THE PETSMASTER

5 Best Dog Bike Trailers

by Matt Castle | Last Updated:

We’ve all been there. You’re packed up and heading out for the day when your dog gives you that look, the “I’m coming with you, right?” look. Which is easy enough when you’re hopping in the car or walking down to the park, but how are you supposed to bring your dog when you’re cycling somewhere?

Enter: bike trailers. These multi-function trailers not only give your dog a comfy spot to enjoy the ride but also give you extra room for groceries, gear, and anything else you need to haul. With biking getting more popular than ever, who wouldn’t want to bring their four-legged best friend along?

Are bike trailers for your dog safe?

If you’ve never brought your dog along before, you may be wondering just how safe it is to put your dog in a trailer and tow them around. Many dogs are nervous about zipping around in an enclosed space, particularly if they already have trouble going for a ride in the car. It’s also daunting enough to be paying attention to your own safety on a bike, not to mention your pet’s.

If you need to bring your dog with you on your adventures or just want to have them around, a bike trailer is your best bet. Having your dog run alongside you is great, for a mile or two until they get tired or they throw you off balance darting for a squirrel. Backpacks can also be a handy alternative but they get pretty annoying when your dog weighs more than a few pounds. A basket might work, unless your dog feels like trying to jump out.

Bike trailers offer a safe, enclosed space close to the ground for your dog to lounge in comfortably. Trailers protect your dog from the weather, preventing them from getting wet in the rain or overheating on warmer days. They also have the added bonus of giving you added space to haul your dog’s stuff (or yours).

While there are some concerns about weight and handling when pulling a trailer, that’s nothing that isn’t fixed by biking a bit slower than usual and being a bit more cautious making turns. A bike trailer is the safest option you can chose, and we feel the drawbacks are well worth it when it comes to keeping you and your dog safest on two wheels.

How we picked the best ones

We created a list of available dog bike trailers from Amazon, pet stores, and cycling stores to see which models are popular and recommended. Then we took all the top models and compared user reviews across multiple sites and looked at the quality records of different manufacturers to determine which bike trailers were the safest and most reliable before coming up with our final list of criteria:

  • Safe and stable construction we would feel comfortable using for our own dogs on our own bikes
  • Reliable and easy assembly that can be broken down to store in a garage, closet, or car and can attach to most bikes
  • Moderate weather protection from wind and rain, while offering maximum ventilation on warm days

While the good news is we’re seeing more and more options for bike trailers coming to the market, many can be copycat designs that aren’t built to last. We’ve made sure all of our picks are safe and easy to use. See our full review and selection methodology.

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Our top pick
Our upgrade option
How to choose a bike trailer
Training your dog to use a bike trailer

Our top picks

Here are the five best bike pet trailers we’d use to take our own pets on rides around town:

Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer

Best Overall

This bike trailer comes in at a great price, packs down small for storage, and comes in different sizes for different pups, but large dogs may find it a bit confining.

See price on Amazon

The Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer is a fantastic, entry-level option to the world of cycling with your dog. You get all the must-have features for a low price from one of the biggest names in biking.

What we love most is the trailer frame folds down easily and has quick release wheels that make storing it in a closet or garage easy. This is something you don’t always find on more expensive options and if you’re just getting a dog trailer for occasional use is a must-have.

The roof and front of the carrier are covered by a weather shield, basically a clear PVC screen, that helps block wind and rain, along with a mesh screen for bugs and to help keep your dog inside. Both the weather and mesh screen zip open to allow well-behaved pets a better view or to make it easier to load up the trailer.

The main entry for pets is at the rear, with a low-entry door that lets your dog step out easily on their own. There’s even an interior leash that you can attach to their collar to ensure they stay put after you get them inside.

You also get attachment points on the rear of the trailer for bike lights or reflectors, and a washable liner mat that provides some grip for your dog to stay put. The Schwinn universal coupler that’s included fits most bikes, but you may need to mess around with it if you have thru-axles on your bike.

Like most bike trailers, however, the height is a bit low for large dogs. This is largely intentional to help reduce the trailer’s center of gravity and increase safety, but we have other picks we recommend that may fit big dogs better. Still, for the price it’s hard to find something as easy to assemble and attach to your bike.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Easy to assemble and attach to your bike
  • Weather screen protects most of the carrier from rain
  • Features safety flag and internal leash

Cons

  • Less-suitable for large breeds
  • Heavier than higher-tier options

Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer

Best upgrade pick

More expensive than our top pick, but packed with even more features. If you plan to bike with your dog a lot, this is the trailer to get.

See price on Amazon

The Burley Tail Wagon offers the most features, a better design for large dogs, and would be our top pick if not for the price. Still, we do recommend this for folks that expect to bike with their dog a lot or are just looking for the best trailer out there.

The rear door offers quicker access through a loop and buckle system that’s secure but easy to use and gives your dog a much better doorway to get in and out. We also liked how easy it was to collapse the trailer, unlike other models that fold up, the Burly Trail Wagon collapses just by releasing red tabs on the top bar, making it easy to load into a car without even having to remove the quick-release wheels.

The wheels are 16″ across, much bigger than most other bike trailers and that lets you bike faster and provides more stability to the trailer (and your dog) over bumps and while turning.

You still get weather screens over the top two mesh screens, an included push handle for moving the trailer around, and we liked the kickstand and handbrake that keep the trailer in one spot when it’s off your bike. The Burley Tail Wagon is also designed with off-road use in mind and while we probably wouldn’t use it mountain biking, we have no doubt it would hold up to riding on gravel and dirt roads.

Pros

  • Easy entry/exit and good internal height for larger dogs
  • Lighter than most options
  • Beefier tire and frame offer better stability
  • Interior cargo pockets add storage
  • Includes parking break and kickstand for extra safety

Cons

  • Pricey compared to most options
  • No internal leash (but has attachment loops)

PetSafe Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bike Trailer

Best for big dogs

Rated to higher weights than other trailers and offering bigger tires, this trailer is great for large breeds, you just may need to leave the sunroof open.

See price on Amazon

If you’ve got a bigger dog, the PetSafe Dog Bike Trailer is the best choice out there, just be sure to get the ‘large’ size. Featuring 20″ wheels, larger than other options, this trailer supports 110 pounds and is comfortably sized for one larger dog or two smaller dogs.

You will run into the same problem with any dog trailer though where you’ll need to leave the sunroof open if your dog is taller, but this trailer is safest where it counts: the larger wheels and wider wheelbase make it safer to bike with a big dog. The compatible stroller kit is also extremely useful for moving larger dogs who are having trouble walking.

Pros

  • High weight capacity
  • Larger wheels provide more stability
  • Three external pockets for storage

Cons

  • No internal grip pad or cushion
  • Stroller kit is not included

Instep Bike Trailer

Best for small dogs

Designed for kids, this trailer works great for smaller dogs, is more compact than other dog trailers, and is compact when folded.

See price on Amazon

The Instep Bike Trailer is actually designed with kids in mind, but we think that it offers all the key features you want in a bike trailer, particularly for smaller dogs. You get a safety flag, weather screens and bug screens, and a compact design that’s a bit more size-appropriate for small dogs.

What we liked most is how small the trailer folds up, particularly great if you don’t plan to use it often but still want a way to occasionally bring your dog along for rides.

Pros

  • Toddler seatbelts can hold small dogs in place
  • Compact design offers a size-appropriate space for smaller dogs
  • As cheap as our budget pick

Cons

  • Multi-step process to collapse trailer, but folds smaller
  • Smaller wheels limit max speed

Best Choice 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer

Best 2-in-1 option

If you’re looking for a bike trailer that includes all the attachments to use it as a stroller, look no further.

