I am using amazon.com as the vendor example here for many of these products just for ease of display.
Otherwise, I highly recommend going directly to the vendor site (if available) or using Chewy.com - they are a good company.
CLIPPERS
Corded
- Corded clipperrs are heavier but more accurate. This one is the lightest I've found, plus it comes in this cute confetti pattern!
- Uses single length blades.
- You end up needing a couple of lengths PLUS a set of clipper combs.
- The blade gets HOT so keep checking the temp and CHANGE BLADES when too hot. (Cooling spray really is not so good for the blades.)
- I prefer the Geib blades - you could start with a set (see link below). But, honestly, I only use the #3, #4 and #7. For anything shorter (higher number=shorter), I use my Bravura cordless. I would get at least 2 each of the ones you use the most so you can switch them out when they get hot.
Andis Excel Pro-Animal 5-Speed Clipper
Wahl Clipper Comb Set (fits Andis, too)
Geib Buttercut Grooming Blades
Geib Buttercut WIDE blade!
Cordless
- Lightweight and a must-have, in my opinion. I live by these - especially for legs, feet, belly and face. But I can often do the whole groom with this alone if they need a close shave-down or just some trimming or skimming.
- Great for at-home novices. Just be careful - the setting all the way to the right is a medical shave - VERY CLOSE and SHARP! Use the #40 setting with a comb attachment (see link below).
- Uses a 5-1 blade (5 different settings in the one blade - #9,10,15,30,40). However, the blade cannot be sharpened, so, just replace when it seems dull.
- The blade, for some reason, does NOT get too hot!
Wahl Professional Bravura Cordless Clipper
Wahl Professional Bravura Clipper Comb Set
Wahl Professional 5-in-1 Adjustable Blade
SCISSORS
- Great little scissors for trimming the face or inbetween toes.
CONAIRPROPET 5" Dog Scissors for Grooming with Rounded Tip
NAIL CARE
- These are the best at cutting small slices.
- Cheap - I always have 3 or 4 extra on hand.
- I use them on pretty big dogs, too. As long as they get around the nail, they really do the trick!
Millers Forge Nail Clipper
- This and the Model 8000-02 are the only 2 cordless nail grinders I've ever found with a variable WHEEL.
- Unfortunately, these are very hard to find (out of production for many years now - try EBay!)
Dremel Model 780
Dremel Model 8000
- Designed use with Dremel tools
- VERY expensive, but worth it if you do a LOT of nail trimming!
- I've tried the Boxer and the Pinnacle and find no difference.
- The Standard (vs. Fine or Medium) is best.
DiamaGroove Dremel Tips
- Really inexpensive!
- Great for home use on small to medium dogs
- Best to use on top of (conservative) nail clipping
- Great on cat claws, too!
Casfuy Nail Grinders
DRYERS
- Expensive, but excellent for ALL coats.
- Variable speed goes from SUPER LOW to HIGH enough to blow out HUSKY coats!
- No heat button, but the heat from the motor eventually kicks in.
K-9 II Veriable Speed Forced Air Grooming Dryer
- Cheap but not necessarily cheaply made.
- I use this at home!
- Does have heat button, but do NOT go beyond 2 (out of 8)!! Why the hell they would go up to 140 degrees (level 8) is beyond me.
Generic Home-Use Forced Air Grooming Dryer
BRUSHES
- These are actually intended for cats (sensitive skin) but I use them on dogs, too - especially around the face.
- Also cheap (especially for a 2-pack) - I always have 3 or 4 extra on hand.
Li'l Pals Slicker Brush
- These are expensive, but worth it.
- Also available in smaller sizes - seems huge at first, but I use it on all size dogs now.
Chris Christensen Medium Coral Long Pin Slicker Brush
- Again... expensive, but worth it.
- Amazing for grabbing coat on double-coated dogs - but any thick coat will benefit.
- Many different versions of the ActiVet brushes are available. I just happen to have this one.
FlexIt®: Red/Purple Firm Mat Zapper – Finishing Combo (by Groomers Helper)
GROOMING LOOP
- The best loop system for restraining a difficult dog.
- Yep. Pricey. And Yep. Worth it.
Groomer's Helper Classic Starter Set
Groomer's Helper Quick Training Video
SHAMPOOS
- Tear-free, so use liberally on face!
- Comes in bigger sizes, too.
EZ Groom Crystal White Shampoo
- Great as an initial cleanser
- Not super medicated - but will help knock out the fleas long enough to comb out (you still MUST use a flea comb and your good ol' fingers)
- Wonderful scent!
Oster HydroSurge Flea and Tick Pet Shampoo
- Best whitening and brightening shampoo - works on all color coats.
- Comes in smaller sizes, too.
- I find that the vendor offers the best prices.
EZ Groom Crystal White Shampoo
- Best for shedding dogs.
- Comes in smaller sizes, too.
- Again, I find that the vendor offers the best prices.
EZ Groom Filthy Beast Shampoo
- Amazing - really does the trick!
Davis Degrease Shampoo
- Great general "medicated" shampoo.
Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo
- Can use as a lotion on sore spots, leave-on for particularly dry/flakey coat - or lightly rinse.
- Doesn't weigh down (but I still would not use on a poodle coat that I want to stand up straight!)
Zymox Leave-On Conditioner
