On Top of the Washer
Once you have yourself and the dog under control, you need a place to groom the dog. For home groomers, the easiest option is to use the resources you already have.
If your dog is wiggly while you are trying to trim around his face, that could spell disaster. You are wielding sharp instruments, and one wrong move could put out an eye. If your dog has hair on his chin, firmly hold the hair in one hand while trimming with the other hand. This helps keep the dog's head still, and he can't bite you if your hand is under his chin.
Washing machines make great grooming tables. They are generally at a good height for most people. If you are grooming your dog at home, grooming her on top of the washing machine generally keeps the mess located in a utility room, and if you have cabinets above your washer and dryer, you can put eyehooks into them and attach your grooming loops there. Many a groomer has started out with meager beginnings, and some who groom out of their home began this way.
When dogs are up high on a surface, they generally stand still, and the washer has the perfect depth for a grooming table as well. This works well for owners of smaller breeds, as the mess can be easily contained and cleaned up. Now, just because you can groom the dog on top of the washer doesn't mean you can wash the dog in the washer! Using your dryer to tumble the dog dry is also not an option!
This groomer holds the beard of this Shih-Tzu to keep the head steady while she clips around her eyes.
Creative Tables
Countertops and kitchen tables also work well for grooming, although some people may dislike the idea of their dog on their dining table (grooming is, after all, a messy job). However, it is easier to clean up a mess than to nurse a sore body. Get creative if you are grooming your own dog at home. A sewing machine table works well for grooming — minus the sewing machine on top, of course. If you'd rather groom your dog outside, a picnic table or bench works, and if you have a pickup truck or SUV with a tailgate, that's another great surface to place your dog on for grooming.