See price on Amazon

The Best Choice 2-in-1 includes a front stroller wheel and push handle that make it easy to convert from bike trailer to stroller. The tow bar conveniently folds underneath while the front wheel can be stowed on the back of the trailer, making it easy to convert to different modes quickly.

Some other trailers have compatible trailer attachments for sale for roughly the same price, but this is the simplest option if you just want to have everything on day one.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Larger wheels help you bike at higher speeds
  • Front wheel mounts on the back for storage
  • Tow bar folds underneath when used as a stroller

Cons

  • Available in one size only
  • Narrow wheelbase isn’t as stable for taller dogs

Choosing the best bike trailer for you

There’s a lot to consider when buying a bike trailer: where you’ll be going, how large your dog is, what kind of bike you have, and it’s important to find a safe option you feel comfortable using on the street. Lucky for you, we’ve done all the research into what what you should know before picking one out.

Weight and ease of handling on your bike

Perhaps most important before committing to a bike trailer is being prepared for how it will affect the performance and handling of your bike. This affects you and your dog’s safety in the real world and it’s important to have realistic expectations of what your bike can and can’t handle. You’ll be towing the weight of your dog plus the trailer behind you and that’s going to make things a bit more difficult than usual. Not to mention you’ll need to take extra care around turns, as even the best trailer hitches are limited in what they can handle.

You may have noticed that most bike trailers run off-center from your bike as well. Well-designed models try to reduce how off-center a trailer is but it’s done to improve stability. Bike trailers hitch to one side of your bike and the trailer itself has to be roughly aligned with where that hitch is. This helps prevent the trailer from fishtailing, but also makes it easier to make turns made on the opposite side of where the trailer is hitched.

Keep in mind, any time you add extra weight to your bike it’s going to make pedaling a bit harder and increase the wind resistance you feel. Now take that weight and add it directly behind your rear tire and things are going to feel different going up and down hills. You’ll have to be prepared to move slowly and have safe and sturdy brakes that can gently stop you and your trailer.

Bike trailers also have maximum speeds based on the wheel base, size of the wheels, and the weight they’re designed to carry. A safe rule of thumb is that you’ll only be able to go 10mph with your dog in most trailers, with high end models letting you reach around 15mph.

It’s also important when pulling a bike trailer to be aware of the extra space you need to make turns. You’ll lose quite a bit of the mobility that you typically have and will need to turn in slower and wider circles to accommodate that bike trailer hitches have a narrow angle they work in. Too sharp a turn and you run the risk of the trailer detaching or flipping over, particularly if your dog is heavier.

How big of a trailer do you need?

The weight ratings you see for bike trailers typically are the maximum safe limit they can carry, but you’re best off adding in an additional safety factor on your own. For instance, if a trailer advertises a weight limit of 50lbs, you realistically don’t want to use it to pull your 50lb dog as they’ll be one large meal away from that safety limit! Also, manufacturers don’t disclose just what parts of a trailer may brake above that maximum weight. The maximum weight could apply to the entire trailer, or may just apply to the tow bar or flooring used.

It’s also important to keep the wheelbase, the distance between the two wheels (the width of the trailer), in mind. Wider wheelbases will be more stable carrying heavier loads, but will also have a wider turning radius. For smaller and lighter dogs any stable trailer will do but it’s essential when getting a bike trailer for larger dogs that you find one with a wider wheelbase.

We recommend choosing a trailer that can carry 20%-30% over your dog’s weight. Not only does this give you peace of mind, it also gives you extra capacity for carrying dog treats, toys, and anything else you want to add in.

You’ll also need to get a trailer that is the appropriate height for your dog. While it’s safest for your dog to lay down while moving, we all know it’s unavoidable they’ll want to look around tall dogs will need to rely on the ‘sunroof’ feature of many trailers.

These sunroofs are a sort of compromise: manufacturers know larger dogs need more space, but there’s few practical designs that allow for a high enough ceiling on bike trailers as it raises the center of gravity and makes it more likely the trailer could tip over, so they add in zip-open panels to give your dog space at the owner’s discretion.

Ease of use and comfort

Any bike trailer only does you any good if you and your dog use it. To that end it’s important to find one that is stable and comfort for your dog while also being easy for you to attach, store, and assemble.

Most bike trailers offer some level of collapsibility for storage and all of our picks feature quick-release wheels to make it easier to pack the trailer away, but we liked models that collapsed with only one or two steps and could fit in a car without taking the wheels off to give you extra portability.

All dog trailers offer a similar level of comfort for your dog but not all of them are the same. Most models have basic cloth flooring to reduce weight while others have rigid bottoms for maximum comfort. If the floor is too soft it can make the ride uncomfortable for your dog and make it too easy to slide around. We liked models where the flooring was durable, but also that had a foam grip pad to help keep your dog’s feet planted while moving around.

Mesh windows with clear PVC-like coverings are also the standard when it comes to providing your dog with ventilation and protection from any rain while also keeping them from getting out of their trailer.

We also think it’s a good idea to add in a cushion for your dog if you’re going on longer rides. No need to bring along their bed from home, just a small foam pad or some blankets will make the ride more comfortable and help your dog feel more secure.

How to get your dog comfortable with their bike trailer

Many dogs will be nervous their first time riding in their trailer, that’s totally normal! With just a little patience and training, your dog will come to love riding along with you on your adventures.

Once you have your dog trailer assembled and ready to go, give your dog time to examine it, climb inside, and just generally get used to being around it. After your dog seems comfortable, you’ll want to teach them how to get in and out of the bike trailer, and even move it around with them safely inside.

Finally, you’ll want to take your dog on test rides in a quiet area to ensure they’re comfortable sitting inside their trailer and to get them used to longer rides.

Safely biking with your dog

It’s important to use the included leash or d-ring to secure your dog in their carrier. While these typically aren’t used as a seatbelt, they will prevent your dog from suddenly jumping out if they work their way free or if you leave a window open.

Another key to being safe while biking with your dog is using a safety flag attached to your bike trailer. Using a flag and additional reflectors can really help make your trailer more visible to cars, as some drivers may see you but not notice the extra width of your trailer. This flag typically should sit at around 5-6 feet from the ground and be a bright red or orange, preferably with reflective details for low-light biking. Be sure to use reflectors and flashing lights on the rear and sides of your trailer for extra safety.

With that in mind, it’s important to maintain a slow pace while pulling a bike trailer and to never exceed the manufacturer’s maximum safe speed. You’ll be less able to maneuver with a trailer and braking suddenly can be difficult. We highly recommend going on practice rides with your bike trailer before using it to carry your dog.

Take your trailer on rides around your neighborhood, to the store, to anywhere you might take your dog. This will help you get used to any adjustments to handling and weight from pulling your dog’s bike trailer without having to worry about keeping an eye on your dog. However, as long as you account for the extra length and width of your bike trailer and follow all the rules of the road you’ll be just fine!

What To Do If Your Dog Refuses to Walk

by Sandy Hang | Last Updated:

You’re on your daily stroll with your favorite furry companion, Daisy, when she suddenly stops and refuses to move. You tug on the leash a bit, but now her tail is in between her legs and she’s pulling back. This behavior has confused many pet parents like yourself, and we’re here to help. While this behavior may only seem stubborn, it can be dangerous if you’re in the middle of a busy road.

Why is Daisy Not Walking?

There could be several reasons that Daisy may be adamant about walking and it can seemingly happen without any prompting, but usually there are signs beforehand that may hint at the issue.

Fearfulness is the most common issue. Dogs that have been deprived of proper socialization as a puppy may end up too nervous to walk when they encounter something new. Survey your surroundings and see if there is anything that Daisy may be fearful of. This can be new people, different sounds, etc.

