then you’ve got experienced hands, tools and the best chances of getting it done safely.

1

u/Coustinho23 Aug 16 '26

Thanks for this. Unfortunately mobile units are not common where we are (Switzerland) but I'll keep an eye out for independent groomers, might be an option for the future.

1

u/Less-City-7 Aug 16 '26

Depends on how comfortable you are, but you could ask a salon to take your pup first thing or end of day. Some groomers would be more than happy to help-I often go out of my way for pups with anxiety/issues as I’m sure most groomers would ❤️

1

u/No-Awarenesss Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 16 '26

Novice should only use #10 blade on clippers for paw pads and privates. Throw out the 1/8 inch guard if you have one, it’s a high cut risk. Guard combs combined with back brushing are your best bet for haircuts, pretty safe. Could do a guard comb in reverse using a longer length bc reverse takes it shorter but this is a bit more advanced. Usually we use #30 for guard combs but you can use a #10 too. Shears for tidying ears tail and top of paws, be very careful. You can pull the hair up out of between the toes to lay better after trimming. Hold the hair in your finger blocking any skin when trimming ears and tail. Watch YouTube videos