This section is an attempt to provide a basic outline of what is involved in the task of clipping of various animals. Its contents are not intended to be taken as a form of professional instruction. The author himself has many years of tutoring students in animal management and so is able to offer constructive advice to the novice.

Indeed the recommendation to all who intend to undertake clipping what ever the breed or species is to obtain professional instruction from an establishment which offers practical "hands on" experience under the guidance of both professional and qualified tutors.

In the field of animal clipping it is deemed important to observe three principle rules

• Know the clipper best suited to your needs and understand how it works
  

• Appreciate the differences in various blades and why you use them
  

• Understand and appreciate the problems associated with animal clipping
  

Clippers are not perfect, and need to be understood if you are to achieve the best results. Blades, to keep a perfect cutting edge, need to used on completely clean coats. Few animals can meet those criteria unless washed regularly. Consequently one must anticipate and allow for the fact that you may complete only a small area of clipped surface before the blades loose their edge.

It is therefore very wise to always have a spare set of blades to hand before you embark on clipping any animal.

Clipping can be a very satisfy occupation particularly when it goes smoothly and there is a great deal of satisfaction in having smartly clipped out your own animal.

Many thousands of people achieve this very easily, some however continue to struggle, and it is not always the fault of clippers!