Is she uncomfortable? Safety is always key when walking your furry friend, but some pet parents may not realize that the bulky, heavy harness may be too much for Daisy. Collars that use pain to train her, such as prong, choke, or electric, may also have a negative association with them.

Check their body for possible undiagnosed pain. There are a variety of medical reasons that might make leash walks uncomfortable for Daisy. Injuries from age-related aches, orthopedic issues, diseases, cancers, and over-activity are common things to look out for.

Daisy may be having too much fun! She may be going on leash strike if she doesn’t want to leave. This could be a reluctance to leave the dog park or leave their friend’s home. An indication of this happening is an abrupt stop and a refusal to move in the direction she’s being guided towards.

How Can I Help Daisy?

Before you begin training, it’s important to consult the experts. Ask yourself:

  • Is Daisy yelping in pain when I touch her hips, knees, paws, etc? If you answered “yes” to this question, talk to your veterinarian. There could be undiagnosed pain that needs to be treated that is causing Daisy to stop walking.
  • Have I successfully socialized her as a puppy? If you answered “no” or “I’m not sure” to this question, talk to your dog trainer or seek one out. The first 3 months of a puppy’s life is called the imprint period, and the most crucial time to expose Daisy to new experiences so she will not be fearful of them later. If you adopted, it’s tougher to socialize, but it is never too late. We highly recommend trainers who focus on positive reinforcement as it has a high success rate, but find what works best for Daisy.

Take a look at the harness or collar you use for Daisy and ask yourself:

  • What kind of body language do you notice when you put on the harness
  • Does Daisy run away as soon as she sees it?
  • Is it heavy or bulky?
  • Can I easily slid more than two fingers underneath or is it too tight?
  • Is there anything on the harness that could be pinching or scratching Daisy?
  • Could there be a negative association with the harness or collar

If you notice that Daisy’s ears are bending backwards, or she backs away and runs as soon as she sees the harness headed her way, these could be signs that the harness or collar is uncomfortable. If your pup is a smaller breed, ensure that the harness or collar isn’t too heavy for them. They won’t hesitate making it obvious by leaning over or freezing when it’s put on them. Try having Daisy hang around the house with the collar or harness on to see if it’s just a matter of getting use to it!

Adjusting the harness or collar to fit Daisy perfectly is a must! This will ensure a safe and comfortable walk. Read the directions carefully. Please check and adjust the harness every couple of weeks as over time it may loosen after use. Some signs that it is a perfect fit:

  • You can easily slid no more than two fingers underneath all parts of the harness or collar.
  • There isn’t anything sharp that could possibly scratch or pinch Daisy.
  • No matter how much Daisy pulls, she cannot get out of it.
  • A short, easy to hold leash is highly recommended. Allowing Daisy a long leash does not give you control, especially if there’s some sort of danger lurking around the corner.

Finally, ask yourself “where is Daisy refusing to leave the most?” This could be a friend’s house, the dog park, or really anywhere they find fun! Consulting with a dog trainer is highly recommended, but if you’re on a tight budget, counterconditioning is the best way to go.

  1. As soon as Daisy refuses to walk when leaving the scene, turn your back and ignore them. For this to work and not to reinforce bad behavior, you need to be as far as possible from the scene or away from their friend.
  2. The moment Daisy makes a move, mark their behavior (with a click or click word you use) and toss their FAVORITE high value treat in the direction you want to walk.
  3. Do this every single time you are in this situation and soon Daisy will realize that you’re in charge of where you go and that they will be rewarded if they follow you.

Also try teaching your dog a very strong recall. This can be helpful in more situation that the dog park such as if Daisy races through the open door, you accidentally lose your leach and Daisy bolts into the street, when your dog runs towards another unfriendly dog, etc. This recall guide offers an amazing step-by-step on how to train Daisy to respond to a strong recall.

10 Best Dog Bowls 2022

by Bridgette Mabuto | Last Updated:

Finding the right equipment for your dog can be a real hassle. And when it comes to dog bowls, the process can be even more exhausting. You want to find a bowl that is safe, meets your dog’s specific needs, but also doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

We’ve searched through dozens of different dog bowls to find the best options for you. We did all the research and gathered our favorites, taking out any guesswork for you.

What material is best for dog bowls?

The most common materials for dog bowls are plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. While there are pros and cons for each option, experts agree the best material for dog bowls is stainless steel.

Stainless steel pet bowls are durable, light, and easy to clean. Because stainless steel bowls aren’t porous, they don’t release contaminants into your dog’s food or water. And, the heavy-duty nature of stainless make it perfect for dishwashers, so clean up is a breeze.

While we looked at options for dog bowls of varying materials, our favorite, and the safest, will always be stainless steel.

Jump to a section

Editor’s top picks

How we chose

Should you use a different bowl for food and water?

Plastic and ceramic bowls

Elevated dog bowls

Editor’s top picks

After extensive research, we’ve put together our favorite dog bowls of 2020.

Yeti Boomer 8

Our Favorite

Short on time? Stop reading and purchase our favorite dog bowl pick!

See price on Amazon

Yeti is known for having some of the best coolers and drinkware for adventurous, active people. So, it makes sense that when they decided to create a dog bowl, it would be durable and safe.

The eight cup Yeti Boomer is made with a double-walled, non-insulated stainless steel, which is the same quality as Yeti uses in its drinkware for humans. The stainless steel is 18/8, BPA free, puncture and rust resistant, and completely safe for your furry favorites. Because of Yeti’s BPA free policy, you can use this bowl for both food and water.

When we say it would be safe for you to drink out of this bowl, we’re not kidding!

While the Yeti Boomer only comes in one size, it is an eight cup bowl, which gives you plenty of space. We definitely think medium to large dogs would be more comfortable with this bowl, though it could also work for puppers with longer snouts.

The Yeti Boomer is dishwasher safe and is made with a Duracoat color, so the many vibrant color options will last no matter how many times you wash them. More importantly, this means the paint won’t chip.

The dog bowl also comes with a Barefoot non-slip ring and is praised by experts and pet parents alike.

Pros

  • High-quality stainless steel
  • Durable material
  • Easy to clean
  • No-slip bottom

Cons

  • Only comes in one size

Basis Pet Stainless Steel Bowl

Also Great

Our runner-up dog bowl is a close favorite, making it an awesome alternative if you’re looking for an option with a variety of sizes.

See price on Amazon

We can’t get our minds around the quality of the Basis Pet Stainless Steel dog bowl. Basis Pet has a tremendous reputation for putting safety above everything else when it comes to its products. As a result, the company has made some of pet parent’s favorite dog bowls.

The Basis Pet dog bowl is made from 18/8 stainless steel, like the Yeti bowl, meaning its human grade stainless steel. But Basis Pet wasn’t satisfied with just using the highest quality stainless steel, they also independently tested each product for mercury, lead, and cadmium. As a result, these dog bowls are some of the safest on the market.

Basis Pet stainless steel dog bowls come in four different sizes, from small to extra-large. As is the case with everything Basis Pet does, they’ve done the research and determined which bowls work best for what breeds and sizes. With these details, you can figure out exactly what size to get and how much food or water to put in each bowl.

Unfortunately, the Basis Pet dog bowls don’t include rubber bottoms, so there’s still the worry of them slipping across the floor. However, the company does recommend using their non-skid rubber mat as an alternative to rubber coatings.

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Human grade stainless steel
  • Comes in four sizes
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No slippage protection

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl

A cheaper stainless bowl

Amazon has created a cost efficient stainless steel dog bowl of a quality that will truly surprise you!

See price on Amazon

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel dog bowl is a no-frills, classic dog bowl that will meet all your needs without breaking the bank. Coming in one size in sets of one or two, the Amazon Basics dog bowl holds 38 ounces, just the right size for most small or medium dogs.

