If you are still determining how to groom a Golden Retriever at home, then you're in the right place.
Goldens are known for their friendly, intelligent, and gentle demeanor. Ordinarily, Goldens are muscular dog breeds used in hunting, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue operations. This is particularly common because of their obedience and easy trainability.
Aside from these qualities, these dogs have a dense but flowing luxurious golden coat that requires regular grooming using the correct grooming kit.
Note that grooming can be challenging because Golden Retrievers have a double coat (a dense undercoat that provides insulation during winter). So, basic grooming includes coat brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Here, we will walk you through how to groom a golden retriever at home, from brushing their coat to maintaining their overall hygiene.
Golden Retriever Grooming
Do golden retrievers need to be groomed? Here is a detailed guide on how to groom a Golden Retriever at home using the most effective method.
Brushing: Using a slicker brush, gently brush through their coat, working from the head to the tail. Reach down to their skin to prevent dematting. Afterward, use an undercoat rake to remove the remaining loose fur.
Bathing: Bathing should be done every 4-6 weeks unless they get dirty or smelly. You will need a dog-specific shampoo, conditioner, towels, and a brush. Before bathing, gently brush through the dog's coat then use lukewarm water to wet their coat and apply the shampoo, massaging it. Rinse with plenty of water then apply conditioner, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing again. After bathing, towel dry your dog and brush their coat again to prevent matting.
Hair clipping: Using the correct dog hair clippers, gently shave in the direction hair grows as you pay keen attention to areas like underarms, where the collar or harness sits, behind ears or areas of the body where they might be scratching, and the legs where they lay down or come in contact with wet grass.
Nail trimming: Use a pet-safe nail clipper to trim overgrown nails or take your dog to a professional groomer if you are unsure about doing it yourself. But during nail trimming, only cut the nail tips and avoid cutting near the paw skin.
Ear Care: Ear care is also necessary because Goldens have floppy ears prone to ear infections. Start by gently wiping the inside of their ears with a damp cloth then use cotton swabs - this should be done once a week, depending on your dog’s lifestyle. Consult a veterinarian if you notice any redness or swelling in your dog's ear as it may be a sign of infection.
How to Groom a Golden Retriever at Home Using My Pet Command Tools
Grooming can be straightforward and effective with the right tools from My Pet Command.
Here’s how to do it.
- Brushing: First, brush your Golden Retriever with a bristle brush as discussed earlier.
- Next, use the Dog Cordless Hair Clipper to trim your dog's hair. These clippers are designed specifically for pets, making it easy to shave your Golden. The extra blades are also handy for replacing old ones, ensuring a smooth grooming experience.
- The cordless heavy-duty Dog Nail Grinder makes nail grinding effortless without creating splits or cracks, which are common when using traditional clippers. Also, our nail grinder has low noise to keep your Golden relaxed during the process.
- Lastly, bathing should follow clipping and nail grinding. Follow the above-discussed steps on how to bathe your golden retriever at home.
After bathing, use the Pet Dryer/Blower which includes a grooming brush to dry your Golden Retriever. This tool dries their fur quickly, allowing you to straighten knots and tangles as you go along with its integrated grooming brush.
Best Golden Retriever Grooming Styles Hairstyles Pictures
As a responsible pet owner, you should always know that the hairstyle you intend to pick depends on the dog’s coat condition, season, and activity level. So, here are six popular Golden Retriever grooming styles to try with your furry friend at home.
The Classic Cut
This is among the most common hairstyles in Golden Retrievers. The classic cut maintains the coat’s natural look while trimming the hair around the ears, feet, and tail. Also, this cut is versatile and suitable for all seasons, without compromising the dog’s insulation during cold months.
The Sporting or Summer Groom
The summer or sporting groom is a hairstyle shorter than the classic cut, and appropriate for hot summers. This cut involves shaving the coat evenly to about an inch long all over the body. This design helps maintain the dog’s active lifestyle, keeping your retriever cool while protecting their skin from sunburn.
The Feathering Trim
This design focuses on trimming the longer hair on the legs, tail, chest, and belly (also known as feathering) while leaving the rest of the coat at its natural length. It’s perfect for maintaining your golden’ s iconic look without letting it get too out of control.
