Dog Grooming Tools

Dog Grooming Tools

When you are ready to start taking more responsibility for your dog’s hygiene, there are many considerations to factor in. Whether you are grooming a low-maintenance short haired dog or a fancy breed with luscious locks, having the right tools for the job is imperative for your grooming success.

There are many pieces of equipment that make the task of grooming much easier. Some are intended to help with tangles and mats; others are to help with immobilizing the dog, allowing you to clip, trim and detangle safely and tidily. All of this equipment is intended to make the grooming process more streamlined and enjoyable for you and the pet you are grooming.

The right dog grooming tools will make your grooming endeavors safe, smooth and professional, allowing you to get the results you want without having to improvise.

Types of Dog Grooming Accessories

Combs and Picks: Heavy Duty Detangling Power

If a dog has a double coat or long hair, you will occasionally deal with tangles and mats. If you’ve groomed dogs much you know that dog hair eats cheap combs for breakfast; your average comb and pick are not going to overcome the challenges presented by canine tangles.

Dog Grooming Combs 

Choose a metal comb to smooth your dog’s coat and add volume. A corner less comb’s teeth are tapered in a curving shape perfect for safely combing the face without risk of injury, while straight combs can work rapidly through the coat on the body, volumizing and neatening.

Picks: Mat Breakers

Whether it’s just in spring and fall during the shedding season, or all year round in longer haired breeds, you will sometimes end up dealing with mats. It is very frustrating for a mat to get so bad that you have no choice but to use clippers to remove it, and with large mats tented skin is a real risk that can lead to pinches and cuts.

A sturdy mat breaker with strong teeth can be used to carefully work the mat loose, releasing the hairs from their tables.

Brushes and Slickers

Dog brushes are made to be sturdy enough to hold up to a dog’s thick coat, yet gentle enough to comfortably follow the changing contours of the dog’s body. They are used to remove slight tangles and to add volume and fluff the coat.

Slickers are flat rectangular brushes, designed to help work out mats and to de-shed the dog’s coat, helping control the inevitable drifts of hair that otherwise end up all over your home.

Tie-Off Points

Alpha AXT suction points can be firmly attached to any flat surface and gives you a great anchor point to attach leashes and other restraints. The Alpha AXT Suction Points provide secure and stable anchor points, ensuring a firm hold on any flat surface. These durable points are perfect for attaching leashes and other restraints, offering flexibility and control during grooming sessions. Whether working on a wiggly puppy or a strong adult dog, these tie-off points deliver peace of mind and added safety.

Grooming Loops

A grooming loop is a special short lead that can be easily affixed to an anchor point, helping to gently encourage the dog to keep its head in one place. Grooming loops are a must-have for professional groomers, and the Alpha AXT system includes a thoughtfully designed option. These short, adjustable leads are easy to attach to any anchor point, allowing you to maintain gentle yet firm guidance. The loops help keep the dog’s head steady, minimizing movement for precision grooming and reducing stress for both the pet and the groomer.

Belly Band

For dogs that struggle to stay still or tend to sit or roll over during grooming, the Alpha AXT Belly Band System is an innovative solution. This supportive system gently lifts and supports the dog's belly, ensuring their hips remain elevated and in the ideal position. By keeping the dog stable and comfortable, the belly band helps you complete grooming tasks efficiently and effectively, transforming potentially challenging sessions into manageable ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools and accessories do you need to groom a dog?

While the answer to this question varies, the basics will include a corner-less comb for combing the body and face; a slicker for breaking mats and deshedding the undercoat; and restraints to streamline the process and keep the dog from struggling and trying to lie down or eat your grooming supplies.

How to groom a dog for beginners?

Begin by removing all the tangles you can with a comb and a brush. If your dog is shedding, use a slicker to remove the worst of the shed hair. Bathe the dog with a trusted brand of shampoo; rinse thoroughly. Condition, especially if your dog has a longer coat, and work out any remaining mats with a mat breaker. When the coat is almost dry it’s time for any trimming, clipping, and styling; comb again for volume and fluff. Finish with your favorite scent of doggie cologne for that professional touch.