With the two pack offered by Amazon, you’ll get both a food and water bowl, both safe and tough for even the most energetic dogs. The stainless steel bowl are dishwasher safe and rust resistant, with the added bonus of being scratch resistant.

The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel dog bowl comes with a rubber slip resistant base, decreasing the amount of slipping and sliding across the floor. And less slipping means less clean-up for you!

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in set of two
  • Rubber slip-resistant base

Cons

  • Unable to determine stainless steel grade
  • Only comes in one size

HDP JW Skid Stop Food and Water Bowl

A great plastic bowl

This slow feed dog bowl is an awesome option for those who prefer to use plastic for their bowls.

See price on Amazon
From $7.06 on Chewy

While we will always prefer stainless steel bowls for our dog bowls, there is a space for well-made, quality plastic options. The HDP JW Skid Stop bowl is a heavy-duty plastic bowl that doesn’t just stand up to wear and tear, it also slows excitable dogs down at meal time.

The JW Skid Stop Food and Water bowl is dishwasher safe, a sign that it uses the best quality plastic available. The company also claims the material resists bacteria and rust, two big issues pet parents have with their plastic bowls. Add to that the three sizes, skid stop bottom, and price, and this plastic bowl is easily one of the best on the market.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Rubber base
  • Encourages slower eating

Cons

  • Doesn’t come in small
  • Prone to scratches and breakage
  • Can’t be used for water

Bone Dry Lattice Collection Pet Bowl

A good-looking ceramic bowl

Take your doggy’s style to the next level with these gorgeous, high-quality ceramic bowls.

See price on Amazon
From $20.48 on Chewy

One of the highlights of Bone Dry’s beautiful ceramic dog bowls is how well they’ll fit in to your home’s décor. Coming in three sizes, two shapes, and four different colors, Bone Dry’s dog bowls are made from porcelain ceramic. The sealant on the ceramic bowls mean they’re safe, non-porous, and can be used for food or water.

The weight of Bone Dry’s bowls really set them apart from other options on this list. The large bowl comes in at 1.5lbs! With that weight and the silicone bottom, even the biggest dogs will struggle to move these lovely bowls.

Pros

  • FDA food safe
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Durable and heavy-duty
  • Beautifully decorated

Cons

  • Easily chips
  • Heavy
  • Silicone ring comes off
  • Shallow

Mr. Peanut’s Stainless Steel Interactive Slow Feed Dog Bowl

A good-looking ceramic bowl

A bowl made of quality stainless steel that also slows down your dog’s eating to improve digestion? Sign us up!

See price on Amazon

Designed like a Bundt cake pan, the Mr. Peanut Interactive Dog Bowl is a stainless steel version of so many plastic slow feed dog bowls on the market. Created of a food safe stainless steel, this bowl is non-toxic and BPA free. While we’re huge fans of the quality material, we also adore that it slows dogs down when it comes to mealtime.

In addition to come in three sizes, Mr. Peanut’s Interactive Dog Bowl includes a bonded silicone base, a new addition to the design. Slip proof bottoms are especially important for slow feeder bowls, as dogs tend to move them around while trying to get at the food.

Pros

  • Food grade stainless steel
  • Encourages dogs to eat slower
  • Includes silicone base

Cons

  • Not ideal for big dogs
  • Can’t be filled all the way

Kurgo Portable Free Wander Dog Bowl

A good travel bowl

Kurgo WOWS us again with their clever no-spill travel bowl, perfect for messy dogs or travel.

See price on Amazon

Kurgo has been at the head of the pet industry for several years now, creating some of the safest and most innovative products on the market. So it doesn’t surprise us that they’ve created a fantastic travel bowl. The Free Wander bowl by Kurgo has higher sides and a tapered lip to keep food and water where it needs to stay.

The Wander Free is made of food grade silicon, making it both safe and lightweight. Another sign that Kurgo is always thinking ahead is the wedge shaped bottom, which keeps the bowl flat on car seats. And, the silicone body means you can fold the bowl into the smallest pocket or bag when you’re done. While the Kurgo Free Wander only comes in one size, we’re big fans.

Pros

  • Made with food grade silicone
  • BPA and PVC free
  • Spill-proof

Cons

  • Only comes in one size
  • Really only works in cars

Super Design Mess Free Slanted Bowl

A good tilted bowl

No more having to scrape food back into the center of the bowl with this convenient slanted dog bowl.

See price on Amazon

Kurgo has been at the head of the pet industry for several years now, creating some of the safest and most innovative products on the market. So it doesn’t surprise us that they’ve created a fantastic travel bowl. The Free Wander bowl by Kurgo has higher sides and a tapered lip to keep food and water where it needs to stay.

The Wander Free is made of food grade silicon, making it both safe and lightweight. Another sign that Kurgo is always thinking ahead is the wedge shaped bottom, which keeps the bowl flat on car seats. And, the silicone body means you can fold the bowl into the smallest pocket or bag when you’re done. While the Kurgo Free Wander only comes in one size, we’re big fans.

Pros

  • Keeps all food on the bottom
  • Both stand and bowl are dishwasher safe
  • Comes in four sizes

Cons

  • Sizes work best for smaller dogs
  • Can’t be used as water bowl

WOpet Automatic Pet Feeder

A good dispenser bowl

Keep your doggo fed even when you’re away from home with this convenient food dispenser system.

See price on Amazon

WOpet has created an extremely easy to use automatic pet feeder that releases up to four meals a day. You can determine what portion sizes you want released, as well as when you want them released, so your fur baby gets the right amount of food at the right times. You can also record your voice to call your dog to the bowl when it’s time to eat.

The WOpet bowl is made from ABS, a hard version of plastic. While the bowl is plastic, ABS is known for its strength and surface hardness, making it a food grade thermoplastic. While we don’t think WOpet would work for larger dogs, it’s still a great option for pet parents who have to be out for long periods of time.

Pros

  • Easy to program
  • Made with food-safe plastic
  • Helps with portion control

Cons

  • Not spill proof
  • Works best for smaller dogs
  • Difficult to clean

Ruffwear Bivy Bowl

A good bowl for hiking

The Ruffwear Bivy is perfect for adventurers who want a bowl that’s easy to pack, unfold, use, and collapse.

See price on Amazon

Ruffwear has once again blown us away with their ingenuity and attention to detail with this convenient collapsible bowl. The food grade denier nylon is both safe and watertight, making it ideal for both food and water. With such versatility, you’ll be able to keep packing to a minimum, but still take your dog on all your adventures. We’re especially fond of the hang loop that allows the bowl to be hung from a backpack.

While we couldn’t think of a better dish for outdoor adventures, the Bivy does need to be hand washed and air dried, making it one of the most particular bowl on our list.

Pros

  • Light and collapsible
  • Watertight fabric
  • Works for food or water

Cons

  • Needs to be hand washed
  • Comes in one size

How we chose

We don’t want you to take our word that we’ve picked the best dog bowls of 2020 for you. At PetsMaster, we want to be as transparent as possible, which means giving you full access into why we’ve made the picks above.

Below, you’ll find a detailed look at how we chose our top 10 dog bowls for 2020.

Materials

The biggest factor for how we chose our top 10 dog bowls is the material of those bowls. While we did provide a range of options for those with different needs, we tried to keep the focus on stainless steel.

However, even with the stainless steel options, we had to be picky. Not all stainless steel is created with the same standards of quality, making it tricky to find the best. We made sure the stainless steel dog bowl options on our list were of good quality and made by companies with solid reputations of using real metal.

If we wouldn’t eat out of it, we had no interest in putting our dog food in it.

While plastic and ceramic dog bowls aren’t the ideal, according to experts, they do have their place. We made sure any plastic options on our list were BPA free and had the reputation of being difficult to chew. For ceramic bowls, we made sure they were as durable as possible.

