How to Use Grooming Scissors on a Dog Safely

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Scissors give a softer, more natural finish than clippers, especially for legs, faces and feet. They also carry real risk if used carelessly. Good technique, the right tools and patience reduce that risk.

Types of grooming scissors

• Straight shears. The general-purpose scissors for body and legs.
• Curved shears. Shape rounded areas such as paws, thighs and heads.
• Blunt-tipped safety scissors. Rounded tips for faces, paws and sanitary areas.
• Thinning shears. Teeth that remove bulk and blend lines.
• Chunkers. Heavier thinning shears for thick coats.

Choosing scissors

Choose stainless steel, comfortable handles and a smooth cutting action. Sizes of 6 to 8 inches suit most home use, with smaller ones for the face. Cheap scissors snag hair, so invest in a decent pair and keep them sharp. See how to clip your dog at home.

Preparing your dog

Brush and comb the coat to remove tangles, and make sure the coat is clean and dry. Work on a non-slip surface. Keep treats ready. See how to brush a dog properly.

Grip and technique

• Hold the scissors with your thumb and ring finger in the handles.
• Keep your dominant hand steady and move only the thumb blade.
• Cut with the tips pointing away from the skin, parallel to the body.
• Use a comb to lift the hair, and cut the hair that stands above the comb.
• Cut small amounts and check frequently.

Scissoring areas

Legs: Comb the hair down, trim to the desired shape and keep the legs even.

Feet: Round the hair around the paws, trimming hair level with the pads. See how to trim hair between dog paw pads.

Face: Use blunt-tipped scissors and extreme care. See how to trim hair around a dog's eyes.

Body: Use scissors to blend clipper lines and shape the coat.

Tail: Comb out and trim to length or shape.

Safety rules

• Never cut toward the dog's body or eyes
• Do not scissor a moving dog
• Keep your free hand between the blades and the skin where possible
• Take breaks
• Put scissors away when finished

Common mistakes

• Cutting too much at once
• Using blunt, dull scissors
• Scissoring matted hair
• Trying to create symmetry in one session
• Letting your dog fidget

Care

Clean and oil scissors, wipe off hair and store them in a case. Have them sharpened by a professional when needed.

When to ask for help

If you are nervous, a groomer can do the tricky areas and show you how. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

A step-by-step finishing routine

1. Clip the body with a guard to the length you want.
2. Comb the legs down and trim them to an even length with straight shears.
3. Round the feet with curved shears, following the line of the paw.
4. Use thinning shears to blend any lines between clipped and scissored areas.
5. Comb the face forward, and trim the hair around the eyes and muzzle with blunt-tipped scissors.
6. Check the whole dog from the front, side and rear, and adjust where needed.

Practising before you start

If you are new to scissors, practise on a soft toy or a brush with long bristles to get a feel for the angle and grip. Work on a cooperative dog, in good light, and take photographs to compare as you go. Over time your hands will learn the movements.

The takeaway

Use the right scissors, a comb as a barrier and slow, careful cuts. Safety comes before style.