Becoming a dog groomer or even learning how to groom your own pet, is an exciting experience with lots to learn.
Scissors are one of the vital grooming tools of the trade a pet stylist's or a dog owner must have. However, the subject of grooming scissors, from what they are to the types of shears, how to hold them and how to look after them, are areas rarely taught in part or fully during the dog grooming courses offered in the UK.
To learn more, click here for your complete scissor guide.
We use scissors in our everyday lives, but when it comes to dog grooming scissors, there is a correct way to hold them. Practicing the correct finger and thumb positioning is vital to perfecting the art of holding a pair of grooming shears. Exercising your thumb and fingers whilst holding the scissors is very important to mastering the art of scissoring.
Correct Thumb and Finger Position.
Make sure your fingers and thumb are in the correct places (as above) before you begin the exercise. Always be mindful of where your fingers and thumb are whilst using the scissors!
Click here to view the correct way to hold grooming scissors.
The Clock Exercise.
This exercise is important for both right and left handed dog groomers and pet owners and works best whilst holding a pair of straight grooming shears.
Step 1. Face a wall or clear space where there is space and envision a clock face.
Step 2. Hold your scissors is the closed position ( both blades closed) at the 12 o'clock position approximately 1" away from the wall.
Step 3. Slowly open and close your scissors, keeping the tip straight and as steady as possible. Concentrate on keeping your fingers absolutely still and only moving your thumb. Make sure only the tip of your thumb is in the hold hole. The cutting blade is only operated by the thumb. Repeat this action 10 times.
Step 4. Move your hand to 3 o'clock and repeat step 3. Continue to work your way around the clock.
At the 6 o'clock position, tuck your elbow in to help keep the tip of the scissor steady. Once at 9 o'clock, switch arm position and repeat the 6 o'clock step with your elbow up.
To see in action, click here.
What is the purpose of this exercise?
This exercise is designed to help keep the thumb and fingers in the correct position, move the correct blade only, gain tip control and scissor control. Correct control over the scissor helps prevents uneven scissor marks, premature blunting and stops scissors from catching or completely locking.
This exercise also promotes the muscle development in the groomer's hand which in turn will help promote good practice and help maintain the longevity of all grooming scissors.
The key to using all types of grooming shears correctly and getting the best out of them, is to practice as much as possible until you feel confident in your skills. Also keep yourself up to date with additional training and coming back to these exercises.
An Important note.
Always remember to practice opening up the blades fully and use all the blade whilst cutting. Most groomers tend to use just the tip of the scissor. This action can blunt the tip quickly, leave even blade marks in the dog's coat and can prevent the groomer from achieving a tidy finish.