Sizes/Types

One of the things we learned when researching dog bowls was that size really does matter. Obviously, larger dogs need larger bowls, but there are additional considerations that need to be made when it comes to size. For example, if your pet has a longer snout, you’ll want a deeper bowl. We made sure the bowls we picked would work for a wide range of dogs and needs.

We also wanted to make sure our list covered a variety of types of bowls. From tilted to collapsible bowls, we wanted to showcase the range of bowls available for dogs. And because each of these types has their pros as well as their cons, we wanted to offer you a variety of the best.

Features

When we looked through dozens of dog bowls in order to find the best, we also considered bonus features that help them stand out.

The biggest extra feature we considered was the ease of cleaning the bowl. You already have enough on your hands. Spending an unnecessary amount of time cleaning out your dog’s bowl isn’t our idea of a good time. So, we made sure the majority of the options on our list were easy and safe to clean or throw in the dishwasher.

We also look for options that wouldn’t slide across the room as your pet ate. Whether this entailed heavier bowls or those with non-slip bases, we wanted your dog bowl to stay where you put it.

Reviews

Finally, we took a look at reviews from professionals as well as pet owners. Professional reviews get down to the nitty gritty of the benefits of each dog bowl. While these reviews might be more technical and hard to find, they’re extremely important for creating a foundation of quality control for our options.

Professional reviewers may know dogs in general, but dog parents know their dogs, which makes their reviews important, too. We scoured pet parent reviews for each bowl on our list, seeing what they love and what they hate.

Look at a wide variety of reviews helped us narrow down the best options for our top dog bowl list.

Should you use a different kind of bowl for food and water?

The good news about whether or not you need different bowls for food or water is you don’t, if you’re using stainless steel. Most pet experts agree that having a stainless steel bowl for food and another one for water is an ideal way to keep your pet safe and healthy.

However, there are a few times this might not work for your specific needs.

If your dog is an overeater and you need a slow feeder bowl, you’re probably only going to find plastic options. And if you want a water fountain bowl to keep your dog’s water moving and fresh, it will most likely be plastic. In these cases, just keep a close eye on the bowls to make sure they’re not wearing or have cuts on them. You don’t want any chemicals leaking into your dog’s food or water.

What about plastic and ceramic bowls?

As we mentioned before, while stainless steel is considered the best material for dog bowls, there are benefits to plastic and ceramic options as well.

If you would like an inexpensive dog bowl option, plastic is the way to go. Many plastic dog bowls are durable and made with safer ingredients than you would have found five or ten years ago. However, plastic definitely shows its age over time. And any breaks in the surface of a plastic bowl can cause toxic materials to leech into food or water.

For slow feeders, plastic is the most popular material. And you can find nontoxic options, as long as you’re diligent in keeping an eye for scratches or chew marks in the plastic.

We will say, plastic dog bowls are an option for dog food, but should not be used for water. There’s just too great a risk for toxins leaking into the water.

Ceramic bowls are popular because they’re often extremely cute and the heavier material makes them difficult to move. Because of the glaze used in ceramic bowls, they aren’t porous like plastic, making them safe and easier to clean, especially if they’re dishwasher safe.

The big downside to ceramic bowls is they’re quite easy to break. They’ll break if dropped and can even chip if moved too roughly. And, as with plastic, a chip in a ceramic bowl could become dangerous.

Should you elevate your dog’s bowl?

Elevated dog’s bowls definitely have their place and are recommended by veterinarians for older and bigger dogs. For larger dogs, as well as geriatric dogs, having a raised dog bowl reduces strain on the hips, shoulders an joints, making eating time less painful.

Some experts believe that eating from an elevated bowl helps improve digestive health for dogs, helping food and water move through the body better.

However, one of the biggest reasons pet parents opt to raise their fur babies dog bowls is to keep things cleaner. A raised dog bowl table can keep bowls in one place and prevent food or water from splashing all over the eating area.

If you’re interested in an elevated dog bowl, check out the Dogit Elevated Dog Bowl or the Pet Zone Designer Diner Dog Bowl.

Best Dog Grooming Clippers 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

by Bridgette Mabuto | Last Updated:

Being able to cut your dog’s hair safely at home is a great skill to have, not just to save money, but in case there are times you can’t get to the groomers. If there was one thing a global pandemic taught pet parents, it’s vital to have the right tools to maintain your dog’s grooming at home. We’ve already discussed the best nail grinders and shampoos to keep your pups clean and healthy. But trimmed nails and clean fur mean very little if that fur is all over the place!

Having the right dog clippers to give your pet’s fur a little touch-up between trips to the groomer, or for full at-home cuts, will make your dog so much more comfortable. We’ve put together a list of the best 8 dog clippers available to take your at-home grooming to the next level.

Is it safe to cut your dog’s hair at home?

Yes, with proper guidelines, it is safe to cut your dog’s hair at home.

Our veterinary partner offers great insight into why having a pair of clippers for at-home grooming is so important.

“Grooming your dog is about so much more than just their looks. Long-haired or thick-coated breeds are prone to tangles and mats that can lead to sores and skin infections if they aren’t clipped regularly. Having a good set of grooming clippers at home will allow you to do this as needed to keep your pup comfortable and healthy.”

Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM

We do, however, recommend you speak to a professional groomer before starting at-home cutting. Learning the specific process for cutting your dog’s hair will reduce the chances of injury.

Jump to a section

Our top picks
Benefits of regularly cutting your dog’s hair
Our process – What we looked for
How to cut your dog’s coat at home
Grooming single-coat vs. double-coat dogs
Different grooming styles
FAQs

Our top picks

We’ve researched for hours and read hundreds of reviews to bring you this comprehensive list of dog grooming clippers.

Wahl Easy Pro for Pets

Best Overall

A versatile 10 piece set that works for thicker coats and has low-noise despite being heavy-duty.

See price on Amazon

The Wahl Easy Pro Pet Rechargeable Cordless Pet Clipper Kit comes with everything you and your dog needs for cutting and trimming fur. The perfect starter pack for the new at-home groomer, Wahl has managed to balance the need for power with less noise output. With these heavy-duty clippers, you can keep even the jumpiest dogs calm while cutting thick to medium coats.

One of the reasons Wahl Easy Pro made our list is its ability to switch between cordless and corded clipper. No more worrying if you’ve remembered to charge your clippers with Wahl Easy Pro! With a rather quick charge time, about 30 minutes, you can use the cordless clippers to effortlessly move around your dog.

There are 4 guide combs included in the Wahl Easy Pro kit. The different combs are ideal for giving your dog the perfect length cut, while allowing flexibility in length for more sensitive areas. Combining the guide combs with the self-sharpening carbon blades, you can cut through the thickest fur without worrying about cutting too close.

Finally, we’re big fans of how easy the Wahl Easy Pro dog clippers are to clean. The detachable blades come off with a press of button, allowing them to be cleaned and disinfected quickly. While you might want to oil the blades after washing, to encourage a smoother move through the fur.

While the charge on the Wahl Easy Pro is usually enough to clip the hair on 1 or 2 dogs, some pet parents complain they don’t run the full 2 hours advertised. And you might need to adjust a screw on the side of the clippers to ensure they run as quietly as you’d like.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Heavy-duty
  • Corded or cordless usage
  • Comes with multiple guide combs

Cons

  • Battery doesn’t last as long as advertised
  • Some adjustments required to decrease sound

Oster Golden A5 Animal Grooming Clippers

Best for second choice

A bit pricier than our first option, these 2-speed corded clippers offer precision when it comes to trimming your dog’s fur.

