What Grooming Equipment Should I Buy?
Thinking about grooming your own dog? You can absolutely learn, and you do not need a salon's worth of gear to start. Here is exactly what to buy first, what to add for your dog's coat, and the safety basics that keep grooming day calm for both of you. Written by the team at North Carolina's licensed grooming school.
The starter kit: what every dog needs
Get these first. They cover a bath, a brush-out, and basic tidying for almost any dog.
- Slicker brush and a steel comb
- Dog shampoo (and conditioner)
- A dryer made for dogs
- Nail trimmer or grinder
- Styptic powder (stops nail bleeds)
- Ear cleaner and cotton pads
- Curved and straight scissors
- A non-slip surface to groom on
Then add for your dog's coat
Coat type matters more than breed. Find your dog below.
Short and smooth
Lab, Beagle, Boxer, Pug
- Rubber curry brush for loose hair
- A deshedding tool for shedding season
- Honestly, the lightest kit of all
Double coat
Husky, Golden, German Shepherd
- Undercoat rake to reach the dense layer
- A stronger dryer to blow the coat out
- Never shave a double coat, it protects them from heat and cold
Curly and wool
Poodle, Bichon, Doodles
- Clippers with good blades for trims
- Brush all the way to the skin, these mat fast
- Plan to brush several times a week
Silky and long
Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Maltese
- Pin brush plus a fine comb
- A detangling spray
- Scissors for the face and feet
Wiry and terrier
Schnauzer, Westie, Cairn
- Good clippers for an easy pet trim
- A stripping knife if you want the classic look
- Slicker brush and comb
Not sure yet?
Mixed breed or unsure
- Start with the starter kit above
- Tell us your dog below and we will point you to the right extras
Before you start: 4 safety musts
- Never leave your dog alone on a raised surface, not even for a second.
- Go slow on nails. Trim a little at a time and keep styptic powder within reach in case you nick the quick.
- Keep the dryer off the face and ears, and stop if your dog gets stressed. High-power dryers move a lot of air.
- Brush out mats before the bath. Water tightens mats, and matting is the most common way dogs get hurt at home.
Get your free printable checklist
Tell us about your dog and we will send the exact starter list for their coat, plus a few first-timer tips. No spam, just the checklist.