The Pro Groomer’s Tool List & At-Home Grooming Guide
The exact tools used in every Pretty Paws lesson, what each one is for, and step-by-step tips for the four routines every dog needs: ears, teeth, nails and brushing. Built on 30+ years of professional grooming training experience.
The 11 tools the pros use
This is the same kit used throughout the Pretty Paws courses. You don’t need everything on day one, but knowing what each tool does is the first step to grooming like a professional.
7″ straight shear
Your precision scissor for clean, straight lines, neat feet and finishing edges.
Pro tip: keep the bottom blade still and move only your thumb.8″ curved shear
Made for rounded shapes: topknots, round feet, tails and anywhere you want a smooth curve.
Pro tip: point the curve away from the dog to follow its shape.7″ thinning shear
Blends and softens. Use it to hide scissor marks and smooth the line between clipped and scissored areas.
Pro tip: a few small snips go a long way.2-speed clipper
Your workhorse for body work. Low speed for sensitive areas, high speed for thick coats.
Pro tip: check blade heat on your wrist often. Hot blades burn skin.Clipper blades (#30, #10, #7F, #5F, #4F)
Each blade leaves a different length. See the chart below to choose the right one.
Pro tip: the higher the number, the shorter the cut.Metal guard combs (set of 9)
Snap over a short blade to leave longer, even lengths on the body and legs.
Pro tip: always work on a fully brushed, mat-free coat.Slicker brush
Removes loose hair and works out tangles. The go-to brush for line brushing.
Pro tip: light pressure. Pressing hard can cause brush burn.Metal comb
Your quality check. If the comb glides from skin to tip, the coat is ready.
Pro tip: comb after every brushing section.Rubber curry
Loosens dead hair on short coats and works shampoo deep into the coat at bath time.
Pro tip: use small circular motions.Mat breaker
Splits stubborn mats so you can brush them out instead of shaving.
Pro tip: hold the mat at the base to protect the skin.Nail trimmers
Keep nails short for comfort, posture and healthy feet.
Pro tip: keep styptic powder nearby, just in case.Clipper blade chart
Approximate hair length each blade leaves behind. “F” blades are full-tooth finishing blades that leave a smoother result.
| Blade | Leaves about | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| #30 | 1/50″ (0.5 mm) | Very close work; also used under guard combs |
| #10 | 1/16″ (1.5 mm) | Sanitary areas, belly, paw pads |
| #7F | 1/8″ (3 mm) | Short, low-maintenance body trims |
| #5F | 1/4″ (6 mm) | Medium-short body trims |
| #4F | 3/8″ (10 mm) | Longer, softer body trims |
At-home grooming routines
Four routines every dog needs, whether you’re caring for your own pup or getting ready for a grooming career.
1. Ear cleaning
- Check ears once a week. Healthy ears are light pink and don’t have a strong odor.
- Apply a dog-safe ear cleaner to a cotton ball, not a cotton swab.
- Gently wipe only the parts of the ear you can see.
- Let your dog shake, then wipe away any loosened debris.
Never push anything down into the ear canal. Redness, swelling, odor or discharge means it’s time to see your vet.
2. Teeth brushing
- Use toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, like xylitol.
- Start by letting your dog lick a little paste off your finger.
- Lift the lip and brush the outer surfaces in small circles, back teeth first.
- Aim for a few times a week, and keep sessions short and positive.
3. Nail trimming
- Work in good light and hold the paw gently but firmly.
- Trim small slivers at a time. On light nails you can see the pink quick; stay well in front of it.
- On dark nails, trim tiny amounts and look at the cut surface. Stop when you see a darker center.
- Most dogs need a trim every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, it’s time.
If you nick the quick, apply styptic powder with gentle pressure and stay calm.
4. Line brushing
- Start at the feet and work up. Hold the coat up with one hand to create a “line” where you can see the skin.
- Brush the hair below the line down and out, from the skin to the tip, with light strokes.
- Move the line up a little at a time until you’ve covered the whole section.
- Finish with the metal comb. If it glides to the skin everywhere, you’re done.
Ready to go beyond the basics?
Pretty Paws takes you from your first bath to certified Pet Stylist with 11 modules, 42 video lessons and two certificates. Learn at your own pace, from anywhere.