See price on Amazon

Designed specifically for dogs with thicker coats, the Oster Golden A5 has long been praised by professionals. The corded dog clipper has 2 different speeds, with low being at 2,100 SPM (Strokes per Minute) and high being 2,700 SPM. The versatility of the 2 speeds allows you to move from the full body of your dog to more sensitive areas with a flick of a switch.

Oster has long been a leader in the dog clipper industry and a huge reason for its reputation is due to its blades. Oster uses cryogenic technology to treat its blades, hardening them for a more precise cut. And with these extra hard blades comes clippers that will last you longer and perform better.

The Oster Golden A5 has a compact, easy to handle body. And Oster has reinforced its powerful motor and durable frame with a chew-proof housing unit. When added to the detachable blade system, which makes for easy cleaning, you truly have a heavy-duty set of dog clippers that will last you years.

Oster sells several guide combs and even offers detailed pet clipping guides, which walk you through which combs to use where on different breeds of dogs. Unfortunately, you’ll need to buy these combs separately.

Pros

  • Extremely powerful motor
  • 2-speed for precision grooming
  • Easy to handle
  • Chew-proof

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t include guide combs

Oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers

Best for a budget

The perfect dog clippers for beginners, the Oneisall proves quality doesn’t always mean expensive.

See price on Amazon

Not only are these our budget pick, the Oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers are multipurpose, working for both dogs and cats. The inexpensive, quiet dog clippers come with 6 guide combs, ranging from 3mm to 18mm, for that perfect, precise cut. The guides are supported by a stainless steel fixed blade and ceramic moving blade. The combination makes this durable set of clippers easy to move through thick fur.

Despite its powerful motor, the Oneisall Dog Shaver Clipper only produces about 50db of sound, making it one of the quieter options on our list. The motor might get louder when you use these clippers plugged in, but there’s also a built-in battery, giving you a cordless option, too.

This kit includes so many tools to make your first at-home grooming experience a success. In addition to the 6 guide guards, Oneisall comes with a steel comb, steel scissors, and oil for the blades. All at a super affordable price.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Extremely quiet
  • Corded or cordless option

Cons

  • Complaints of comb guards not working
  • Detachable blade difficult to remove

Wahl Clipper Pet-Pro Dog Grooming Kit

Best for thick coats

With a promise of “no snag pet grooming”, even thick coated dogs can now have an at-home grooming experience with Wahl’s grooming kit.

See price on Amazon

The Wahl Clipper Pet-Pro Dog Grooming Kit will cut through almost any type of fur, but was specifically designed for dogs with thicker coats. The self-sharpening precision blades prove once again why Wahl is a leader in pet clippers. The high-carbon, sharp blades provide smooth grooming and when combined with the powerful torque of the clippers, cuts grooming time down.

The Wahl Clipper Pet-Pro is corded, giving it more of a power boost. However, it’s still one of the quieter options on our list. The kit comes with 4 guiding combs for different length coats, as well as scissors for more sensitive areas. We’re fans of the color coded guide combs, offering an easy visual for which comb will give you just the right length for your dog.

Pros

  • Designed for thick-coated dogs
  • Powerful, corded clippers
  • Color coded guide combs

Cons

  • Cord may be difficult to manuever
  • Louder motor

Wahl Rechargeable Pet Clippers

Best for cordless clippers

These clippers boast a whopping 2 hour run time on one battery charge, you’ll get through multiple grooming sessions before needing to recharge the Wahl Rechargeable Pet Clippers.

See price on Amazon

Wahl is at it again with our pick for the best cordless clippers. With a 2 hour run time and a quick-charge option, these clippers are praised for being able to hold a charge for months. Not only do these Wahl Rechargeable clippers make cutting your dog’s hair easier than ever, they make it so much easier to maneuver around your pup during grooming sessions.

Wahl dog clippers are celebrated for their blades, which are self-sharpening to cut through even the thickest hair. With this set of clippers, you’ll also get 4 guard combs for flexibility in choosing the length best for your dog. And, to keep even the most nervous pups calm, the Wahl Rechargeable has a low noise output.

Pros

  • Cordless operation
  • Low noise
  • Holds a charge for longer

Cons

  • No battery indicator light
  • Problems snapping on comb guards
  • Heavier than other options

Oster Clipmaster Large Animal Single Speed

Best splurge option

If you’re ready to take your home grooming game to the next level, splurge on these expensive but worth it clippers.

See price on Amazon

Don’t let the price of these dog grooming clippers scare you. If you’re serious about grooming your dog at home, the Oster Clipmaster Large Animal Single Speed is the way to go. The heavy-duty clippers are made with titanium blades to smoothly clip through the thickest, toughest fur. These clippers can even be used on cattle!

The corded design of these splurge clippers gives it more power. The pre-oiled blade stays greased for up to 100 hours, giving you peace of mind your clippers will move like butter. Also included with these expensive clippers is a removable storage tray, blade compartments, and intake screen.

Pros

  • Extremely powerful
  • Clippers stay oiled
  • Includes many extra features

Cons

  • Gets hot faster than other options
  • Can be loud
  • Expensive

Holdog Dog Clippers

Best multi-speed clippers

A multi-speed set of clippers offers more versatility for cutting the body of your dog, but also around the face and private areas.

See price on Amazon

Holdog offers a high-powered cordless set of dog clippers with 5 speeds. The varying speeds give at-home groomers the confidence they need to trim different areas of their dog’s bodies. The clippers are made with titanium ceramic blades, adding a smooth trimming experience to the power of the motor in the Holdog.

Holdog also offers one of our quieter dog clippers, at only 50db. At the higher speeds, this noise might increase, but at lower levels these clippers work wonderfully for timid or jumpy dogs. Included with the Holdog clippers set are stainless steel scissors for precision cutting, a comb to detangle mats, and 4 adjustment combs.

Pros

  • Adjustable speeds
  • Very quiet
  • Easy to clean blades

Cons

  • Comb guards are lower quality
  • Struggles with thicker coats

Andis ProClip Blade Clipper

Best for the at-home professional

Andis has been a favorite of professional groomers due to its smooth grooming and cool running temperatures.

See price on Amazon

Andis creates powerful clippers that work quickly and smoothly. While we don’t recommend these clippers for beginners of at-home grooming, if you’ve been cutting your pets fur for a while, you’ll love the power these offer .The clippers may be 1 speed, but that speed is high.

One of the best things about the Andis ProClip Blade Clippers is the cooling design. Because these dog clippers are so powerful, they could potentially produce a lot of heat. However, with a cool-running system, there’s no need for a fan. As a result, Andis has eliminated the heat caused by clogged vents and fans.

Pros

  • Very powerful motor
  • Fast
  • Corded for longer grooming session
  • Stays cool

Cons

  • Louder than other options
  • More expensive
  • Could be dangerous for non-professionals

Benefits of regularly cutting your dog’s hair

Nothing beats that fresh from the groomers look. The sharp cut, the clean smell, the swagger that makes you think your dog knows how good he looks. But grooming, by the professionals and at home, isn’t just about looking or smelling good. There are some fantastic benefits that come with regularly cutting your dog’s hair!

Check for pests

Why does it feel no matter how careful you are, fleas or even ticks will find their way on to your dog? Regularly bathing, drying, brushing, and cutting your dog’s hair will give you a chance to check for nasty hanger-on’s.

Detangle mats

Regularly cutting your dog’s hair gives you the perfect opportunity to remove any tangles or mats in your dog’s coat. And those tangles aren’t just unsightly, they can be painful! Tangles can pinch the skin and cause your dog stress. Regular trims prevents any tangling discomfort.

Detect skin conditions

Taking the time to wash and groom your dog at home will give you a unique familiarity with their body and skin. Regular grooming is a great time to check for lumps or bumps you might not see when you’re just brushing your dog. And with skin conditions, early detection is crucial!

