1. What tools are a MUST?
The most valuable tool is a GOOD clipper. I would spend the majority of your money here. I own the Andis UltraEdge 2-Speed Dog Clipper (Model No. AD405). Most people here say you're fine using a single speed clipper, but I find the higher speed much easier to use on a thick or coarse coat that may even be a little wavy.
You will need additional blades or comb attachments. I chose to purchase an additional blade instead, and I got the Andis CeramicEdge #3 3/4FC (1/2" cut length) to use on the body. The ceramic blades stay sharper longer and also run 50% cooler than the typical steel blades. My clipper came with a #10 blade which I use for the sanitary area, armpits, paw pads, etc. Eventually I would like to have other blades but these are the basics and allow me to do what I need to do.
You will also need at least one pair of shears. If you are only purchasing one, straight shears are a MUST. The length of the shear is only important for what feels comfortable for you. I have the Master Grooming Tools 5200 Series Straight Shears in the 6.5" length (I think). I wouldn't recommend going with a pair any "cheaper" than that ($26.99) as with shears, you really do get what you pay for. Mine are still sharp after about a year, grooming two dogs, so I think they're fine quality. I also own the Master Grooming Tools 5200 Series Thinning Shears (6.5" 46-tooth) which are FABULOUS to own, although thinning shears are between the "must-have" category and the "optional" category. For a beginner, I highly recommend getting them. The higher the tooth count, the better job they do at blending the two different lengths of hair. I use these to blend obviously, but also to trim the eyebrow/eyelash area because I don't want the hair to look so blunt around the top of the eyes. Thinning shears are also great for cutting out mats if needed. Rather than cut the entire mat out, you can cut into the mat a couple of times and help loosen the rest out (yes, it cuts some of the hair, but not the entire chunk).
2. What tools are an OPTION?
Optional tools would include a nail clipper (depending on whether or not you plan to do that yourself), a grooming table such as the Master Equipment Small Pet Grooming Table on Petedge which I own but do not use every time. It is nice because it spins and it has the grooming arm with the noose, but again, sometimes it's easier for me to just set a towel on the counter.
I guess another optional tool would be a slicker brush. When you clip Hunter, sometimes all of the hair won't stay raised up when you clip it so you may need to "fluff" it with a slicker brush. I also use my slicker brush to brush out all of the little loose hairs after clipping.
3. What tool can't you live without?
My favorite tool is my Andis clipper as well as my thinning shears. They are both amazing!
4. Any links or online sites that you really liked for teaching you how to clip?
I just threw myself into it, I didn't know how to clip, I had watched groomers before but I found that I adapted my own method of clipping my two. You have to be willing to experiment and understand that it takes time to get things perfect, since you can really only "practice" once per month or so. It's been about a year since I started and I still mess up, but I don't mind.
5. How did you learn to trim the face?
I struggle with the face sometimes, and still haven't found the perfect way to do it. Sometimes the faces will come out amazing, and other times I wonder if I've been drinking while trimming. LOL! Just keep an open mind, and trim a LITTLE off at a time!
6. Do you really think I can do this?
Absolutely, Erin! I promise, it is not as difficult as it may seem sometimes. The first time I ever groomed Preston (he has NEVER been to a groomer, can you believe it?) I was so proud of myself and I did a really good job for my first time. I just took it slow and made sure not to take too much off at once. You may clip Hunter, put your equipment away, and the next day realize you missed a spot that is a little longer than the rest, etc. but the beauty is that you can fix it right away! Trust me, it's so NICE having your own equipment! You can still take him to a groomer occasionally (if you ever find one, lol) if needed, but I love being able to groom them more often so their cuts never grow out so much that they look like fat dogs (we all know that's what happens). Go for it!
I am trying to remember how much I spent on my grooming equipment all together, I believe it was around $250 all said and done, and that included everything mentioned above, plus the Andis CoolCare Plus cleaning/lube spray, Quik Stop gel, a mat rake (which doesn't help), and a couple of other little things. Right now on Petedge I noticed if you buy the Andis clipper I have, you get a free #7FC blade which could be useful to you (the higher the number, the shorter the cut). I purchased everything from Petedge because once you spend that much money, the shipping isn't that high and is quite a bit cheaper than purchasing through different retailers and paying separate shipping costs.
