How to Groom, Bathe, and Clip a Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are fairly easy dogs to maintain, but they need to shed a great deal of coat during the spring or other times. Consequently, they need to be faithfully brushed. By brushing daily or weekly, a Golden Retriever will have a beautiful coat equal to any show dog.

How To Groom a Golden Retriever

Examine the dog’s coat and skin to spot any trouble areas. Does he have any sores, warts, growths, or tangles that may require cutting off rather than brushing out?  Does he have excessive dirt or grease or some other substance requiring spot treatments or soap-soaking? 

Once the dead or loose hair is completely removed, a daily maintenance brushing will take less than 15 minutes. A slicker brush is recommended to start. The small curved pins help in aiding quick removal of  hairs.

Training the dog to lie on his side while brushed will encourage him to relax and make the job much easier. Once he is thoroughly brushed, double-check with a good steel comb for any missed spots.

Bathing a Golden Retriever

Proper brushing will lengthen the time between baths, but the natural oils in the skin that protect and lubricate the coat from water mean frequent bathing with a mild shampoo and conditioner to protect the oils is necessary to rinse the coat.

Clipping and Trimming a Golden Retriever

Electric clippers should never be used on a Golden. Trim the whiskers, under the feet, and at the lip line to remove any scraggily hair on the ears. Try to be light-handed with the scissors or try thinning scissors; they will take less hair and leave a more natural look without removing all the darker ends.