Lion Cut
This cut leaves the hair around the chest and head longer, resembling a lion's mane, while trimming it shorter around the body. This style can also give your retriever a more regal and majestic appearance. However, note that this cut may need more frequent touch-ups to maintain its shape.
The Utility or Outdoor Adventure Cut
The utility or adventure cut is a practical style that reduces hair tangling or matting for active retrievers or those living in wet climates. This groom involves clipping the undercoat while leaving the topcoat longer (to repel water).
Beach Cut
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the beach cut. This style involves trimming the coat shorter to minimize sand and debris collection during beach outings while retaining the hound's signature appearance.
Remember: Regardless of which grooming style you choose from the above list, use high-quality tools like My Pet Command’s Cordless Dog Hair Clippers kit and Pet Dryer/Blower + Cordless Heavy Duty Dog Nail Grinder to make grooming fun and stress-free.
How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Golden Retriever?
The cost of grooming a Golden retriever is determined by the grooming tools, products used, the brand, the quality, and where you purchase all these items.
Here's a breakdown of the overall cost:
Golden Retriever Grooming Tools: The most essential grooming tools include slicker brushes, stainless-steel combs, nail clippers, nail grinders, and a hair dryer. A high-quality slicker/de-shedding brush can cost around $12-$30 USD. The best dog grooming clippers for a Golden Retriever can range from $40 to over $100, depending on the product’s brand and quality. For those looking for a versatile solution, the best dog grooming kit for Golden Retriever can cost between $50 and over $150, including My Pet Command’s Cordless Dog Hair Clippers kit which costs $179.00.
Shampoo and Conditioners: Always use quality shampoo and conditioner because of the Golden Retriever's thick double coat. Nonetheless, the shampoo and conditioner price vary significantly due to the brand used and product ingredients. Expect to spend around $4-$30 per bottle. Note that specially formulated shampoos that address hair shedding and skin sensitivities can cost up to $300.
Other Grooming Chemicals: These include ear cleaning solutions and flea/tick preventatives for maintaining your dog's health. The ideal ear cleaning solutions can cost about $8-$90, while flea and tick prevention solution averages around $10-$170, depending on the brand and quantity.
Professional Grooming Services: For those who prefer professional help, grooming services can range from $60 to over $100 per session. This, however, depends on your location. Usually, a full grooming package includes a bath/medicated bath, blow dry, sanitary trim, dematting, nail cut, teeth & ear cleaning, and special coat conditioning.
Tip: Always check out (Golden Retriever Grooming near me) to find the most affordable grooming rates near you.
In summary, the startup cost for all the essential grooming tools and supplies can range between $100 and over $300. This applies to high-end products like My Pet Command and replacing blades at $ 29.99 to 69.99 USD.
How Often Should Golden Retrievers Be Groomed?
For a golden retriever, regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. Generally, a full groom should be done at least once every 4-8 weeks. However, the frequency can vary with the dog’s activity level/lifestyle and individual needs.
Here's a general guide to help you:
Coat brushing: Golden retrievers have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing. Hence, brush your retriever at least once a week, but increase the frequency during the shedding season (mostly during the fall and the spring).
Bathing is also an integral part of keeping your golden clean and healthy. Bathing your dog once every 4-6 weeks can help, but this frequency can vary depending on their lifestyle and activity level. Unfortunately, too frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils, causing dry skin and irritation.
Nail trimming is important for golden retrievers because they enjoy running and playing. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort or potential injuries if left untrimmed. So, on average, it is essential to trim your dog's nails once every 4-6 weeks to keep them at normal and comfortable length.
Fleas and Ticks: Golden Retrievers have an outdoor personality - meaning they are more likely to come into contact with fleas and ticks. Use Seresto collars or monthly products to prevent these pesky pests from becoming a nuisance. Also, consult with your vet for the correct products to use.
Lastly, dogs need regular dental hygiene. Teeth brushing three times a week with canine-friendly toothpaste is important to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and maintain healthy gums. You can also offer special dog dental chews or toys to promote good oral health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to groom your Golden Retriever to keep them looking and feeling their best. This includes trimming their hair and nails every 4-6 weeks with the precise grooming kit, using flea and tick prevention products, and implementing routine dental hygiene. By following these steps, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.
Also, remember your veterinarian is a great resource for specific recommendations on grooming techniques and products suitable for your dog. Don't hesitate to consult with them for personalized advice.
