Quick answer: The 6-step dog grooming routine is brush, comb, ears, eyes, nails, bath. Total time: 15 to 20 minutes for a typical family dog. Run the steps in order, once a week, and pair the routine with a 6 to 8 week professional groom. Print the checklist below and stick it on the fridge.
The 6-step routine at a glance
| Step | Time | What to look for | |------|------|------------------| | 1. Brush | 5 min | Loose hair, small tangles, skin condition | | 2. Comb | 2 min | Hidden mats behind the ears, armpits, trouser area | | 3. Ears | 1 min | Wax colour, smell, redness, scratching | | 4. Eyes | 1 min | Discharge, tear staining, blinking | | 5. Nails | 3 min | Clicking on the floor, dewclaws, length | | 6. Bath | 5-10 min | Once a month, not every routine |
The order matters. Brushing before the bath prevents tangles tightening. Combing after brushing catches what the brush missed. Eyes, ears, and nails are checks rather than active grooming, but they belong in the routine.
Printable checklist
WEEK OF: ___________
MONTH/YEAR: _________
For each session, write the date and a tick (Y) or note (e.g. matting, ear smell).
Step 1: Brush __/__/ __/__/ __/__/ __/__/
Step 2: Comb __/__/ __/__/ __/__/ __/__/
Step 3: Ears __/__/ __/__/ __/__/ __/__/
Step 4: Eyes __/__/ __/__/ __/__/ __/__/
Step 5: Nails __/__/ __/__/ __/__/ __/__/
Step 6: Bath (once a month) __/__/
PROFESSIONAL GROOM (every 6-8 weeks): _____________
NOTES:
Print, stick on the fridge, fill in weekly. Within a month you have a clear picture of your dog's coat cycle and any problem areas.
What to look for at each step
Step 1: Brush
Pick the right brush for the coat (slicker for medium/long, undercoat rake for double, bristle for short smooth). Brush in the direction of hair growth, then against it to lift dead hair. What to look for: small tangles, dull coat, patches of missing hair, fleas or flea dirt (black specks that turn red on damp cotton), skin redness or sores.
Step 2: Comb
A metal comb is your mat detector. Run it through the brush-out areas: behind the ears, under the armpits, around the trouser area on the back legs, and along the chest. What to look for: the comb dragging (a small mat or tangle), a rough patch (a hidden mat), redness under a mat (the skin has been pulling).
Step 3: Ears
Lift the ear flap and look inside. A small amount of pale wax is normal. What to look for: a strong smell, redness, dark discharge, head shaking, scratching at the ear. Any of these is a vet visit, not a groom.
Step 4: Eyes
Wipe the corners with a damp cotton pad. What to look for: persistent discharge, tear staining on the cheeks, a closed or blinking eye, cloudiness. A sudden change is a vet visit.
Step 5: Nails
Trim if you can hear them clicking on the floor. See our dog nail clipping guide for technique. What to look for: the length (just above the quick), the dewclaws (often forgotten), the nail surface (ridges, cracks, discolouration).
Step 6: Bath
Once a month is enough for most dogs. What to look for: persistent flaking or itching after a bath (over-bathing or wrong shampoo), persistent smell between baths (skin or ear issue, see the vet), new lumps or bumps (worth a vet check).
When to book a professional groomer
The at-home routine handles everyday coat care. A professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks adds:
- A full clip or trim to breed standard
- A proper bath with a professional dryer
- Nail grinding for a smoother finish
- Ear plucking (for breeds that need it)
- A second pair of eyes for any skin or coat changes
For a North London partner, see our recommended groomer Statham's 23 on Market Place in NW11.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a weekly grooming routine take?
15 to 20 minutes for a typical family dog. Brushing takes most of the time. The ear, eye, and nail checks are quick. The bath, when you do it, adds 10 to 15 minutes of prep and drying time.
Do I need to do the routine in the same order every time?
Yes, the order matters. Brushing before the bath prevents tangles from tightening. Combing after brushing catches what the brush missed. Ears, eyes, and nails are quick checks; you can do them in any order within the routine, but do them every session.
What if I miss a week?
Skip a week and you will see more loose hair around the house and a small increase in mat risk for long coats. Two weeks and a long coat may need a demat session. Get back on schedule as soon as you can; the routine is forgiving.
Stick the checklist on the fridge and pair the routine with our handmade dog accessories.
Complete UK dog grooming guide Dog grooming at home How to brush a long-haired dog How to bathe a dog at home Statham's 23, NW11