Apart from the usual brushing and combing I've never attempted to cut or thin my dogs' long(ish) coats.  But as I can't find a good local groomer I'm thinking of buying a Grooming kit from Argos - they sell one for about £30 - and having a go myself.
Does anyone have any experience of using these kits ?  An instructional video and booklet is provided so I'm hoping it won't be too difficult to learn (although the dogs might look a little strange until I get the hang of things :))

Any tips or advice would be very welcome.

I use clippers to trim excess fur from my collies feet as it not only cuts down on the mud they bring home and looks neater, but it also reduces the risk of blisters caused by mud balling up between the pads. I bought a human one from Argos, it was a tenner, but there were no instuctions or video. I suppose it depends on how much help you need. Mine was only basic clipping and I learnt as I went on.

I cut all the fur around my dogs feet today....but used a scissors I am still a bit nervous of the electric clipper in case I take too much off.     My friend sent for a video which gave instruction on clipping a Westie and she said that it is very good.    If you get a  video for you breed I am sure that would give you more confidence.   I have seen them for order in some dog magazines.

hi all
i dont find the ones out of the shops like argos or places like pets at home any goo the best ones are the ones sold at dog shows yes they are expensive but the work a hell of a lot better,you can also get vidios on your own breeds from dog shows as well or there is a website i have seen in the dog world or our dogs a few weeks ago i will check it out later
fiona

Interesting to see that you can get videos showing the different breeds.  The thing is I have Lowchens but I HATE the show trim. I would probably be better buying one on the Tibetan Terrier or Beardie, perhaps :)

It is something I would like to have a go at.  Although hubby thinks I should attend a course before I'm let loose on the dogs :)

You might get one for a Beardie but I don't know about Tibetan Terriers because that's the bread I have and I never seem to be a able to get video's of calenders for the breed :(

Joyce,

If you just need to thin your dog's coats you can use a Mars Coat King.  Try this site for some "before and after" pictures http://www.groomersmall.com/coat_kings.htm

Stacey

Hi, I used to cut mine with clippers but to be honest after a couple of years i got really fed up and went back to my groomer. There was far too much mess and its finding the time. I suppose it depends on how long your dogs coat is and how often it needs grooming.

You never know, you could be a natural and really enjoy it.

Whatever you decide to use, give it a go and do a bit at a time.  A proper breed instructional video or dvd is what I used. I also got someone who shows my breed of dog to "train" me.  I would have never risked doing it without her help.  (I have got a mini schnauzer so the clipping is extensive)  I suppose the Argos kit would be a good way to see if you are going to want to do this in the long term.  If you do then you would probably want to invest in some better kit. Again, if you get someone to show you on your own dog then you can also find out what kit they use.  Good luck.