The 7 steps of dog grooming and the main rule to follow

Professional dog grooming follows a seven-step process that includes assessment, bathing, drying, clipping, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and finishing touches. However, before any of this begins, every good groomer follows one main rule: “Humanity Over Vanity.”

Understanding this principle and the steps involved will help you know what to expect from a professional groom and how to care for your dog between visits.

Rule #1 for grooming a dog: Humanity over vanity

The main rule of dog grooming is “Humanity Over Vanity.” This means a dog’s comfort and well-being always come before its appearance.

This principle is important when dealing with severely matted coats. While an owner might want to keep their dog’s long hair, a groomer will choose to shave the mats out rather than subject the dog to a painful dematting process. A shaved dog that is comfortable is always better than a stylish dog that is suffering.

This rule also applies to:

• Stopping a groom if a dog becomes too stressed.
• Choosing a shorter, more manageable clip for dogs prone to matting.
• Prioritising the removal of painful ingrown nails over a perfect paw trim.

The seven steps of professional dog grooming

While the exact order can vary slightly, a full groom follows these seven steps. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included, see our Full Groom vs. Wash & Tidy guide.

1. Pre-groom assessment and brush-out – The groomer assesses the dog’s coat, skin condition, and temperament. They discuss the desired haircut and perform an initial brush-out to remove loose hair and minor tangles before the bath.
2. Bathing – The dog is washed with a shampoo and conditioner for its skin and coat type. This may include hypoallergenic, de-shedding, or whitening products. Thorough rinsing is important to prevent skin irritation.
3. Drying – The dog is dried using towels and professional dryers. Groomers use specific techniques and temperature settings to ensure the dog is dried safely and efficiently, preparing the coat for an even clip.
4. Clipping & styling – This is where the haircut happens. Using clippers and scissors, the groomer styles the dog’s coat to the agreed-upon length. This can range from a simple all-over clip to a breed-specific pattern.
5. Nail clipping – The groomer trims the nails to a safe length, avoiding the sensitive quick. Long nails can cause pain and posture problems, making this an important step for your dog’s health. Learn more in our guide to nail clipping.
6. Ear and eye cleaning – The ears are gently cleaned to remove wax and debris, which helps prevent infections. The area around the eyes is also cleaned of any tear stains or debris.
7. Finishing touches – The groomer performs a final brush-through, trims any stray hairs, and may add a bandana or a light spritz of dog-friendly cologne.

According to the RSPCA Australia, regular grooming is essential for a dog’s health and welfare. Introducing your pet to these steps from a young age can make the experience positive for life. Learn more in our guide to puppy grooming.