Terrier Grooming
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If your terrier's coat needs frequent trimming, you might like to do that yourself as well, rather than visiting the groomer all the time. Just keep in mind that certain breeds, such as Westies and Scotties, have double coats that need to be painstakingly hand-stripped to retain their true colors. Hand-stripping, which involves pulling dead hair by hand, strand by strand, takes a long time and is costly. If you nix this in favor of home grooming, even just a few times, your dog's coat may become permanently paler in color -- and possibly fluffier -- than you typically see pictured for the breed.
And finally, before you haul out your dog shampoo, brush and clippers, remember that, according to the American Kennel Club, terriers are active, fearless dogs originally bred to control vermin such as rats, rabbits and foxes. They're also mentally tough, despite their diminutive size. So to execute a successful grooming session with your frisky little terrier, first try to tucker her out with some exercise. Take her to the dog park or for a walk. Play tug-of-war or toss a ball -- anything that will make her happy and a bit tired, and therefore less likely to resist.
Because of your terrier's breeding, she may instinctively swat at grooming tools (like a brush or clippers) that she sees moving back and forth out of the corner of her eye, mistaking them for prey. This swatting can also quickly turn into a game. Gently tell her no, this isn't prey or a game, and then distract her with a toy or treat.
If your terrier is resisting your grooming efforts, don't fight it. Terriers are bred to win mental battles, and if she senses you're becoming frustrated or angry, she'll become twice as frustrated and angry, Mason says. Better to just hang it up and try another day.
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