Decrease shedding

While there’s no way to completely eliminate shedding, regular baths and trims improve the quality of your dog’s fur. A thorough cleaning helps eliminate dead skin, dirt, and dandruff, spreading natural oils throughout the coat. As a result, your dog could shed less with regular baths and cuts.

Our process – What we looked for

We try to be as transparent as possible when recommending pet products. For each of our product guides, we provide as much insight into our reviewing process as possible. We hope knowing what we looked for in dog clippers will help you make the best choice for you and your dog.

Noise level

We’ve all experienced a jumpy dog during thunderstorms or fireworks, so it makes sense one of our biggest concerns with dog clippers is their loudness. Most dogs aren’t going to let you anywhere near them with a set of noisy clippers! So we looked for clippers with quieter motors.

To help acclimate your dog to grooming clipper noises, check out the best process for introducing home grooming to your dog.

Vibration

Going hand-in-hand with the noise level of dog grooming clippers is the vibration. Even if your dog gets accustomed to the noise of clippers, as soon as those vibrating machines touch their bodies, they’re sure to get jumpy! We opted for dog clippers with as little vibration as possible. The less vibration, the better to keep from scaring your dog.

Temperature

After prolonged use, some dog grooming clippers can get hot. Unfortunately, there have been cases of hot grooming clippers causing burns to dog’s skin. In our reviewing of dog grooming clippers, we looked for those that addressed this heating issue.

Thankfully, for home grooming, you’re not using your clippers as long as you would in a professional setting.

Clipper comb options

All dogs have different fur or hair lengths and needs, so we wanted dog grooming clippers with the capabilities to trim all these variations. Having a clipper with different comb and length options also allow you to work on the face, feet, perianal, and belly areas easier.

Corded vs. cordless

Going corded or cordless will depend on your goals for your dog grooming clippers. If you only plan on using the clippers now and then for a short period of time, a cordless option gives much more flexibility. However, if you have multiple dogs or dogs with extra thick fur, you might want a more powerful, longer lasting corded clipper set.

We’ve looked at the best options of both corded and cordless dog grooming clippers and offered both in our roundup.

Battery life and charge time

For those opting for cordless dog grooming clippers, we wanted to make sure they would last for the entirety of your grooming process! And just as important, we wanted them to charge quickly and hold that charge.

We read through multiple reviews and specs to make sure the cordless dog grooming clipper options we offered had long-lasting batteries that could be charged quickly.

Blade speed

Finally, we looked for that precarious balance between power and speed to noise and heat. You want a smooth, continuous cut, which means a faster blade speed, or Rotations per Minute (RPM). Sometimes this is also listed as Strokes per Minute (SPM). However, you don’t want that speed to be so fast, you’re hurting your dog. For those starting out, we looked for both single and multi-speed dog grooming clippers, so you can make the best choice to meet your grooming needs.

How to cut your dog’s coat at home

Before you try cutting your dog’s coat at home, it’s important to speak with a professional about the best way to groom your dog. Professional groomers, especially one that has worked with your dog before, can provide insight into the best home-grooming practices.

“Safely and comfortably grooming your dog may take some practice. Don’t just expect to jump in feet first. Instead, get some practical tips from your veterinarian and groomer and be sure you choose a grooming clipper that is comfortable to use for both you and your dog.”

Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Take some time after speaking to a groomer to find what your dog should look like. The American Kennel Club has fantastic in-depth articles on grooming, as well as breed-specific guides.

Acclimate your dog to clippers

Once you feel more confident about how you’re going to groom your dog, take some time to introduce your tools to your pup. More specifically, the clippers.

Even the quietest dog grooming clippers will create some noise and some vibrations. So, taking some time to introduce your dog to your clippers will decrease their fear and discomfort when it’s time to actually do the clipping.

Remember: You don’t want a jumpy dog trying to wiggle away while cutting their hair. It could cause a serious injury.

Take your time on this step. Take your dog to the table or area you’ll be cutting their hair and turn the clippers on. Once your dog is acclimated to the sound, press the clippers to your dog, with the blades off or covered. This will introduce your dog to the vibrations common in dog clippers.

Start with a trim

Now that your dog is used to the dog clippers, make sure you wash and dry your pup thoroughly. Then, start with a trim. Using your clippers with guard combs set to the right length, work your way down your dog in the direction of their hair growth.

It’s important to keep a firm grip on your dog during this process. Keep the clippers flat as you move across the neck, back, and then abdomen. Once done with these main areas, move to the head, legs, and tail. Be slow and methodical as you’re clipping. You don’t want to move too fast and hurt your dog or accidentally take off more hair than expected.

Touch up with scissors

Keeping the scissors pointed away from your dog, trim long strands on the paw pads and face. Carefully trim the ear flaps, jaw area, and on the side of the face. You can even trim eyebrows, as there is often a lot of excess hair on the face.

And remember, talk to your dog throughout the clipping process. Lots of treats and a calm voice do wonders in keeping pups calm during grooming sessions.

The differences in grooming single-coat and double-coat dogs

Dog clippers are a great way to maintain styles, trim short-hair dogs, and do more extreme cuts. However, clippers shouldn’t always be your go-to tool for cutting your dog’s hair. There are differences in grooming needs between short-hair and long-hair dogs.

Grooming single-coat dogs

The good news is dog clippers are the perfect option for cutting the hair of your single-coated dog! The guide combs that come with most clipper kits allow you to pick the exact right length for your dog so you can give a consistent, even cut.

Cutting the hair of short-hair dogs with clippers can also reduce shedding throughout the year. However, be extremely careful you don’t cut too close to the skin or you risk causing irritation.

Grooming double-coated dogs

For dogs with double coats, like husky’s and golden retrievers, you don’t want to shave them as low as most clippers allow. Shaving a double-coated dog will prevent their undercoat from ever growing back properly, making them more susceptible to sun damage.

More often than not, double-coated dogs will require scissors for most of their grooming. If the recommended cut style for your breed of dog is to keep the fur longer, you definitely don’t want to trim the hair too short. Using scissors for double-coated dogs gives more control over what’s being removed, without causing any damage to the undercoat.

Different grooming styles

One of the best things about cutting your dog’s hair at home is you have much more control over which style you want. While your groomer will have the best insight into which style is best for your dog, there are 4 main grooming options from which you can choose.

Below we break down the 4 clipping options you can decide between for your next at-home grooming session with your pup.

Kennel cut

A quick and simple shave down that is easy to maintain, but still looks natural on your dog. Often leaving about a half inch of hair on the body, these types of cuts are a perfect option for beginner at-home groomers to try.

Teddy bear trim

A slightly more complicated cut, the teddy bear trim leaves a half inch or more of hair on the dog, but is then finished with scissors. The scissors are most often used to cut around the face to give more definition. Teddy bear trims require a bit more maintenance, especially around the face.

Breed trim

Our recommendation for grooming style, a breed trim follows a set of rules designed specifically for each breed. These, in general, leave a dog’s coat in its most natural state. Often, breed trims are a simplified variation of a show trim.

Show trim

Also called a full coat, these aren’t recommended for the everyday pet. Following an even more strict set of rules than the breed trim, these specialty cuts follow show dog standards and are extremely difficult to maintain.

FAQs

Before we end, let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about dog clippers and at-home dog grooming.

Can I use human hair clippers on my dog?

Because human clippers are made for finer hair and designed to cut closer to the skin, it’s important to use dog clippers made specifically for pets. Dog hair is thicker and coarser, requiring thicker, longer blades. The blades on dog clippers are also designed to stay further away from the skin.

Using human clippers on dogs can increase the risk of cutting your pup or even burning them with an overheated motor.

