A Golden Retriever always smiles sweetly – even when its paws are fluffy with fur. Sometimes, it feels as if these tufts of hair grow so fast between their toes. Fortunately, with the right tools, you can trim the overgrown hair from your Golden Retriever’s paws.
The steps to trim Golden Retriever paws are as follows:
Step 1 : Acquire the appropriate tools:
To begin, you will need:
- A pair of curved scissors
- Thinning shears
- Slicker brush
If you don’t have any of these tools, at the very least you will need a pair of grooming scissors. Grooming shears are sharp enough to trim the coarse hair without it snagging. Straight grooming scissors work as well but curved scissors contour better over the paw.
PRO TIP: As an extra tip, try and get ball-pointed grooming scissors. These scissors have blunted edges for safety.
Quick Video Tutorial: How to Trim Golden Retriever Feet
Step 2: Have treats ready:
As an experienced groomer, I always recommend ways to ensure a positive grooming experience. Trimming your Golden Retriever’s paws is no different. These are the treats I like to keep on hand for before and after the procedure.
Freeze-dried beef liver treats are one of my favorite treats to give – it is low in calories, high in protein and very nutritious.
Step 3: Restraint
Have someone safely restrain your Golden Retreiver to avoid sudden movement. One person can have an arm under its neck and the other arm under the abdomen.
You may also secure your dog’s paw by wrapping your hand around the foot to keep the paw still. Otherwise, you can trim your dog’s paw while he is restrained in a standing position.
Step 4: Use a slicker brush
Use a slicker brush to fluff up the hair on the paw. If you do not have a slicker brush, you can use your fingers to pull up the excess hair between each toe.
Step 5: Use ball-pointed scissors
Using ball-pointed curved scissors, trim the tufts of excess hair between each toe.
PRO TIP: For safety and proper technique, aim the scissors away from the paw. The photo below illustrates the incorrect and correct way to trim your dog’s paw.
The incorrect way shows how the scissors can accidentally injure your dog if he moves forward. This is also why ball-pointed scissors can help prevent stabbing injuries.
Step 6: Use the slicker brush – again
You will notice harsh chop marks between each toe where you cut. Use the slicker brush again to fluff up any remaining hair between the toes. Again, you may use your fingers to pull out this extra hair.
Step 7: Use thinning shears
After fluffing up the hair with a slicker brush, use thinning shears to trim the tufts of hair sticking up. This give a natural textured look and helps trim even more hair over the paw. Make sure to aim your scissors away from your Golden Retriever’s paw.
Step 8: Tidy up the ends
To finish off, you can use your curved scissors to trim the excess hair around the foot. This is why curved scissors work well as it contours around the dog’s paw so perfectly.
Learning how to trim golden retriever paws is simple with practice.
Finally, you should be left with well trimmed Golden Retriever paws:
However, if you are struggling or need help shaving the paw pads, you can always book a touch up appointment with your groomer. If you have any questions , feel free to leave a comment and I would be happy to answer!
– By Nikita King, Certified Professional Groomer