Dog Groomers Get Repetitive Strain From Poor Ergonomics
16 posts across 2 communities since Jun 2026; 94% from r/doggrooming.
“i started grooming again a few weeks ago. some things are coming back naturally but others not so much. i think my haircuts are okay most of the time, some really good that im proud of, some i get disappointed by and hope the owners don’t hate me. i cannot for the life of me…”
“Hi all! I've been using corded clippers for grooms, but the cord can be frustrating- I mean it's fine to work with, but annoying. Some other groomers I know use cordless clippers and swear by them. Are they worth it? Like, they're more pricey, more strain on the wrist, but…”
“Hello all! Those who groom their dogs at home, what electric trimmers do you use? My girl is a double coated Newfoundland. I typically get her shaved at the groomers two or three times a year to keep her happy and comfortable, but I'm looking to save money and start doing it…”
Multiple groomers express concerns about long-term physical injuries from grooming, a lack of formal training leading to technique issues (like round faces and mat detection), and the need for better ergonomic tools. There's also confusion around clipper comb labeling systems adding to the learning curve.
SOURCES (16)
“Hello all! Those who groom their dogs at home, what electric trimmers do you use? My girl is a double coated Newfoundland. I typically get her shaved at the groomers two or three times a year to keep her happy and comfortable, but I'm looking…”
“Does anyone know of any clipper grips similar to the types of grips you put on brushes (pic included)? I have a silicon grip on it now, but it’s not thick enough. I’m looking for something that makes it bigger/thicker almost so my hand doesn’t have to close as tightly. submitted by /u/jjrotzz [link] [comments]”
“Hey!! I’m a new groomer and I’ve just got the Heiniger opal clippers, they make this sudden squeak noise when starting! I’ve tried extra oil and I hear it with the blade off as well.. any pointers? Trying to avoid customer service but I will if I have too ^^’ submitted by /u/blaaarghg [link] [comments]”
“I'm looking for good clippers for mats and paws. I have a senior golden retriever who's blind and has trouble walking and getting up. So, a full groom is just not possible. I just want to get the mats he gets behind his ears and his Grinch paw pads. I usually just brush, de-mat what I can, trim his nails, and tidy his Grinch feets. My brother bought this little Oneisall mini clipper for his paw pads, but it takes a while since the blade is so narrow. Also, my pup has very ticklish feets”
“I’m about to start training to become a groomer. I already got trained on paw trims and sanitary trims, I would like to get my own equipment so I can train those at home with my dogs lol I don’t want to spend absolute top dollar, but I also don’t see the point in buying super cheap ones, getting frustrated and then wanting to buy new ones of everything in 2 months. What would you suggest? I have small hands so I do prefer lightweight and small or ergonomic tools. submitted by /u/Char”
“I don’t really mind corded/cordless. I just want it to be very light. I have a tiny Kenshii clipper for detail work (I love that little thing) but I need something that will take standard blades. The ones I’ve used before are the Andis' Excel 5-speed corded clipper in burgundy, which is marked as being only 12.8 ounces. I feel this is a good weight. Is this clipper a good investment, or should I get something different? I had a handmedown Andis Pulse ZR II for a while before it stopped worki”
“This 16 week old cavachon came in for a puppy groom and owner wanted face tidied up. Didn't get to do the body as I felt the pup had had enough by then and the owner didn't mind. I feel like the dog was way cuter before and the face wasn't neat after, which I struggle with. The dog was hyperactive and moving a lot. I actually like how I do bodies but always feel like I take the face down to much trying to tidy everything up. Advice and tips please. I have included some pics of some o”
“My dog is a poochon (poodle-bichon). He has an extremely dense, curly coat. I've been using the Chris Christensen Mark II for a couple of years but he developed a sudden aversion to being brushed in January this year. I have to groom him entirely myself due to his behavioural issues, and I try my best to dry him with a power dryer but he is very squirmy about it and refuses a happy hoodie, so the dry job is not helping to detangle him. He can be aggressive around handling and is currently on”
“Recently I’ve noticed I’ve had to make soooo many passes with my clippers to get the coat even BEFORE I start brushing up. I’ve changed my blade drive, blades are cleaned and oiled, prep work is the same as always (brush coat before /bathe/blow dry/brush). My blades are pretty new as well (bought 6 months ago) and I use separate blades for stripping dirty coats before the bath. submitted by /u/b00gerg1rl [link] [comments]”
“i started grooming again a few weeks ago. some things are coming back naturally but others not so much. i think my haircuts are okay most of the time, some really good that im proud of, some i get disappointed by and hope the owners don’t hate me. i cannot for the life of me nail round faces anymore. yorkies skin terrifies me and ive never been good at grooming their faces, it always looks choppy or square ish. i also have found it harder to find matts on dogs at check in. i’ve also nicked two d”
“Hi! It's time to replace my 12 year old Wahl KM2 and I'm going back and forth choosing between a new KM2+ and the KM10+. Grooming a Standard Schnauzer and a Wheaten Terrier at home monthlyish It looks like the KM10+ has a brushless motor vs the rotary of the KM2+, does this make a big difference in how cool either of these run? I also have a Wahl Bravura which appears to have a rotary motor and it takes quite a while for the blade to get hot when using it so thinking that's a cooler”
“Hi, I’m in my mid twenties and have been grooming for less than a year. Every groomer over 30 I talk to has some long term injury from grooming usually in their wrist or fingers, I absolutely love my job but I don’t want to be wrecked by 30. I haven’t done any proper grooming courses, im self taught and taught myself well enough to get hired as a full groomer not just bathing, because of that I dont know the proper technique for everything. What can I do to avoid long term injury? submitte”
“https://preview.redd.it/d55lhp7cseah1.png?width=1153&format=png&auto=webp&s=324e24a64b482ab2836ec0e2068f3ac96897826f https://preview.redd.it/s3mofvpdseah1.png?width=1153&format=png&auto=webp&s=bf34a6ecf313c6de1446170bc1a20938afce084b submitted by /u/Straight_Draw6819 [link] [comments]”
“Hi all! I've been using corded clippers for grooms, but the cord can be frustrating- I mean it's fine to work with, but annoying. Some other groomers I know use cordless clippers and swear by them. Are they worth it? Like, they're more pricey, more strain on the wrist, but easier to move with. What are the pros and cons? If I do get some are there specific brands and/or clippers you would recommend? I would appreciate any advice! submitted by /u/dog_groomquestions [link]”
“Hello, everyone I have a white pug who has a double coat. Every now and again, he gets these clumps of very compacted, white Fur on the back of his rear legs. None of my tools and Combs that I use to deshed him seemed to effectively get these out. The only thing that consistently works to any degree is basically pulling them out once they get long enough. It doesn't hurt him, And i'm not pulling it out of his skin, It's just very compacted in there. submitted by /u/Animed”
“Google is being absolutely no help and this is bothering me, so does anyone know how the labeling system on clipper combs works? My set doesn’t have the labels, just the lengths, and this whole E comb C comb A comb thing in the notes my coworkers give me is kinda throwing me off - the 0-5 makes sense but what do the letters stand for? Thanks in advance!! submitted by /u/Obvious_Highway_9403 [link] [comments]”