Is it better to cut a dog’s hair wet or dry?

The experts agree you should always cut your dog’s hair dry. To get the best result from cutting your dog’s hair, you’ll want clean, dried hair.

How often should I cut my dog’s hair?

How often you need to cut or trim your dog’s hair will depend on the breed of dog you have, as coat type and length are huge factors in grooming frequency. Some dog’s need touch-ups in their grooming every couple weeks, while others can go months without needing their hair cut. Consistent brushing, de-matting, and shampooing of your dog can also decrease the number of times you need to cut your dog’s hair.

How Long Does it Take to Train a Dog?

by Zoe | Last Updated:

Congratulations on meeting your new best friend! Getting a new dog can be one of the best things you’ll ever do, but it can also be a really overwhelming experience. There is so much to do, learn, and to teach them. We are here to help you navigate how long it will really be before your dog is potty trained and on their way to impressing all of your friends with their double axel compound switch flip.

Remember: Every dog is different

Unfortunately, there is no quick answer to how long it takes to train a dog. There are a lot of factors that determine how quickly a dog will pick up a behavior: age, breed, temperament, time investment, and difficulty of the task, just to name a few. We can provide some basic timelines for common behaviors, but keep in mind that your pup might take more or less time–and that’s perfectly normal!

Desired BehaviorLength of time
Potty training4-6 months (for puppies)
Sit1-2 weeks
Recall (come)3-6 months
Leash training4-6 weeks
Crate training6 months of consistent training

5 steps for success in training your dog

Starting the training process for your dog can seem overwhelming. But there are a few concrete steps you can take to make success more likely.

1. Start early

The earlier you can start teaching your pup desired behaviors, the better! Puppies aren’t ready for more complicated training until closer to six months of age. However, potty training, socialization, attention getting, and simple commands (like “sit”) can begin as soon as you and your pup feel comfortable.

The saying goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. This isn’t exactly true, but older dogs do tend to have picked up bad habits along the way that make it harder for them to learn. If you are training an older dog, stick with it! They will pick it up with enough practice!

2. Consistency

After a long day of work, when all you want to do is open the door, put down your bags, and hug your floof ball, it can be hard to resist greeting your dog as they jump all over you. But consistency really is key in dog training. If you are training your dog to keep all four paws on the ground before they get a hello, then you need all four paws on the ground every time.

Don’t forget consistency remains important for your dog’s entire life. If you stop reinforcing good behaviors or start rewarding bad ones, your dog will find the path of least resistance. Stick with it!

3. Time investment

We all have busy lives and fitting dog training around all of your other responsibilities can be difficult. The more time that you put into training your dog, though, the faster they will learn new behaviors. Keep your training sessions short to keep your pup’s interest, but hold the sessions often.

A dog who is training five days a week will learn more quickly than a dog training one day a week. Practice makes perfect!

4. Get everyone involved

This can be the most challenging part of training your dog. If everyone in the house isn’t on board, your pup won’t know what is expected of them. All of your family members need to be on the same page and dedicated to following the new rules, schedule, and rewards for your dog.

If your five year old keeps sneaking food into the hungry mouth under the table, your dog won’t ever learn not to beg.

5. Make it fun!

Having a dog is a blast and training should be fun too! This is a great way to bond with your pup and create lasting memories.

Sometimes, we get caught up in the end goal of the training so much, we can overdo it. When we get frustrated, our dogs can sense it and they get frustrated, too. Take a break and give them some love when things are getting tough and you’ll see more consistent progress.

Tips for if dog training is taking too long

So you’ve been trying and trying to train your dog and they just don’t seem to be getting it? You aren’t alone.

Here are a few easy tips to keep yourself bolstered during the training process of your dog.

Don’t panic

You probably aren’t doing anything wrong and you’re dog is going to be just fine. As we said, some dogs just take a little more time for a behavior to “click”.

Just because your pup is struggling with one behavior doesn’t mean you’re in for a lifetime of untrained madness.

Bad habits are hard to break

If you’ve adopted a dog, chances are they’ve had plenty of time to pick up some bad habits. Training new behaviors can be a lot easier than breaking those ingrained behaviors that have been rewarded up until now. Stay patient with your new fur baby.

Make sure you’re being clear

Choose a clear command and try to use it sparingly. Saying, “Sit!” Over and over again will make Buster so desensitized to the word “sit” it will be hard to get him to react to it anymore.

If this happens, simply choose a new word. Just make sure that it is short and direct.

Try a tastier reward

Your pup has got to really want what you’re selling if their going to go through all the trouble of trying to figure out what you are trying to get them to do. It’s hard work and they should be rewarded accordingly.

Break out the good treats (or maybe even some slices of cheese?) especially if your pup is very food motivated.

Take a break

You deserve it! If you spend hours trying to drill a behavior into your dogs head, you are going to be tired and frustrated and your dog will be, too. Pups work best with shorter, more frequent sessions so they have time to rest their brains and they don’t get too overwhelmed.

Keep up the good work!

You’re doing great! Training is a marathon, not a sprint, and you will get to the finish line as long as you stick with it.

Ask for help

If you are really stuck or if there is a particular behavior that you’re worried about that you don’t know how to tackle, ask for help! There are a lot of pet professionals who can help you and your pup get to where you need to be. Don’t be ashamed to contact a professional trainer for some tips or some training sessions. That’s what they’re there for.

The most important behaviors for dog training

There are a lot of different behaviors you can pick for dog training. However, there are a few that are going to be a bit more important for laying the groundwork training with your dog.

Here are a few behaviors we think you should start with when it comes to training your dog.

House training/house breaking/potty training

Whatever you choose to call it, this is usually where people start with a new puppy. You can start potty training your puppy as early as you bring them home. Just make sure to stay on a consistent schedule and remember that accidents are totally normal. Little buds have little bladders.

Leash training

As soon as your pup has all of their shots, you can start taking them outside, but feel free to get them used to a collar and a leash before hand. Practicing walking inside where there are fewer distractions is also a great idea.

If you’re worried about pulling, concentrate on teaching your pup to follow you on the leash and as soon as they start pulling, plant yourself and don’t start moving again until they come back to you. They’ll learn pretty quickly that they won’t get anywhere without you.

Leash training is never truly finished. Even after years of good behavior, if you let your dog start getting away with pulling, they will take full advantage of it.

Socialization

It is really important to get your dog used to as many different kinds of people and animals and situations as possible so that they don’t react badly when they come across them. Dogs lunge or bark when they’re scared or confused. It is our job to make sure they know items, other animals, or children aren’t going to hurt them or anyone they care about (i.e. you!).

You can find socialization check lists online to make sure you introduce your dog to a diverse group of stimuli.

Crate training

If you’re choosing to crate train your dog, it’s important that they view their crate as a safe space where they feel comfortable. Fill it with your pups favorite toys, leave the door open, reward your dog, even feed them in their crate! There are many ways to make sure your pup can’t wait to take a little nap in their happy place.

Obedience training

When we think of training, we tend to think of obedience training. Training your pup to sit, stay, come, and lay down may seem like no brainers, but they are essential in making sure that your dog stays safe. All of these commands can be used in real world situations in case your dog gets off leash or is confronted by something that frightens them.

You will be thankful that your dog has a good foundation in these commands and you can even build off of them when you’re ready for some fancy tricks!

The world is your oyster

Remember that double axel compound switch flip? Now is your moment. Once you’re comfortable with your dog’s basic training, it’s time to get creative!

Does your dog love to play fetch? Teach them to bring you the newspaper!

Does your dog have boundless energy? Tire them out by teaching them some flips!

Is your dog just the biggest cuddle monster in the world? Teach them to slow dance.

The possibilities are endless, but no matter what you end up choosing, you and your dog will be the life of the party!